How Many Open Houses Should You Attend? - Movers.com
Home > Moving Guides > Real Estate > Buy > How Many Open Houses Should You Attend?

How Many Open Houses Should You Attend?

  3.3/5 based on 159 visitor(s)
views  628 Views

As soon as your ready to buy a house, you start to attend open houses, but how many are too many? Is there a standard amount of houses you should you look at before committing?

how many open houses is too many

Asking how many open houses you should go to before committing to an offer is quite the loaded question. How many wedding dresses did you try on before choosing one? How many years did you date your spouse before deciding to pop the question? While there is no right or wrong answer, realtors suggest attending at least two open houses. That way you have some basis for comparison.

Did you know...?
Potential home buyers spend three to six months looking at homes on average.

Expedite the process of finding a home to buy

Almost every home search begins on the internet so use this to your advantage. If pictures of the interior do not appeal to you, stop setting up appointments. 

Did you know...?
A whopping 90 percent of home buyers utilize online listings when researching homes.

Drive around the neighborhood to investigate its vibe. Does it complement your lifestyle? Does the architecture and nightlife appeal to you? If the town doesn't scream your name, you're wasting your time. You don't want to move somewhere you'll be unhappy in the future.

Sit down and clarify expectations. Does your move have a time or financial constraint? Which "must-haves" are you willing to switch to the "would-be-nice" list? Know your budget, and narrow your focus. No property will perfectly match the picture in your mind.

Know your limit when looking at potential homes

Experienced real estate agents propose touring no more than a dozen properties in succession. A good agent will do their homework ahead of time, keep your priorities ahead of theirs and show you only the homes that best fit your criteria. They will observe and calibrate the search based on buyer reactions during walk-through tours.

Remember, the realtor works for you -- not the other way around.

Some tips to remember:

  • Take notes, because you'll have trouble telling them apart later
  • Don't be discouraged if your offer isn't accepted -- you may have to make a few
  • Keep an ongoing pros and cons list to evaluate the best suited options
  • If you feel overwhelmed, take a break

Kelly Martini  Posted by Kelly Martini on December 14, 2018

Rate this guide How Many Open Houses Should You Attend?