Visiting Open Houses in Houston, TX

Each weekend, prospective home buyers attend Open Houses and preview homes listed for sale in Houston, TX.  The schedule convenience coupled by the showing feasibility allows for buyers to preview multiple homes with little to no pressure.  It almost feels like window shopping to see the latest in home remodeling, weird HGTV self-improved spaces and manicured landscapings. Most buyers go to Open Houses to compare homes in areas that would suit them.  Here are a few things that can be useful for your Open House Previewing:

1. Have a notepad and pencil/pen accessible.

Take a notepad (scratch paper later gets tossed away) to jot down quick information about the property that will help you with distinguish from the few properties you intend to see for the day. Takes as many notes as possible at every house you visit. If you are graphically inclined, do a sketch of the house while you are there so you know if the house layout is something to consider for your future needs. It is easy to forget which home had which features if you are previewing multiple homes.

2. Take a digital camera.

It is true that a picture speaks a thousand words. A digital camera allows you to compare different homes you visited while at an Open House when you are in the comfort of your own home. Take a picture of the kitchen, bathrooms and exterior areas. Make sure you take a picture of the front exterior as you walk into the house for reference. I find it easier to take a picture of the natural flow of the house versus random pictures of the property. Take a picture of the address for quick reference later.

3. Ask for a property brochure or property flyer.

Having a property brochure will help you reference the property when you get home. Most property brochures will provide information such as square footage, MLS number, taxes, room measurements and property pictures. Search the property on the Houston Multiple Listing Service through our website when you get home and save the properties that most interested you. We will then provide you additional information or research the market activity on your behalf. 

4. Establish the five most important criteria for your new home.

Before you start previewing homes, write a list of the five most important criteria for your perfect home. Let's call this your Top 5 Must Have's in the property. This will help narrow the many Open Houses available in your search area according to the criteria that is most important to you. Don't waste your time with homes that don't fit your search criteria.

5. Scout and evaluate the neighborhoods.

Drive the neighborhoods that most interest you. Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week and on weekends. Look carefully at how well other homes in the area are being maintained; are they painted, are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition, etc. Look for things like access to major thoroughfares, highways, and shopping. Evaluate the noise in the areas of interest to see if you are comfortable with it such as major intersections, traffic sounds, railroads, etc. Check with local civic, police, fire, and school officials to find information about the area. Look at traffic patterns around the area during different times of the day and drive from the area to work. Find out if the neighborhood is near parks, churches, recreation centers, shopping, theaters, restaurants, public transportation, schools with Satellite Area Maps. Use our website to define how walkable the neighborhood is. Find out if the neighborhood belongs to a Homeowner’s Association. Compare the neighborhood and community statistics with the Community Information Report.

6. Do your research with the County Appraisal Districts.

Go to the Harris County Appraisal District website and look at the homes you plan to preview over the weekend. Tax information is public information and will provide you with useful information such as year built, square footage of the improvement, lot size, lot dimensions, tax rates, number of rooms and bathrooms, etc. Sometimes, the Appraisal District websites do not have completely accurate information when homes have been improved and additional square footage added. Other Appraisal Distrcts near the Greater Houston Area are the Fort Bend Appraisal Distrct and the Brazoria County Appraisal District.

7. Ask if a Home Warranty will be provided with the house.

Home Warranties protect both the Buyers and Sellers. A Home Warranty protects you and your loved ones living with you against financial setbacks due to costly repair or replacement of covered appliances and major systems. Home Warranty policies are not total replacement rembursements but they provide a credit towards covered items when they cannot be repaired. This helps when needing to buy new appliances or even a condenser unit. The Home Warranty protects the seller during the listing period and the buyer for a full year, beginning the day of closing. With so many unknowns, a Home Warranty gives you peace-of-mind. Most home warranties range $350-700 for initial protection plans for homes under 4,000 sq. ft. Homes larger than 4,000 are generally more expensive but a very good idea and a negotiating factor when placing an offer.

8. Take a tape measure!

A tape measure can eliminate possible doubts and save you alot of future questions about furniture placement and your specific design compatability. Does your bed frame fit in the master bedroom? Does the breakfast table fit properly? Would you need to purchase new furniture for this house?

9. Preview pictures online!

Preview pictures online before you decide to see the home. Check to see if the house is available through our website via our Home Search Portal. We provide real-time data from the Houston Multiple Listing Service. Check to see if there are any virtual tours or picture slideshow for the properties you plan to preview during your Open House.

10. Tell them you are working with an agent.

In Texas, the Seller's Agent represents the Seller and must place the interest of the Seller first. This means that they do not represent you or your best interests. Anything you discuss with them provides a tactical and negotiation advantage to the Seller. We would welcome the opportunity to represent you as your Buyer's Agent. We can schedule a complimentary in-person or Zoom meeting with you to show you how we sell homes. Most of the properties we send you through our system already includes our Buyer Agent Commission! This means that we have already procured our Agent Commission for homes we send you through the Multiple Listing Service. We welcome the opportunity to work with you.

Schedule a Buyer Appointment with us this week by telling us what you are searching for in a home in the Greater Houston Area.

We would love the opportunity to earn your business. Feel free to contact us via our Contact Form on our website or call us at 713-970-1032.

Open Houses in the next few days:

3458 Properties
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Open 9/23
22618 Braken Carter Ln Katy,  TX 77449
$330,000
Neighborhood: Williamsburg Colony Sec 01 R/P
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,730
Sq.Ft.
1978
Year Built
2
Days on Site
25219638
MLS
YOUR DREAM HOME AWAITS in Williamsburg Colony! This gorgeous 3 bed, 2 bath one story home is stunning with its amazing backyard oasis! This home features a formal dining room that is perfect for...
Open 9/24
130 Ishmeal St Houston,  TX 77076
$265,000
Neighborhood: Wildrose Gardens Sec 02
3
Beds
1
Baths
1,210
Sq.Ft.
1960
Year Built
2
Days on Site
12443544
MLS
Beautifully renovated three-bedroom home. This move-in-ready gem boasts a luminous living and kitchen area adorned with custom tile work and designer finishes. The bathroom features a frameless glass...
Open 9/23
18411 Hounds Lake Dr New Caney,  TX 77357
$415,000
Neighborhood: Tavola 06
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,675
Sq.Ft.
2016
Year Built
2
Days on Site
83762974
MLS
Extended entry with 12-foot coffered ceilings. Formal dining room. Library with Frenchdoor entry. Family room with wall of windows opens to kitchen and morning area. Kitchen features island with...
Open 9/24
82 Greenview St Montgomery,  TX 77356
$649,900
Neighborhood: Bentwater
3
Beds
3F11/2
Baths
3,694
Sq.Ft.
1996
Year Built
2
Days on Site
62295683
MLS
Mediterranean style home on #11 of Weiskopf Course at the tee box with views of fairway and green! 3 beds, 3.5 baths, spacious floorplan, soaring ceilings, solid 8’ interior doors, detailed...
Open 9/23
5519 Bright Timber Landing Dr Spring,  TX 77386
$945,900
Neighborhood: Benders Landing Estates 03
4
Beds
3F11/2
Baths
4,175
Sq.Ft.
2014
Year Built
2
Days on Site
97965800
MLS
Highly Desired Location! Nestled on an expansive 1/2 acre in The Reserve of Benders Landing Estates this immaculate home offers a 3 car garage and stunning interior! Walk through the grand iron door...
Open 9/23
17947 Diamond Peak Ct Humble,  TX 77346
$294,900
Neighborhood: Eagle Spgs Sec 14 Amd
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,620
Sq.Ft.
2004
Year Built
2
Days on Site
32895467
MLS
Welcome to 17947 Diamond Peak Ct, a stunning home nestled in the highly sought-after master planned community of Eagle Springs. This beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is located in a large cul-de-sac,...
Open 9/23
5519 Stoneridge Ct Rosenberg,  TX 77471
$299,000
Neighborhood: Oaks Of Rosenberg
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,959
Sq.Ft.
2009
Year Built
2
Days on Site
37823591
MLS
WELCOME HOME! This 2009 Perry built 4 bedroom home backing onto a playground and green space is perfectly nestled in The Oaks of Rosenberg. Home has recently been painted inside and all new carpeting....
Open 9/23
410 Rennie Dr Katy,  TX 77450
$425,000
Neighborhood: Nottingham Country Sec 03
4
Beds
2F11/2
Baths
2,668
Sq.Ft.
1976
Year Built
2
Days on Site
41371195
MLS
Zoned to Award-Winning Katy ISD, Well-Loved, Cherished Nottingham Country Home welcomes all! Wall of windows & vaulted ceiling in living room host polished travertine floors; Cozy up to the beautiful...
Open 9/24
1028 W 22nd St Houston,  TX 77008
$680,000
Neighborhood: Pega Estates
4
Beds
3F11/2
Baths
2,826
Sq.Ft.
2013
Year Built
2
Days on Site
81706439
MLS
PREMIUM HEIGHTS LOCATION! Walk to Restaurants, Breweries, Shops, HEB, & Wright-Bembry Park! Beautiful Interior - Versatile 4 Bedroom Layout! Gated Front Entry! Supersized Family Room - Beautiful...
Open 9/23
6411 Stone Landing Ln Katy,  TX 77449
$355,000
Neighborhood: Cypress Falls Sec 2
4
Beds
3F11/2
Baths
2,881
Sq.Ft.
2005
Year Built
2
Days on Site
59440246
MLS
Looking for a beautifully updated, move-in ready two story home? Look no further than this stunning 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom gem! Once you step inside, you are greeted by a bright and open entryway!...
Open 9/23
19731 Auburn Park Ln Spring,  TX 77379
$235,000
Neighborhood: Bridgestone West Sec 01
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,576
Sq.Ft.
1985
Year Built
2
Days on Site
35481211
MLS
INVESTOR SPECIAL!! Showings start at the open house on Saturday, September 23rd from 2-4 pm. This home has SO MUCH POTENTIAL. Priced under market for the neighborhood so there are endless...
Open 9/24
1814 Haverhill Dr Houston,  TX 77008
$625,000
Neighborhood: Lazybrook Sec 02
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,671
Sq.Ft.
1959
Year Built
2
Days on Site
2701373
MLS
Gorgeous mid-century ranch in coveted Lazybrook! This 2BR/2B home lives large with it's open concept floor plan and seamless transitions throughout the home. Large picture windows and french doors...

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