Four Seasons Sotheby's Int'l Realty
Four Seasons Sotheby's Int'l Realty
Darren Sherburne, Four Seasons Sotheby's Int'l RealtyPhone: (802) 598-4584
Email: [email protected]

How to get the most out of a home showing as a buyer

by Darren Sherburne 02/24/2025

You may come across a home for sale that piques your attention, but now what? A great step as a homebuyer is to attend an open house to get a better idea if the property is truly to your liking. 

A home showing can take around 45 minutes for small properties and even a few hours for larger homes, so before attending a showing, it is essential to prepare to make the most out of your time. 


Review the listing

Before attending a home showing, it’s beneficial to review the listing, even if you’ve seen it before. This gives you a chance to make sure it has the basics of what you’re searching for (at minimum, in writing).

It also lets you examine if the home meets both your short and long-term expectations. For example, a single family home with 3 bedrooms may fit your current needs, but if you plan to have kids later, the home may not be suitable. 


Examine your home buying budget 

Before taking time out of your schedule to attend an open house, examine your finances to make sure the home falls within your home buying budget. 

A great step is to get preapproved for a mortgage loan before attending an open house, so you can get a clear picture of the funds you have to work with. With this knowledge, you can narrow down the house showings you attend to match your home buying budget, and waste less time on properties outside your spending plan. 


Write down a list of questions you have about the property 

An open house is a great opportunity to walk around and learn more about a residence in person to decide if it’s the right homebuying choice. During this time, asking questions about the home can give you immense insight into what the property has to offer, repairs needing to be made, neighborhood lifestyle and more. 


To take the guesswork out of homebuying, consider working with a real estate agent who can narrow down your options to listings best suiting your needs. With a real estate agent by your side and using the aforementioned tips, you can make the most out of the home showing you attend.


About the Author
Author

Darren Sherburne

I was born and raised in the town of Newbury, Vermont. Before, during, and after obtaining my Bachelor’s degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, I worked in the hospitality industry throughout New England. One of my proudest achievements is being one of the youngest Certified Sommeliers, having passed the exam at the age of 21. 

Each client and customer comes to the table with a different set of needs and wants. Utilizing my career history and life experience allows me to apply those elements to each Real Estate endeavor. I take great pride in providing a creative and innovative experience to everyone I work with by utilizing current technology and trends. I also provide professional-level photography and videography including production not only for my seller clients but also for buyers who are looking at a property from afar.