Open Houses & What to Expect
In the real estate world, weekends mean open houses and new clients for agents. For home buyers, this is a great opportunity to get out of the house and put some hands on time into the home buying process. Spending a Saturday or Sunday meeting Realtors and seeing what the market has to offer will make the final decision that much easier. Not to mention, there are a bunch of other perks to consider when it comes to attending this weekend’s open houses. It’s just a matter of knowing how to find them. #KeepingItRealEstate
It’s a Sunday Thing
Okay. So, we Realtors say it’s a weekend thing. Actually, it’s typically just a Sunday thing. Saturday open houses do happen, but Sunday will be the busiest day. Check out social media or your local real estate flyer and see which open houses are coming up. Every Friday, I post my weekend open houses with full details and locations.
Check out www.facebook.com/mattepsteinrealestate for this week’s listings.
Know the Schedule
Real estate agents look at houses on Tuesdays and Fridays to see what has come on the market this week. That means if a good deal or hot house has just hit the market, they’ll know first.
If you are working with an agent, it is good to know that this is the schedule so that you can call on Wednesday or Friday afternoons in order to find out what new properties are available to the public and better yet, which ones have open houses that you can attend on Sunday. Getting a head start on a house can be a huge advantage when negotiating with the selling parties.
Plan Your Route
It’s worthwhile to scope the houses out a head of time. Make yourself a check list of what you want from your new home, and pick the closest matches from the weekend lineup.
- Does it have enough bedrooms?
- How about a pool?
- How big is the yard?
- What is the school district?
- etc…
Once you’ve picked a few homes that fit your criteria, make sure you optimize your route. Remember, the goal is to spend time looking at houses, not driving to them.
Take Pictures!
If you’re looking at multiple houses in multiple neighborhoods with multiple realtors, things can get confusing. Take pictures and notes at the houses you like. At each open house there will be a sheet of paper which will give you all of the vital information on that particular house. Square footage, lot size, bedroom number, bathrooms etc. After you take some photos you can also send the pictures to friends and family for a second opinion. Taking pictures and being well organized now will help if things get complicated a bit later.
Find a Buyer’s Agent
Buyer’s agents have the inside scoop on which houses are available and which ones aren’t. Combine that with their industry knowledge and now you’ve created the perfect partnership. Send your buyer’s agent your perfect home. A top realtor will know where to start looking immediately.
Buyer’s Agents Are FREE
Don’t forget, using a buyer’s agent doesn’t cost you a thing! Find someone you trust and that understands your needs. These agents are going to watch your back through the whole process. And why not make your life easier and get a buyers agent to find you a home? They have the inside track on pocket listings and homes as soon as they hit the market.
Matt Epstein’s buyer’s agent, Jane Kaplan, is out every Tuesday and Friday looking at homes, as well as speaking weekly to other agents regarding properties that will be coming on the market. If you want the inside scoop, email Jane @janekbooks@aol.com and see what the best properties this week are and if there are any which meet your criteria. She can help advise you how best to navigate the new listings, as well as show you houses that are already on the market that you might have missed.
Check out this weekend’s open houses and don’t forget to call Matt (818) 789 - 7408 for all of your real estate needs.
Matt Epstein is a top realtor in Sherman Oaks and Studio City. With over 25 years experience as a local realtor, Matt knows the ins-and-outs of San Fernando Valley culture, housing and living. Follow his blog for weekly news, real estate insight and beautiful homes. He consistently ranks in the Diamond Circle at Berkshire Hathaway. Matt is considered in the top 1% of realtors nationwide.