Open House Etiquette

Let’s talk about open houses. We love hosting them, but sometimes we see buyers that just don't know what to do to get the most out of their showings. Or they feel awkward because they don't know some of the common etiquettes of touring someone else's home.

So here’s how you can put your best foot forward at your next open house visit!

1. Open houses are for you to go and attend without having to schedule an appointment. Just show up and view at your own pace.

2. Gauge the competition. Take note of how many other buyers are there. If it's busy, you may have some competition.

3. Redefine your non-negotiables. Seeing homes in person may give you a better sense of what your real needs and wants are in a home.

And make sure to follow these etiquette rules:

DO

- Focus on listings that fit your criteria for budget and location.

- Walk in, unless a sign is posted that tells you to knock or ring the bell

- Ask if you can take photos or a video

- Take notes on your phone

DON’T:

- Bring anything messy. Yes, this includes food, drink, pets, and children.

- Use the bathroom—they're not public!!!

- Touch things. You wouldn’t want someone touching your stuff while you’re away, right?

- Criticize the owner’s style. You never know who is listening, so take photos and save it for the car

And remember, if you like this house, you can always schedule another showing with your agent where you get to investigate in depth.

Don’t forget these tips for your next open house!

Island Homes Group

David Silletta *PREC | Agustin Torres *PREC

☎️ David: 250.888.6924 | Agustin: 250.886.8520

info@IslandHomesGroup.ca

www.IslandHomesGroup.ca⁠

5 common myths about selling your house...⁠

1. Overpricing will give more room for negotiations and get a better price. Overpricing your home often leads to the home sitting and not receiving much interest. If a home is priced competitively from the beginning, the chances of attracting optimal traffic from the beginning greatly increases. 

2. All Agents Are The Same, Charge Too Much & Will Get You The Same Results. Although the general process of buying or selling and the ensuing chain of events are similar, no two agents are the same, nor is their approach to real estate. Successful real estate agents are committed to excellence, devote endless amounts of time and energy into working with buyers and sellers and are highly adept problem solvers.

3. The First Buyer to Make an Offer Will Always Lowball You. Low offers can be insulting to sellers and are generally not a good way to open up a transaction. If you really want the home and it is priced reasonably, offer close-to or at list price. In some markets, you may even want to offer over list price to secure the home of your dreams. This is where a great agent will help you come up with a winning offer-strategy.

4. Home improvements will pay for themselves. Don’t expect to see 100% return on your remodeling investment in your home. The return rate averages just 64% of your initial outlay. That said, some upgrades can add significant value to the price of your home. The most recent analysis by the National Association of Realtors cited door replacements such as upgraded garage doors, mid-range wood window replacement and steel outer doors as the only items returning 100% of their cost. Minor kitchen remodels offered the highest rate of return at 79.3% of remodeling costs.

5. A home doesn’t need to be prepped for sale. The real estate myth that homes don’t need to be prepared for a sale can cost a seller thousands of dollars.  Properly preparing a home for sale can be the difference between it selling in a relatively quick amount of time or it sitting on the market and developing a negative stigma.  It’s very important that you don’t list your home before it’s ready.

If you are thinking of selling and want to know more about the process, get in touch!⁠

David Silletta *PREC | Agustin Torres *PREC

Island Homes Group

David: 250.888.6924 | Agustin: 250.886.8520

info@IslandHomesGroup.ca

www.IslandHomesGroup.ca⁠