Wednesday, November 30, 2016

What to Do When Visiting Open Houses in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook IL

You've just started house-hunting on Chicago's North Shore and you're likely browsing available homes online, clicking through listing photo after listing photo. Once you've found a property that grabs your interest, you will either arrange for your real estate agent to set up a showing or you will make plans to visit an upcoming open house being held at the home. But that doesn't mean you can just walk in and act like you own the place!

There are a few etiquette rules to follow when visiting open houses in the area and I've included the most important below:

Use open houses to learn the ropes
Just because you're visiting an open house in the area doesn't mean you're obligated to buy. In fact, open houses are a great time to get a feel for the market and what you can get for your money in a given location. Feel free to visit open houses to get a sense of what you're in for as you begin to navigate the market.

You don't have to sign in
Many real estate agents will set out a sign-in sheet for attendees at open houses, but you do not need to give away your information. Of course, it is always courteous of a buyer to greet the agent and introduce yourself, especially if you're interested in the home. This could come in handy later if you make an offer!

Ask questions
Do not be afraid to ask questions as they arise! You can ask questions like "Why are they selling?" or "Have you had a lot of showings?" to get a feel for the interest in the home. You can also ask how long the home has been on the market. The seller's agent should always be willing to answer these common questions!

Watch the other buyers
You can also gauge interest in a North Shore home by watching the other buyers at an open house. Seeing a lot of people walk in and leave quickly? That could be a sign there is something wrong with the property. Are buyers sticking around to ask questions or speak with their spouses in private? That could mean the property won't last long!

Contact me today for more information about available homes in the Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, or Northbrook areas. With mortgage rates still hovering around historic lows, now is a great time to purchase your dream home on the North Shore!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website


Local Expert... with National Connections!

Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States. 

No comments:

Post a Comment