Beyond curb appeal

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Published Date 9/29/2025

Walking through an open house is like window shopping. But smart buyers know how to dig deeper than granite countertops and crown molding. Compass Realtor Victoria Shtainer suggests starting with the most revealing question of all: "What do you love most about this property?"

Time to hone your listening skills, kind of like the cops on all those Law & Order episodes when investigating an incident. It’s important to pay attention to what gets mentioned first and what doesn't. For example, if the agent gushes about the neighborhood before praising the house itself? That could signal the property has issues worth investigating.

Broker Collin Bond recommends asking about recent improvements the agent hasn’t mentioned. For instance, knowing the boiler was just replaced or the roof was recently repaired means you won't face those expensive surprises immediately after move-in. “It's also smart to gauge your competition by asking about interest levels,” he says. “If responses seem lukewarm, you might have negotiating power.” Don’t settle for mentions of “tons of interest," however. Follow up directly by asking about actual offers.

It's also important to remember to ask about practical matters that affect your wallet and lifestyle, such as utility costs, since estimates are only available from current owners. Now query them on weekday traffic patterns if the open house falls on a quiet weekend — especially if there is a school nearby. New Jersey broker Dottie Winhold notes that buyers often discover unexpected expenses like separate electric bills after assuming monthly charges were all-inclusive. “Some buildings include electric and gas in monthly maintenance charges, while others require owners to set up separate utility accounts, potentially adding $300 monthly electric bills on top of building charges,” she says.

Finally, while fair housing laws limit how agents can describe neighborhoods, try to catch subtle clues about the community's character. If an agent mentions "a community playground in this cul-de-sac," you can probably deduce the area skews more family-friendly than upscale professional.

Realtor, TBWS

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NEXA Mortgage, LLC (NMLS #1660690) is an equal Housing Lender - 3100 W Ray Rd 201, Suite 209, Chandler, AZ 85226 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)

Scott Moon

Home Loan Advisor

NMLS: 1492315

NEXA Mortgage

3100 W Ray Rd Suite 201 Office 209, Chandler AZ 85226

Company NMLS: #1660690

Office: 202-352-5625

Cell: 202-352-5625

Email: smoon@nexamortgage.com

Web: http://www.scottmoon.us