First Time Home Buyers, Start With Open Houses
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Buying your first home is an emotional and financial commitment. It is a long road from “Let’s buy a house” to “I want to make an offer.” Why not start out down that road with a few weekends going to open houses. Open houses are just that – open to all.
To get started going to open houses: Check the Internet (William Raveis, Al Filippone Associates , Openhouse.com) and local newspapers’ real estate sections for all open houses for your town. Also check for open houses in the towns surrounding the town. It is a good way to get to know what else is available near where you are looking. Don’t let the price stop you from going to an open house. Open houses are a great way to get to know what is in your price range but also to get to know the town’s price range. No need to make this next step more difficult than just – GO!
This is not a day for an agent and scheduling. This is a day to check out the town, have lunch and see houses. If you are already working with an agent, great, but there is no need to bring her. The agent hosting the open house can answer any questions. Just let her know you are already working with someone.
Open houses are also a good way to meet the local real estate agents and gather business cards. Seriously, you will be working with a real estate agent for several months and this way you get a chance to meet them. Open houses are a good motivator. You know you want to buy a home but it just seems too arduous – mortgages, pre-qualifying, down payment, agreements. Open houses are just you and your dream!
