Brisbane First Home Buyers Missing Key Open Home Red Flags

Buying your first home is a HUGE step, and it can feel like you're navigating a maze. One of the first hurdles you’ll encounter is attending open homes. The real estate jargon, the excited crowds, the pressure to make a quick decision and waive building and pest inspections – it can be overwhelming, right? Don't worry; you're not alone! Many first-time buyers feel the same way. That's why we’ve created this guide.
Open homes are essentially your first sneak peek at what could be your future home. But, walking through a house for 15 minutes while other people are milling about, it can be tricky to assess a home effectively and work out if this is the right property for you. It’s important to go to open homes prepared.
So, where do you start?
Before the Visit: Do Your Homework
Don’t just show up to an open home cold! Do some initial research. Check out the property listing online. Do the photos align with what you're expecting? Is the location convenient for your needs? A quick drive by the area is a great way to get a feel for the neighbourhood. Knowing this before you arrive will make sure that the open home is time well spent.
When You're There: Be Observant
When you walk through the property, don't just look at the pretty staging. Be sure to look for things that may be an issue later. Look for things such as water stains, sloping floors, cracks in the wall. It’s important to know what you should be looking for so that you are fully aware of the state of the property.
It’s important to also pay attention to the outside of the property as well. Look for any signs of rot, broken roof tiles or any other issues that you can see on the outside of the property.
Remember, while you may or may not spot some obvious red flags on your 15 minute walk through, it is nowhere near the same as having a building inspector come and undertake a detailed building inspection and uncover all the faults the vendor was hoping you would not spot. An experienced building inspector will be able to tell you what all those telltale signs mean – whether there has been previous flooding of the Brisbane property, there is an existing subsidence issue or there is evidence of past termite damage, for example.
The Right Questions: Don't Be Shy
Your agent at the open home is your point of contact, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions. Ask them why the owners are selling, what kind of interest the property has had so far and when it’s expected to be sold.
Use the time wisely. Take your time going through the property. The more information you can get, the better!
After the Open Home: Reflect and Research
You may feel pressured to sign a contract on the day of the open home. Don’t make any big decisions the minute you walk out the door. Take some time to reflect on what you’ve seen and never sign a contract waiving your right to building and pest inspections - at best, you may miss out on a bargaining point for price or, at worst, could end up with a money pit.
It can be helpful to write a list of pros and cons of the property. Were there any red flags that came up? Did you find any aspects of the property to be unsuitable for you? Then, research the property itself. What are comparable properties in the area selling for? What are the local schools like? Are there any shops nearby?
Beyond the Open Home: The Importance of a Building Inspection
You’ve now been to your first open home and you’ve seen what a property has to offer. However, it’s always best to get a full building inspection by an experienced building inspector to ensure that the property doesn’t have any defects that you may be unable to detect yourself. You want to know what you are buying and make sure that it is structurally sound.
An experienced pre-purchase building inspector will be comfortable having you on site for the inspection, will provide a detailed report and be happy to walk you through your inspection report and go over any findings with you.
Want More Guidance?
Action Property Inspections understand how confusing and stressful buying your first home can be. They have put together an "Ultimate Guide to Visiting an Open Home" for you, packed with more tips, checklists, and must-ask questions to help you navigate open homes with confidence.
Happy house hunting, Brisbane! We hope this helps you feel more confident.