Issue Nº. 06 | Your DIY Open House Playbook
Your DIY Open House Playbook
Word count: 532
Estimated read time: 2 min 57 sec
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The spring market is picking up, more houses are hitting the market, which means Open House season is on.
As a DIY Homebuyer, open houses can be your superpower. These walk-throughs are free opportunities to find your home, gather local market insights, and hone your skills of communication and negotiation with listing agents.
Here’s your checklist to nail it before, during, and after. Let’s make every minute count.
Before You Go:
Scope the Market: Check comps on Redfin or Zillow looking at pending and recently sold listings. Dive just deep enough to have a general idea of what’s fair for the area.
Get Pre-Approved: Have your lender’s letter or your proof of funds ready. These documents will ensure you're taken seriously and leave a good impression if you do find a home you want to move swiftly on.
Plan Your Stops: Map out 3-5 open houses. Typically, the earlier you show up, the more likely you are to have the home to yourself and dedicated attention from the agent to ask your questions.
Pack Smart: Notebook, pen, measuring tape, and shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Bonus: In Module 4 of the DIY Homebuyer Essentials Course, you'll find the property viewing checklist.
During the Open House:
Scan Like a Pro: Don't get too distracted by the pretty staging. Examine walls and ceilings for spot cracks, water marks, weird smells, and anything that seems misaligned or unusually worn.
Ask the Big Questions: “Have you received any offers?” “What is the Seller’s timeline?” “Have there been any recent repairs, remodels, or updates?” The more you know, the better!
Test the Space: Open cabinets, flush toilets, feel the flow of floor plan. Trust your gut! Does the house suit you? Does it feel good? Can you envision yourself living there? What are the deal breakers?
Make a Good Impression: Be upfront with the agent, “I’m representing myself, but I'm ready to go financially and am educated on the home buying process." Take notes on their vibe. If you have further interest in potentially putting in an offer, open the discussion about signing a non-agency disclosure and what their process looks like for working with self-represented folks, like yourself.
After You Leave:
Rank It: Jot what you loved and what’s off. Compare your notes to your must-haves and the other properties you've seen.
Dig Deeper: Search the address online. Look up past sales, permits, local development plans in the area, and anything else juicy you may find that would impact the property's value.
Follow Up: Liked it? Email the agent with a quick, “I’m considering making an offer—next steps?”
Debrief: Talk it over with your crew — fresh eyes keep you sharp. If you want an unbiased sounding board to help ask good questions and keep you honest, that's what I'm here for! Wanna chat about working together one-on-one? Schedule a free call!
I’ve walked dozens of homebuyers through this, and it works.
Open houses aren’t just tours — they’re your competitive advantage as a DIY Homebuyer. So utilize this playbook and hit the pavement! And keep me posted on how it goes!
Your Home-buying Friend,
– Nick
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P.S.
Got open house Qs?
Join our Happy Hour + Q&A, Thursday, March 27, 4pm PT, on the DIY Homebuyer Community on Skool.
Link’s in the Calendar tab — be sure to jump in. These calls have been awesome!
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Stay Connected with DIY Homebuyer:
Join our free community: skool.com/diyhomebuyer
Subscribe to DIY Homebuyer Academy on YouTube
Want more DIY Homebuyer News or got a thought to share?
Hit me up at nick@diyhomebuyeracademy.com
