Seven Questions for an Open House Visit

The open house is an ideal chance for potential buyers to acquire a sense and feel of a home and its property, its neighborhood or subdivision, and nearby shopping, dining, and conveniences. It's also an opportunity to get some eye-to-eye answers from the seller's agent, who is most likely hosting the open house. If you're seriously looking for a home to purchase, make sure you do some research on it before ringing the doorbell. Prepare yourself to ask some tough questions.

Price

What are comparable prices of similar homes in the neighborhood, subdivision, or nearby areas currently listed or recently sold in this price range? Does this home measure up or not? Has it been reduced in price? If so, how many times?

Days on the Market

The agent should be able to explain the home's days on the market (DOM) in context. A home recently listed speaks for itself. But if it's been on the market for months it begs the question, why? Is it overpriced? Does it have hidden problems? Or, as the open house agent might explain, the sellers had an offer that collapsed due to buyer financing or other reasons.

Offers

Offers reflect serious interest, and if the agent already has an offer on a home that's been on the market for a week or two, chances are it's priced right. But if it's been for sale for months with few or no offers, scrutinize its price, the number of price reductions, its location, and problems that may exist in the house itself. More information on these possibilities can provide leverage in any negotiations.

Disclosures

By law, the seller must disclose any and all problems and code violations they know exist in their home. A written seller's disclosure should be available in all open houses. If not, ask the agent to provide a list of all existing and potential issues. If you're really interested in the home, visit and take pictures of areas of concern. Check out such obscurities as the age of electrical wiring and age and condition of the roof.

Reason for the Sale

Ask the open house agent why the homeowner is selling. New job elsewhere? Moving up? Downsizing? Retiring? The agent is not required to disclose information like this, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Utilities

Depending on the size of the house, utility bills can be significant. Plan ahead before making an offer, especially if you've been living in an apartment. Utility bills can hit your budget hard.

Location

Is the home's subdivision or neighborhood child-friendly? Is there an abundance of retired people? Do nearby taverns flourish on weekends? Some buyers welcome a tight-knit community of individuals in similar stages of life and experiences. Others seek privacy and respect for it. The open house agent or your agent can clarify this for you.

Keep in mind that open houses are a major opportunity for the sellers to showcase properties to potential buyers. Take advantage of it to measure your interest as well.

Four Tips to Freshen Up Curb Appeal in the Syracuse Winter

When selling your home in Syracuse, it is a great idea to organize an open house. If this open house is occurring during the harsh winter months, there are a few steps you'll want to take to give the property a little more curb appeal.

Add Exterior Lighting

As winter approaches and daylight hours become less and less, it can be hard to fully appreciate the exterior of a home when first pulling up to it. A few outdoor lighting options include installing a lantern on either side of the front door or adding lights along the walkway leading to the front door. Floodlights may also be necessary to highlight architectural details you'd like to accentuate for potential buyers and give the whole home a warm glow.

Subtle Decorations

During open houses, buyers want to be able to see themselves in the home they are viewing, and this is hard to do with big and bold decorations. Instead, when selling your house, stick with subtle decorations that offer a warm and inviting vibe. During the Syracuse winter, a seasonal wreath on the front door looks nice, as do a few white lights around a porch railing or the bushes in the front yard.

Winter Tolerant Plants

There are plenty of winter tolerant plants to consider using during the winter months that will help freshen up your curb appeal. Hearty grasses and evergreens work well for planters on the porch or near the front entrance, especially with accenting ceramic pots in warm tones that match the home. Winter hazels and pansies are also nice additions.

Your local realtor can offer additional suggestions on how you can increase your curb appeal during the Syracuse winter. Of course, don't forget the most obvious task to clear any snow or ice and make a safe entrance into the home. Incorporating these tips when selling your home will help create a memorable and inviting experience, even during the coldest winter months.