Getting a Better View

Homeowners everywhere agree. "You'll know it when you see it."

When you start your home search, viewing MLS listings on the Web can help you save a great deal of time – by viewing photos and descriptions in the comfort of your home or office.

However, attending live, in-person open houses and home showings with your real estate agent can also help you narrow down the field! Here are a few tips on how to approach open house visits – and why your buyer's agent should be involved in every home you see.

Q. Is there a "best way" to look at the home during an open house or home showing?

A. Not really. You may want to walk through each room slowly or take a more cursory look at the home. You're not obligated to spend any length of time at an open house or showing. How you choose to look at the home is really based on personal preference. However, you should keep your wants and needs in mind at all times. It's easy to get caught up in fun details of a prospective home – so having a complete list of your most important home criteria – or your 'needs' – will help you to stay focused on what matters most to you during your home search. Your buyer's agent can help, too, by being objective and making sure you're not overlooking important details.

Q. Am I better off looking during an open house or with a private appointment?

A. Again, it's personal preference. Open houses are typically filled with other people so you may not get to see some details you might like to see. On the other hand, an open house is a great way to narrow the field since you can typically see several houses in an afternoon or evening. If you or your agent find a home you're really interested in, it's usually best to act fast. You don't have to wait for an open house to see the possible home of your dreams, up close and personal. Your agent can schedule a private appointment at a time convenient to you.

Q. Will I really know the home of my dreams when I see it, or is that a myth?

A. While there are no scientific facts to back this up, anecdotal evidence suggests it's true. There will likely be something compelling about the home that fits your wants and needs. Gut instinct should not be ignored; however, don't make your home-buying decision based solely on feeling. That's why reviewing your Wants vs. Needs assessment can help you determine if that gut feeling should be trusted.

Q: I've heard that visiting an open house without my buyer's agent means s/he can't represent me in my home purchase. Is that true?

A: Perhaps. Real estate rules of representation may prohibit you from being represented by your buyer's agent, under certain circumstances, such as, if you visit an open house without your agent or without immediately disclosing that a realtor is representing you. Since your agent knows your particular set of circumstances, and is working to represent your interests, it's best to arrange your home viewings with your agent. Doing so should not only save you time, but it will also ensure your interests are protected.

Stay in constant communication with your agent. Talk to him/her about which homes you want to see, as well as when you're able to see them. Also, make sure you and your agent have a "plan B" in place for times when a last-minute opportunity for a showing comes up. You don't want to unwittingly shut out any of your home-buying options or be caught without representation.

Q: What should I do if my agent is on vacation and I see an open house that I really want to attend?

A: First, since there are rules about attending open houses without your buyer's agent, it's important to know how your agent handles even brief periods when s/he is unavailable. If your agent goes on vacation, or is otherwise unavailable to attend an open house with you – s/he should make arrangements to ensure you're represented by a member of his/her team or office.