What to Do Before Attending Open Homes
Open homes are useful, but they can also be distracting if you arrive without a plan. Before attending an inspection, take time to understand the property, the location, the price guide and how it fits your buying brief. A home may look appealing online, but the real question is whether it suits your lifestyle, budget and long-term goals.
Before you go, review the listing carefully. Look at the floor plan, land size, orientation, photos, property description and any available documents. Check recent comparable sales nearby so you have a sense of whether the price guide feels realistic. In Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers, value can shift significantly between streets, so it is worth understanding the micro-location before you inspect.
It is also helpful to prepare a short checklist of things to look for at the inspection. Pay attention to natural light, airflow, privacy, road noise, storage, parking, drainage, signs of damp or mould, roof condition, decks, retaining walls and overall maintenance. If the property is in a flood, bushfire, coastal or hinterland area, note any risks that may need further investigation before making an offer.
At the open home, try not to rely only on emotion. Walk through once to get a feel for the home, then walk through again more carefully. Ask the selling agent practical questions about contract availability, council approvals, known issues, settlement preferences, inclusions, competing interest and whether any building, pest or strata reports are available. Take notes and photos where allowed so you can compare properties properly later.
At RSW Buyers Agency, we help buyers inspect with more clarity and less pressure. A good open home is not just about deciding whether you like a property — it is about gathering the right information so you can decide whether it is worth pursuing. The more prepared you are before you inspect, the easier it is to avoid costly distractions and move confidently when the right property appears.
