When you are looking for a new home, you will schedule viewings so you can see each property in person. This gives you a chance to ensure the home will work with your lifestyle and that there are no issues that were not disclosed or apparent in the photos. But there are some etiquette rules when going to a viewing; after all, you are taking time out of your day, the Realtor’s® day, and the seller’s day. Make sure you get the most out of your viewing by being prepared and following all social rules. Your Realtor® can give you advice for the home buying process as well as the viewing so you know what to do before, during, and after the viewing.
What To Do Before And During An Open House
Get Pre-Approved
Before your Realtor® starts scheduling viewings, get pre-approved by a lender and maybe even get a letter stating how much you are pre-approved to spend. This will help you stick within your budget, it will show you as a serious buyer, and it can help to speed up the purchasing process. A quick purchase is often beneficial for both the buyer and the seller.
Be On Time
When you go to a viewing, it is best to be on time and never cancel unexpectedly unless there is an emergency. If you are a no-show for a viewing or if you cancel at the last minute, those sellers may not be interested in working with you and you can lose your chance of getting your dream home. And if you show up late, you may have to rush the viewing so the seller can be ready for their next showing. You should have your Realtor® schedule all viewings, as they will be the one communicating with the seller’s Realtor®. Your Realtor® will also have to be at every viewing with you. Having your Realtor® with you will let you get their expert opinion about the home and can better facilitate discussion of the home during and after the viewing.
Follow The House Rules
Every home has different rules and you need to respect how the current homeowners run their house. Never bring pets, food, or drink to an open house. Before the viewing, the sellers may ask you to remove your jackets, to avoid touching personal items, or more. Unlike a regular house visit, you are expected to open cupboards and closets and view other areas that aren’t common for guests, but it is still expected that you treat the house with respect and don’t look through any personal items you may find. You may also want to ask about any lingering COVID concerns before the viewing as households with new babies or elderly family members may still be taking precautions.
Speak To Your Realtor®
Your Realtor® should be involved in the home buying process from the moment you start looking to the final sale. Your Realtor® can help you find homes that suit your needs while staying within your budget, they can book viewings, they can speak to the seller’s agent on your behalf, and they can handle the legal discussion and paperwork. When you go to a viewing, discuss the home with your Realtor® before and after the viewing. Bring up any concerns or specific questions with your Realtor® and they can compile a list of questions to give to the seller’s Realtor®. When you’re ready to buy, your Realtor® will help you write a strong offer and can help you determine conditions for the contract. When it comes time for negotiations your Realtor® is a strong ally making sure your interests are represented and your investment protected. By working through a Realtor®, you create a boundary that keeps the whole process professional while ensuring that your interests are being put first.
Partner With A Realtor® Before You Schedule Viewings
Whether you have already started searching for homes or you’re just getting ready to start the search now, it’s a great time to partner with a Calgary Realtor®. An experienced Realtor® will be able to help you find homes that suit your lifestyle and they can schedule viewings. The Mel Star team of Realtors® will help you prepare for viewings and for quick and efficient home purchases by helping you get set up and pre-approved. This will ensure that if you fall in love with a home, your Mel Star team Realtor® can quickly put in an offer and secure your dream home. To work with a Realtor® from the Mel Star team call 1-403-861-9944 or fill out the online contact form and take the first step to find your new home.
FAQ
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A good Realtor® will represent you during the home buying process. A real estate agent should do the following for you when buying a home:
- Book showings
- Provide you with search tools or search for properties on your behalf
- Represent you well in possible multiple offer scenarios
- Keep a calm head during negotiations
- Diligently navigate contracts and closing
In most sales, the seller pays the commissions for both the buyer’s and seller’s agents from the proceeds of the home sale.
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