Last Updated on May 27, 2026
If you’re seriously considering buying a home this year, open houses can be an excellent opportunity to wade into the buying pool and get your feet wet.
Open houses can be beneficial to first-time homebuyers and those who are thinking about moving up. They’re a great way to meet local real estate agents and reacquaint yourself with the jargon of home buying. More importantly, once you are ready to buy, open houses may be your one opportunity to ask questions directly of the listing agent.
Many questions will naturally come up as you tour the home room by room. To truly make the most of an open house, you need to look beyond the staging and ask the less obvious questions. Here are six critical things to ask at the next open house you attend.
1. How long has the home been on the market?
What this tells you: If a home has been sitting stagnant in a balanced market, the seller is likely experiencing that “second market” fatigue where buyers start wondering what’s wrong with it. This gives you room to negotiate on price or terms.
2. Why do the sellers want to move?
What this tells you: It reveals seller urgency. If they are relocating for a job next month, they are highly motivated to negotiate. If they are downsizing and have no rush, they will likely hold out for top dollar.
3. What is the seller’s timeline?
What this tells you: Sometimes the seller’s motivation and timeline are at odds. Are the sellers in a hurry to place a contract on the home so they can begin their own home search? Would they rather delay the closing until after the school year ends to make the move easier for their kids? Knowing their motivation could both help you with your negotiations and prevent any roadblocks down the line.
4. When was the house last updated?
What this tells you: It’s easy to determine whether the bathroom wallpaper and kitchen stove have been in the home for decades. What isn’t always obvious is the age of the roof and electrical systems. Ask about anything that isn’t apparent to you.
5. How much are monthly utilities?
What this tells you: Asking about the cost of heating in the winter and cooling in the summer tells you a lot about a home. Would replacing an old furnace potentially cut your gas bill in half? Is a lot of heat lost through the windows? Is that wonderful sun-filled office nothing but a heat trap in the summer? Especially if you’re a first-time buyer or you’re moving up to a multi-level home, the cost of utilities could make a big impact on your budget.
6. What’s the neighborhood like?
What this tells you: Are there green spaces, parks, and public amenities nearby? Can you enjoy the benefits of living near an interstate without constant traffic noise? Is this the next up-and-coming part of town filled with late-night activity? The perfect home should come with the perfect lifestyle for you.
Attend a Twilight Open House in your area!
This summer, we invite you to attend our Howard Hanna Twilight Open House event. Touring these select homes in the early evening offers a rare glimpse into the neighborhood’s true character, uncovering details and a distinct charm you simply wouldn’t experience during the day. On select dates in June, July and August, we’re opening doors across our footprint so you can see these properties in a whole new light.
- Twilight #1: 6/3
- Twilight #2: 6/17
- Twilight #3: 7/8
- Twilight #4: 7/22
- Twilight #5: 8/5
- Twilight #6: 8/19
Visit howardhanna.com/twilight to view upcoming Twilight Open Houses near you. Dates and times vary by market, so be sure to check your local listings.
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Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate is the #1 real estate company in the Carolinas, with more than 80 offices and 2,000 agents serving communities across North and South Carolina and Georgia. As part of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the largest family-owned and operated real estate company in the United States, Howard Hanna Allen Tate offers a full suite of real estate services, including mortgage, insurance, title and relocation. For more information, visit www.howardhannatate.com.
