by MJ Stearns & MaryBeth McLaughlin
For the first time in a long time (a year to be exact), the real estate open house returns. COVID put a temporary stop to them, but now they are back. We know that COVID is not over, but we are doing the best with what we have, and doing it safely. For safety, visitors must sign in, declaring they haven’t recently had or been around anyone with COVID symptoms, and must wear a mask and maintain social distance.
If you’re in the market to buy a new home, you can now tour one without an appointment, but it’s not going to be exactly the way it used to be. Open houses give buyers the option to view a home without the pressure of a realtor or seller. Some buyers like to analyze a home in detail without having time constraints or pressure. This can allow a buyer to identify whether they like a home, and to look at the items that they should be looking at when viewing homes.
These in-person events must adhere to capacity limits. Physical distancing between households is required, along with face coverings. Hand sanitizer should also be available to attendees. The guidance states that people who are feeling unwell or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms are not permitted to attend open houses.
Pros of open houses if you’re a buyer:
No scheduling appointments necessary – An open house does not require an appointment, so the buyer can show up during the open house time frame and view the home. Walk through the home. It is much easier to determine whether you like a house or not after physically visiting it. Attending an open house provides the opportunity to get a better understanding of bedroom dimensions, floor plan layout, backyard size and more.
Cons if you’re a buyer:
An open house can be hectic and busy. When viewing homes, you want to take your time carefully walking through each room, assessing any potential work that needs to be completed, and ensuring there is adequate space for your needs. Giving yourself time to assess whether or not you want to move forward with a home while surrounded by competing buyers may make it a challenge to make a clear decision.
A very small number of people each year begin their home search journey by attending open houses. This is usually done by those who need help deciding what details are important to them in their next home, and this strategy can result in a slower buying process overall.
There may be a lot of open houses on a given weekend, so you’ll want to be strategic about which ones to attend and in what order to minimize running around. As a buyer, you can find open houses through your agent. While some open houses include refreshments, you shouldn’t expect them. Make sure you stop along your way for drinks or a snack so it won’t interrupt your viewing experience.
