If you’re in the market for a Scottsdale home, you’ll likely be going to quite a few open houses during your search for your next place to live. Open houses can be a great source of information, as long as you ask the right questions when you talk to the seller’s agent. Here are some tips to guide you when it comes to the questions you ask during an open house.
Questions to ask about the house
One of the best people to talk to during an open house is the sellers real estate agent; they will probably have a document with some basic facts about the house, but you can usually learn even more when you ask a few questions.
You can ask if the real estate agent has any inspection reports for the home, the property disclosure statement or if the sellers have made any renovations in recent years. You’ll also want to ask if all the major house systems are up-to-date, especially if the house was built more than a few years ago.
Questions to ask about the seller
Now that you have some answers about the home you’re considering, you should get to know a little about the seller. For instance, ask the agent how long the seller lived in the home and why he or she is moving.
It’s also a good idea to ask the real estate agent at the open house if the seller has any expectations when it comes to the selling price or the close of escrow date.
Questions to ask about your competition for the home
Once you have asked a few questions about both the home you’re looking at and the seller – and you’ve realized you really want the house! – you can focus on your chances of getting it. You can start by asking the real estate agent how many open houses the home has had, about how many people have come to them and if they have had any offers.
The answers you get at the open house can help you get a feel for how much you should offer. They can also indicate whether you have a good chance of getting the offer accepted or if you should consider focusing on other homes.
You might not get a clear answer to every question you ask, but you should be able to get enough information from the agent that you leave the open house with a better understanding of the Scottsdale home you have your eye on. Of course, a Realtor can also help you get answers to your questions about the homes you like. Contact The Matheson Team today using the form below to find out how we can help you buy a Scottsdale home!
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-360-0281
don@scottsdalerealestate.com