This time of year brings a market with plenty of options, and that means more open houses to attend. But should you bother? The short answer- yes! Read on to find out why checking out open houses is a smart move, even if your move isn’t in the immediate future.

Getting Realistic

If you are a first-time home buyer, the wish list you may have given your realtor might not match up with your budget. Realizing too late into the process that your list needs pared down can be crushing, so a great way to see how far your money will actually go is to stop by several open houses in neighborhoods you love. You’ll be able to gage whether or not your expectations are realistic and what specifications then become your must haves.

Undercover Research

If you’re getting ready to list your home, stopping by some open houses might have a few benefits for you, too. You’ll be able to see the listing realtor in action- is she knowledgeable? Is he too hands off? Is she too pushy? Finding this type of information out when someone else’s sale is at stake could make your listing experience go much more smoothly. As an added bonus, you can also get staging ideas for when you’re ready for your own home’s open house.


Credit to realtor.com

Lay of the Land

Checking out open houses isn’t just an opportunity to see the inside of the home; you’ll also be able to get a good feel for the neighborhood and who lives in it. Notice your surroundings. Look and listen- while cars parked along the street or a negligent landscaper neighbor are quick ones to spot, it’s probably worth noting the barking dogs or a neighbor’s blaring music, too. Then after you have made your rounds, you can consider all the differences once it’s decision time.

And once you’ve moved past the open house stage to moving day, utilize our services at George Moving to ensure the convenience and peace of mind we provide is a part of your process!