A Guide to Buying a New Townhome: Tips for Attending Open Houses

October 30, 2020
A Guide to Buying a New Townhome: Tips for Attending Open Houses

In the age of social distancing and mask mandates, going to an open house safely can be a challenge. Here are some tips for what to do next.

Congratulations! Whether you are looking to buy a new home or planning to build one, these decisions are bound to have some overlap. One typical part of the homebuying process is to attend open houses in your area, perhaps hosted by old friends who are now realtors. In the age of social distancing and mask mandates, going to an open house safely can be a challenge. Here are some tips for what to do next. 

Before You Go 

Research is the most important part of going to an open house well-prepared. That way, you’ll have a wish list in mind and thus have a more concise set of questions for the real estate agent. Narrow down and decide how many houses you want to visit on a given day – and in some cases, view the plat if a custom home is what you’re after. Learn what you can about the surrounding neighborhoods and nearby communities – what are the schools like? Other elements to pay attention to include retail stores, places to eat, things to do, and how to get around with public transit. 

While You’re There 

Going to an open house involves more than chatting with the agent or other visitors. Once you’ve arrived, there are some items to add to your checklist in terms of what to look at: 

  1. The exterior face (siding, windows, paint) and curb appeal factors like the classic white picket fence. 
  2. The interior layout, including the location of bedrooms, bathrooms, and flex spaces.
  3. The flow, form, and function: does the home follow practical design principles? Does it get plenty of natural light? How well does the air circulate? 
  4. Storage space including attics, basements, closets, and cupboards under the stairs. 
  5. The look and feel of the kitchen: Consider the layout of the kitchen, especially if you are interested in entertaining guests in the future; how much space is there for prep and cooking? Does it come with all of the modern conveniences and appliances you expect?
  6. The garage or parking situation: Does the townhome have an attached garage? A freestanding carport? Note that these aren’t standard features, and in some cases, your only options are street parking or parking out front in assigned spaces.  

Moving On Afterwards 

Now the time has come to consider what direction you’ll go in after you’ve returned home. New townhomes are a big investment in your future, so do your best to make informed decisions. Write down what you liked and what you didn’t like about the houses you viewed. That’s why it’s important to take a notebook with you to capture first impressions – grabbing photos with your smartphone helps too! If a particular property captivated you (even if it’s new construction and hasn’t materialized yet) then make it a priority to schedule another visit and walkthrough. 

New and Improved Custom Homes from Gnu Homes! 

Here at Gnu Homes, we want to give you a fresh home buying and home building experience. We are focused on design, and our homes are designed to be lived in as soon as possible. Are you ready to get the home of your dreams? Then it’s time to Join the Herd! We’ve got a contact page where you can reach us! You can also get in touch with us by phone at 443-212-8218. Are you social? Come follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!