If you are buying a home in Los Angeles here are some tips to help you navigate the search process as you tour homes. This may be through private showings with your agent or by visiting open houses, which are common in the Los Angeles market.
Although in our market sellers are not usually present during showings there may be a time when they are, and most often if they are not their representative, the listing agent, will be there, and they may have some influence in deciding who will end up getting the home. So with that in mind putting your best foot forward when touring homes can only help.
Using common sense when entering someone else’s home is paramount, but here are some things to consider:
- Be respectful of the seller’s personal space. Don’t open drawers or closets without the permission of the agent.
- Don’t bring food into the home.
- If you need to use the bathroom ask first and leave it in the condition in which you found it.
- If you have children make sure that they stay with you and are not allowed to run around, even in the backyard. And if your baby is crying take turns to go outside with him or her. Remember there may be other people touring the home also.
- It isn’t a good idea to bring a dog to a showing but if you absolutely have to, ask permission to bring it into the home.
- Be careful what you say during the showing. The listing agent is listening. Save your thoughts for when you leave the home. Commenting on how ugly the furniture is or giving a “what were they thinking” type remark is not going to endear you to the agent. Showing appreciation for things that you find appealing may help.
- Be courteous to the listing agent. They will remember you. Hopefully you will have your own agent (the best way to go for many reasons), so never mislead the listing agent into thinking that you are unrepresented. Never ever call a listing agent to ask them to show you the home. Your agent should always accompany you unless there are extenuating circumstances, but your agent should be the one to address those.
If multiple offers come in and there is a lot of similarity between them, the seller might rely on the listing agent to decide on the best option. At this point the agent may be swayed by the buyers with whom they were most impressed.
Remember the expression “you only have once chance to make a first impression”. Make sure yours is a memorable one in a good way.
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