What Homebuyers Need To Know About Open Houses

By Danae Aballi-Mecham

Danae Aballi-Mecham is a long-time real estate industry veteran. She has worked in various positions in the industry having grown from an independent real estate agent to running a team of 5 top producing agents.

Have you ever walked into an open house and felt like you were being watched like a hawk? Or maybe you were asked for your contact info and weren’t sure if you should give it? Open houses can be a great way to see homes, but there are some things most people don’t realize. Let me break down a few tips you should know before stepping into an open house.

Know who you’re talking to. When you walk into an open house, the host may not always be the listing agent—the person representing the seller. In fact, it’s pretty common for another agent to host the open house. This could mean that the agent hosting the event might not know all the details about the home, the seller’s reasons for moving, or even the motivation behind the asking price. You deserve to know who you’re talking with because it’s important to understand if you’re speaking to someone who can fully represent your interests.

Don’t feel pressured to share your contact info. One thing you’ll notice when attending an open house is that many agents will ask you to sign in, either on paper or through an iPad. Now, here’s the thing: you don’t have to provide your contact information unless you’re interested in working with that specific agent. A lot of realtors collect contact info just to put you on their mailing lists and send you spam. If you’re not ready to have a real conversation or start working with an agent, feel free to politely decline to provide your details. If they ask for your name, that’s fine, but your phone number and email address are yours to keep.

Use your realtor’s business card. If you’ve already hired a realtor to represent you, get a stack of business cards from them and hand one over when asked for your info at the open house to let them know you already have someone helping you. Another trick you can do is to simply tell the host, “You can follow up with my agent.” Your agent is there to handle negotiations and paperwork, so let them do the talking for you. This keeps your contact information safe and ensures that your agent is in control of the conversation.

You need your own representation. Some buyers think they can get the house by dealing directly with the listing agent. While this may sound tempting, it’s important to know that many sellers actually get upset if the agent representing them is also trying to represent you. This can create a conflict of interest. In fact, many states don’t even allow dual representation because it’s not in the best interest of the buyer. By having your own agent, you’re showing the seller that you’re serious and looking to play fair in the game. Plus, your agent will be on your side, fighting for the best deal possible.

Going to an open house can be exciting, but make sure you know the ins and outs before you walk in to avoid making mistakes. Don’t feel pressured to provide your contact information unless you’re ready to engage with an agent. Keep your own realtor in the loop, and don’t make the mistake of thinking you can buy directly from the listing agent. Protect yourself and ensure you’re working with an agent who can properly represent your interests. Remember, knowledge is power, and now you’ve got the secrets!

If you’re planning to attend open houses or have questions about working with an agent, you can call or text me at (949) 216-8565 or email me at danae@danaeaballi.com. Let’s talk about how I can help you navigate the homebuying process and find the best deal.