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Open Houses

Southern California homes are some of the most valued in the country, and no doubt the coast and the views have a lot to do with it. But no buyer would make a decision based on views and curb appeal alone. If you're looking for a home that's more than just eye candy, your best bet is to go to an open house-a house on the market that's open for viewing and inspection by potential buyers.

Why Search Open Houses?

An open house allows you to see the real picture and feel what it's like to actually live in the home. After all, pictures can only show so much. And most of the time, they're handpicked from thousands of photos to bring out the home's best features. Before buying, you'll want to see beyond the front doors and look for any potential flaws.

Not all homes qualify for an open house, but those that do are usually well-maintained and have been improved for selling. So by searching open house listings, you're already narrowing down your options to those that are most suitable. There are open house listings for most property types, so there's sure to be something for every home buyer.

How to Find an Open House

Open house searches work just like a property search-you can sort your options by area, price, property type and other common features. The best way to find an open house in Southern California is to work with an open house realtor, who will have access to more listings and a wider range of homes. Many agents offer open house tours as part of their buyers' services-if you're already working with one, ask him or her about open houses and how they can help in your search.

Most home sellers schedule their open houses for weekends, as that's when most buyers are free. Once you've found a few homes you'd like to check out, your agent can schedule an open house weekend so you can visit the homes and weigh your options with a more realistic view. Try to keep the entire weekend open for the viewing, as some visits can take longer than others.

What to Look for in an Open House

Remember, you're there to have a look at the home, not just admire it. Sellers are naturally inclined to spruce up their homes and arrange things to make the space more attractive. As a buyer, you'll need a good eye to see the home's real potential and how well it can serve your needs. Some factors worth looking into include:

• - The floor plan-how the rooms are arranged to optimize traffic
• - The size and number of windows and the views from each of them
• - The general condition of the home-how solid the floor feels, the paint job, the handles on the kitchen cabinets, etc.
• - The overall feel of the neighborhood-amount of noise, potential sources of pollution, etc.
• - How accessible the home is from major highways and commercial centers
• - How the home looks on the street against other properties in the area