Weekend Open House Tours: What to Look For

Attending open houses on the weekend is an exciting step in the homebuying process. It gives you the chance to explore potential homes, compare options, and get a feel for different neighborhoods—all without the pressure of committing right away. However, to make the most of these tours, it’s important to know what to look for beyond just the home’s curb appeal.

Here’s a guide to help you evaluate homes during weekend open houses and ensure you make an informed decision.

1. First Impressions Matter—But Look Beyond the Staging

When you walk into an open house, you’ll likely be greeted by a beautifully staged home. While staging can highlight the best features of a home, it can also distract from potential issues.

✔ Check the condition of floors, walls, and ceilings – Look for cracks, stains, or signs of water damage.✔ Open cabinets and closets – These areas reveal how much storage space you actually have.✔ Test windows and doors – Sticky windows or doors that don’t close properly could signal foundational issues.✔ Look past decor – Imagine the space with your own furniture and style in mind.

2. Pay Attention to Natural Light

Lighting plays a huge role in the atmosphere of a home. If possible, visit open houses at different times of the day to see how natural light fills the space.

✔ South-facing windows provide consistent light throughout the day.✔ Dark rooms may require extra lighting or renovations to brighten up.✔ Check for blocked windows or heavy tree coverage that could limit sunlight.

3. Inspect the Layout and Flow

The layout of a home should suit your lifestyle. Ask yourself:

✔ Does the home have enough bedrooms and bathrooms for your family’s needs?✔ Is the kitchen layout functional and easy to navigate?✔ Are bedrooms positioned for privacy and quiet?✔ Does the home allow for easy movement between rooms?

If you plan to entertain guests or work from home, consider whether the layout will accommodate your needs.

4. Test Appliances and Fixtures

Many open houses feature upgraded kitchens or high-end appliances—but looks can be deceiving. Take a moment to test them.

✔ Run faucets to check water pressure and drainage speed.✔ Open and close kitchen cabinets and drawers to test their durability.✔ Turn on light switches to make sure all fixtures work properly.✔ Ask about the age of major appliances like the water heater, HVAC system, and stove.

5. Listen for Noise Levels

Noise is often overlooked during open houses, but it can be a major issue once you move in.

✔ Step outside and listen for traffic, airplanes, or loud neighbors.✔ Inside the house, check for thin walls that allow noise to travel between rooms.✔ If near a busy road or train tracks, consider how noise might affect your quality of life.

6. Evaluate Outdoor Space

A home’s outdoor space can be just as important as the interior. Consider the following:

✔ Yard size and maintenance – Do you want a large backyard, or do you prefer something low-maintenance?✔ Patios and decks – Are they in good condition, or will they need repairs?✔ Fencing and privacy – Is the outdoor space private, or are neighbors too close?✔ Potential for expansion – If you want to add a pool or garden, check if there’s enough space.

7. Research the Neighborhood

The home itself is just one piece of the puzzle. The surrounding neighborhood can greatly impact your decision.

✔ Drive through the area at different times of the day to get a feel for traffic, safety, and community atmosphere.✔ Check for local amenities like grocery stores, parks, and restaurants.✔ If you have kids, research school ratings and distance from the home.✔ Talk to neighbors if possible—they can provide insight on the area.

8. Ask Questions and Take Notes

Open houses can blur together if you visit multiple homes in one weekend. Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down key details.

✔ Ask about the home’s age, recent upgrades, and any major repairs.✔ Find out how long the home has been on the market—this could indicate demand and pricing flexibility.✔ Ask about HOA fees, property taxes, and utility costs.✔ Take photos to help compare homes later.

Weekend open house tours are a great way to explore potential homes, but it’s important to go beyond first impressions. By focusing on structural integrity, layout, lighting, neighborhood appeal, and potential red flags, you’ll be better prepared to make a confident decision.

If you find a home you love, don’t hesitate to schedule a second visit or bring in a professional inspector. A little extra diligence now can save you from costly surprises down the road. Happy house hunting!