An Open House Guide for St. Louis Home Buyers
Walking into some St. Louis open houses can make St. Louis home buyers feel like you just walked onto a used car sales lot. The agent seems overly aggressive to try to lock you up as one of their clients, whether you are interested in this house or not. There is a constant barrage of questions and you are exhausted by the time you leave.
Don’t let your open house experience be a bad one. Here are some tips to get St. Louis home buyers started.
Be pleasant
This sounds like an obvious idea, but many St. Louis home buyers walk into an open house with their guard up, especially if they have had a bad experience in the past. When the agent greets you, remember that they are on the same side as you. They want to get this house sold and they would love to help you find the house you are looking for, even if it isn’t the one you are currently standing in.
Ask questions
The real estate agent is trying to sell the St. Louis house that is having an open house, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ask them other real estate questions as well. If after looking at the house you find it isn’t exactly what you are looking for, then don’t be afraid to ask other things. Ask about the St. Louis neighborhood or what school districts are good.
Or, if you are interested in the St. Louis house, make sure you get all your questions answered. Ask if there are currently any offers and how motivated the seller is. Ask about any requirements for special insurance, like flood insurance. Make sure you have a good understanding of all that the house offers so you can decide if you want to write an offer on it.
Be honest with them
Most St. Louis open houses will have a spot for potential buyers to sign in. Don’t waste the agent’s time by writing in a fake name and contact information. Use your real information, but if you would prefer that you are not added to any mailing lists or contacted, then let the agent know.
Let them know you are already taken
Agents are always looking for their next client. If you already have an agent you are working with, or you just don’t want to be bothered, let them know that you already have an agent. Agents aren’t going to try to steal you away from another agent so they know their efforts would be wasted.
Don’t stick to only open houses
Open houses can be fun to tour through and it’s a good way to see what is available on the market, but it’s not the only way to find a house. In fact, if you only look at houses when they are holding open houses, it could take you forever to actually find a house. Find an agent that you want to work with and put them to work for you finding houses for you to tour.
Open houses can be beneficial if St. Louis home buyers know how to use them. Find out the information you can and don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the real estate agent. Stick to the plan and you will make the most of touring the open house.