Open House question

[bugaboo]

We're not actively looking to move right now, maybe within a year or two, but I would like to see some of the houses in our area and price range in person. I don't want to waste anyone's time, though. Is that okay?

[johnohfs]

Yes. Open houses are fair game for visits for any reason. We've had open houses where just our neighbors come in because they want to see the inside. If they ask you a lot of questions and you feel uncomfortable, just tell them that you're looking for a friend who is moving soon.

[emoflamingo]

I don't think open houses are fair game, especially as someone trying to sell. You can go, but if the realtor strikes up a conversation, tell them you are considering moving in a year or so and wanted to get an idea of what is out there in the area you want to move to in your price range. Be honest, basically, because otherwise the sellers hear "oh, someone came through and they were mildly interested" when you're not at all.

[sailorgray]

From what I've learned, open houses are more for the realtor to get their name out and for the nosey neighbors. Just be honest with them. If you don't have a REA, they will def want you there so they could try and become yours.

[stephm0188]

I agree that it's fine, but be honest. It's never a bad thing to educate yourself about what is on the market and what you want and will be able to afford when you are ready.

[wawa]

agree with pp's - open houses are fair game as long as you're honest. Not in the market yet, but wanted to look around. It's fine.

I do the same thing all the time with model homes. The bored ass builders reps sitting in their weird garage office are always happy to let me poke around and chat about the neighborhood even when I tell them that I'm totally not in the market, I'm just nosy.

[aweilba]

Yeah, I'd say it's fine to go looking around the area. But be honest if you're asked, as others have said. It's really hard for people to sell houses right now, in our area at least (and I think elsewhere, too), so if it were me, I would feel bad leading somebody on by telling a fib so I don't look so weird being in their open house.