Master the Art of Touring Open Houses

If you’re shopping for a home, odds are you’ll be visiting an open house or two… or twelve. It’s easy to get lost in the details of the home’s charm and the way the current owner and their real estate agent have it staged. But don’t let those details be all you focus on.

Before we dive in, let’s get the obvious question out of the way:

What is an Open House?

An open house is a set time when anyone can stop by a home that’s for sale – no appointment needed. It’s a low-pressure way to check things out in person, get a feel for the space, and maybe even meet a real estate agent who can help guide you through the process. No suits, no stress – just a chance to look around and see if it feels like home.

Here are Some Tips From Gershman Mortgage for Your Open House Journey!

Get Pre-Approved Before You Start the House Hunt

Make sure that the first step in your quest for a home is getting a strong pre-approval from Gershman Mortgage! Completing this step makes it so much faster and easier to get your offer accepted once you find the perfect house for you! Don’t lose out on the home of your dreams because you have to wait for a pre-approval before the seller will entertain your offer.

Research the Home Before You Go

Getting an idea of the layout of the home, as well as anything you want to pay special attention to in person before you go, is key. Write down any questions you may have for the seller’s agent, and anything that catches your eye from the listing photos.

Upon Walking In

As you’re walking up to the house, pay attention to the condition of the driveway (if there is one), the landscaping, and the exterior of the home. Jot down anything you see that you love, as well as anything that you think could be a potential problem. Be sure to scout out the backyard of the home if there is one. Does it seem to be in good condition, or will that be a big undertaking if you were to purchase this home?

Look Beyond the Décor

If the home is furnished and/or professionally staged, it can be easy to get wrapped up in how nice the home looks all dressed up. It’s important to try to visualize how the home will look with your furniture and your personal touch. For example, if a room is being used as a formal dining room in the home you’re looking at, but you have no use for one of those, what else could you use that space for? A playroom for kids? A home office? Use your imagination and see beyond how the home is set up currently!

Carpet, and Counters, and Cabinets, Oh My!

Make notes on changes you would want made that would rack up dollar signs. Replacing carpet with hardwoods, laminate countertops with granite, and dated cabinets with fresh new ones is fun to talk about, but is it practical? Will you realistically be able to afford these updates right away, or would that put you way over budget?

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Don’t be shy about asking the agent hosting the open house the questions you have. If you’re going to put an offer on the home, you deserve to have all the info!

Questions to Ask at an Open House:
– Are the people selling the home the original owners?
– What are the average utility costs?
– Are there HOA fees? If so, what were last year’s?
– Why is the homeowner selling?
– How long has the property been on the market?
– Have there been any major repairs or renovations?
– Are there any known issues or upcoming assessments?
– Are there any load-bearing walls in the home?

Take Photos and Videos

If you’re visiting multiple homes in one day or weekend, it can be difficult to keep the details from the houses straight. Be sure to take photos and/or videos as you go through the home to help keep your memory fresh, and to show anyone whose opinion you value if they can’t join you at the open house.

Don’t Stop At Just the House

If you’re seriously thinking about putting an offer in on a house, be sure to take a drive through the neighborhood to get a feel for that, as well. Pay attention to things like whether the surrounding homes are in decent condition, if there’s a lot of car traffic going through the neighborhood, and if there are any amenities you could take advantage of (a community pool, basketball court, pavilion, etc.) Is there a grocery store nearby? How are the schools in the area? There’s a lot more to consider than just the home itself!

Mastering the art of open houses is a craft perfected with time and experience. It’s crucial to see as many houses as you can before putting in an offer. Find out what you love, and what you’re willing to settle for. There are lot more factors to consider before making what could be the largest financial decision you’ll ever make. There are memories to be made… pick the perfect home to make them!

Reach out to a Gershman Mortgage loan officer today to begin your pre-approval process.

Happy hunting!

---

About Gershman Mortgage:
Communities, families, and homes are at the heart of what we do at Gershman Mortgage. Our founding principles are based on the core values of honesty, integrity, the entrepreneurial spirit, and putting our customers first. We are passionate and committed to customer service and strive to ensure that we exceed the expectations of our customers. We are a customer-centric company devoted to creating and maintaining long-lasting relationships.

NMLS #138063 16253 Swingley Ridge Road, Suite 200, Chesterfield, MO 63017 (800) 457-2357 Equal Housing Lender. Serving Borrowers in: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin

Written by Alli Wideman 06/20/2025 for Gershman Mortgage