1. The first open house weekend after a home hits the market usually matters most, because that is when the most buyers show up.
2. If you love a home but cannot make it in person, ask your agent to video it for you.
3. If you are thinking about making an offer, do not wait until the last day. By then there may be 10 or more offers at once and prices get pushed higher, so decide quickly.
4. Many sellers make a home look beautiful before an open house, but sometimes the work is only cosmetic. They may repaint everything white, for example, without fixing the home's real problems.
5. At an open house, ask your agent to find out things like the property tax, the HOA dues, and the home's history.
6. You will meet other buyers at an open house. Talk with them and hear what they think of the home.
7. Look at the surroundings, such as nearby schools, hospitals, and supermarkets.
8. Look at the structure, such as the home's orientation, natural light, and ventilation.
9. Look at the finishes, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and floors.