Visit the open house on November 13 at 6815 Belmont Ct in Lakewood Ranch
According to the National Association of Realtors, 48% of buyers visit open houses in a home search but you'd be surprised how fruitful attending an open house can be even if you are not currently looking to buy. In fact, 92% of those who visit open houses, find them useful (Source: National Association of Realtors). Here are several reasons not to pass by that open house sign the next time it catches your eye: 1. Use it as an opportunity to pick the Realtor's brain "Good Realtors know the inside scoop about a community," explained Linda Formella, Manager of the Michael Saunders & Company Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, and IMG Offices. "They know the amenities, shopping, restaurants and who’s who. A good Realtor understands current market conditions affecting a specific neighborhood and the surrounding area and can back up their comments with the facts. Visiting an open house and taking the time to chat with the Realtor gives insight you can’t find anywhere else. Just ask - they will know the best painter, dog walker and coffee shop! They’ll know which house just had a kitchen remodel and which one would be perfect for your next move!"
Use open houses to ask a Realtor about the neighborhood, the market, or referrals for contractors, architects, or handymen.
2. Because chances are, you know someone else who is looking to move. With Sarasota ranked third in the nation as one of "The 20 Best Places People Are Moving to in the U.S." by U.S. News and World Report, it's likely that everyone knows someone interested in relocating to Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte County. And on the national level, 6% of buyers purchase a home because they found it with the help of a friend, relative, or neighbor (Source: National Association of Realtors). So even if you are not moving anytime soon, don't forget to keep in mind those who are. Visiting an open house can steer you towards real estate solutions for friends and family. 3. Take a peak at the design and decor while scoping what could be potential competition. Sellers typically put a lot of effort into making sure their home is presentable. Their sales agents offer advice to ensure their indoor and outdoor spaces are as attractive as possible. Whether it's staging a room just so or going so far as to remodel their kitchen, an open house is a great place to catch up with the latest design tools and trends. And if you’re thinking of selling soon, or down the road, it is crucial to see how your competition would be staged and decorated. While buyers should be looking at the bones of the home, the structure and neighborhood, they are often distracted by décor and design. It’s important to know what attracts you to a home – and what a future buyer of your home would be looking for.
New construction on Anna Maria Island, this home offers a look at the latest in elegant design. | Visit the open house Sunday, November 13 at 518 Villa Rosa Way
4. Get to know the market without committing to anything. The great thing about open houses is that they are open! Everyone who attends is welcome to walk through the home without an appointment and with no strings attached. Use it as an opportunity to do some detective work. Find out the asking price, talk with the Realtor, scope out the other open house visitors, and come away from the experience learning a little something more about the state of the market.In fact, 5% of all buyers meet their future Realtor at open houses (Source: National Association of Reatlors).
Visit the open house this Sunday November 13 at 6831 Dominion Ln in Lakewood Ranch.
If you are ready to start "open house-ing" for Charlotte, Manatee, or Sarasota real estate, visit our open house page on MichaelSaunders.com for the full list of participating homes. Plus, hop in your car on Sunday, November 13 for OH Manatee, our open house event held in Manatee County. For a list of particpating Manatee County homes for sale visit our blog:
OH Manatee Returns Nov. 13: The Open House Event in Manatee County
OH Manatee takes place November
