Lake Tahoe - Truckee, CA Real Estate for Sale

Visiting Tahoe Open Houses | Buyer

Visiting Tahoe Open Houses | Buyer

Visiting Tahoe Open Houses |Buyer

You see the open house directional signs and you just have to stop.  An open house can be an opportunity for you to get information about Tahoe homes and the local housing market, so take advantage of them.

Open House Etiquette:

  • Introduce Yourself:  Do introduce yourself to the agent hosting the open house.
  • Working with a Tahoe Agent:  Do let the agent holding the open house know if you are already working with a local Tahoe real estate agent, and tell them who that agent is – name and brokerage.

Is Big Brother Watching?  Security – Live Video with Sound:

  • Watch what you say and do at an Open House – the Seller may be Watching:  Things have changed in the past couple of years and for just a few hundred dollars if you a wifi system you can install an inexpensive, wireless security system that is motion activated, or can be turned on for a LIVE VIEW with sound.

When you are in an Open House, or looking at property with an agent, REMEMBER – from the time you get out of your car, outside and inside the home may all have video and sound recording devices.

Your every move and comment may be listened to, and viewed by the Seller.  Buyers beware of how you act today can impact your ability to negotiate and buy a property.

  • Security Systems May Not Be Disclosed/Advertised on Property:  Posting that a property has on-site security is an effective way to discourage potential theft, but Sellers are not required to disclose on-site Security Systems, or that you are being monitored.
  • Don’t Offend the Sellers:  It is easy to offend a Seller – just make a comment on how dirty the home appears, how ugly a couch may be, or how cheap the new kitchen appliances look, and you’ll sour a Seller against you. 

Common sense suggests always being polite, complimentary, or to just not say anything at all until you are safely back inside your car.

Here are some questions you may want to ask:

  • Are you the listing agent for this house? Busy agents sometimes arrange for a colleague, or assistant to conduct the open house. Don’t assume the person showing the home is knowledgeable about the house, or has met the sellers.
  • How long has the home been on the market? Well-priced homes in good condition generally sell in a short period of time. Unless the Tahoe market is weak, you will want to know why a particular home is not selling. Are there hidden defects? Is it overpriced? Are the sellers requiring something that may seem unreasonable as a condition of the sale?

Remember, the agent holding the open house may be representing the seller, and if they are, their loyalty is to the seller, not you the buyer, and anything you say may be used against you in the negotiation process, so be careful on what information you share about yourself!  Don’t expect the agent holding the open house to share secret information about the seller, or their strategy to sell the home with you.  This is just a chance to see the home.

  • Have the sellers received any offers? If the sellers rejected offers that were too low, or had contingencies or conditions, you should find out before you experience the same.
  • Is any furniture, or fixtures being sold with the house? If you’re thinking of buying the home, there is no better time to ask whether the seller would be interested in including the patio furniture, or the dining room chandelier.
  • Are there any special costs attached to the property? Is there a homeowner’s association that has dues or fees? Are there particular tax assessments? Are there any natural hazard issues to be aware of? Are there any hidden costs of owning the home?
  •  How does this house compare to others on this street? The local agent may be able to speak about recent sales in the neighborhood as well as some interior ideas seen in other homes.

Open houses are a great way to see a number of Tahoe properties including ones that are not in your price range.  Seeing homes that are more expensive and less expensive is a great way to establish value in the price range and neighborhood you’d like to be in.

If you find a Tahoe home you like from an open house, be sure to tell your Tahoe Buyers’ agent about it right away. 

Your local agent is going to be able to get you more information on the home.  More than one buyer has successfully found the right Tahoe home by going to an open house event, so take advantage of the opportunity when you have it!

Need more help in trying to figure out your Tahoe Home or Condo buying options? 

Do you want to learn more about the different neighborhoods, locations, developments and their amenities, HOA fees and the ones that will best meet your needs?  Call me at 530.414.1260 and I can help you find the right place to buy!

Overview and summary completed by:
Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260  | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

All information is deemed reliable, but is subject to change, and/or correction without notice.
Buyers and Sellers should investigate and verify all information to their own satisfaction.

Visiting Tahoe Open Houses | Buyer