Questions to Ask at an Open House

By Georgiana Tyler, Branch Vice President of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Roland Park Office

Attending an open house can give you an up-close and personal look at your potential dream home, and having a game plan when you arrive at the property will ensure the greatest benefit from the visit.

There is a lot of essential information that you can’t get by simply looking at a property and there are several questions you should ask at an open house.

• How many other offers have been made on the home? ‎ This may give you an indication whether there is other competition or if the seller is hoping for a better price if you decided to make your own offer.
• How long has the home been on the market? A long-listed property that hasn’t received much interest may result in a smart home buyer getting a great deal at the bargaining table.
• What would an ideal settlement date be for the sellers? This will show you have interest in the home, and showing flexibility to work around the seller’s schedule might make your offer more attractive.
• Are there any additional costs or deed restrictions? You may think you are getting a great deal when you buy the home, but high homeowner association dues may be more than you can afford. Also, planned communities and condos may have regulations for parking vehicles and owning pets, so it’s important to ask for a copy of the homeowner association’s manual.

If you are considering making an offer on a property, make sure you get the answers to your questions in writing, and even if the seller says that the house has no major issues, get a professional to do an inspection anyway. 

Deciding to purchase a home is one of life’s major financial decisions — don’t be afraid to ask questions!

For more information about North Baltimore homes for sale, to find open houses in your area or find a Realtor, visit CBmove.com or contact the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Roland Park office at 410.235-4100.