If you’re looking for high-end properties in the Miami area, you’re likely up against a tight market in which inventory can get low, and buyers can get competitive. As such, you want to make your home search as efficient as possible. When you are ready to take a closer look at a given property, you can attend an open house if one is offered or arrange a private viewing with your realtor. Each format has its own upside, so consider which way of viewing a home is better for you as you search for the perfect property.
Basics of an open house
Open houses are a time-honored tradition of real estate sales. A research report from the National Association of Realtors shows that open houses have become more popular over time, based on search data from Google. Some real estate seekers like to attend open house showings because of the laid-back format. All you have to do is show up during open house hours, sign in, and take a look around. It’s easy, and there’s not really any pressure to follow up if you’re not impressed. Going to an open house can be enjoyable and help explore what’s out there.
The advantage of going to an open house is that it is easy. You can just drop in at a house you want to check out, stay for a few minutes, and then leave. With that said, an open house is not always the best way to view a home if you are seriously interested. You will not get the most personalized experience of seeing a home by going to an open house. Open houses may attract guests who are not necessarily serious buyers; these events are an easy way for realtors to market a property.
Because anyone can drop in during open house hours, you will likely not be the only visitor, and so the listing agent’s time and attention will be divided. You may not get the most thorough experience of viewing a home in this way. However, if you do decide to attend an open house, it’s worth keeping in mind a couple of open house tips for buyers.
First, try to go at a time when there will not be many other guests. You might try going right when the open house begins. Alternately, go at a time that doesn’t coincide with either typical lunch hours or rush hour. The fewer guests there, the more you will be able to ask the agent questions. Second, if the home interests you, get the agent's contact information at the open house in case you’d like to follow up.
Basics of a private showing
A private showing is an appointment, usually arranged between you and your realtor, that gives you the opportunity to tour a home in detail. A private showing allows you to explore a home room-by-room, moving at your own pace and getting your questions answered satisfactorily. You can arrange a private showing according to your own schedule, and typically you and your real estate agent will be the only ones in the home. Of course, a private showing is a little less flexible and laid-back than an open house, but overall it will give you a better feel for the home. Most of all, you will benefit from the most personalized attention from the realtor who is showing the house, compared with the divided attention of a listing agent at an open house.
Individual considerations
While there are some objective pros and cons to different ways of touring a home, certain individual considerations also come into play. For instance, if you don’t yet have a clear idea of the kind of home you’d like to purchase, attending a few open houses may be worth your while. On the other hand, if you are extremely busy, it may be better to arrange a private showing to fit it into your schedule. In addition, it is always a good idea to get your real estate agent to weigh in on this matter. If you trust your agent’s opinion, then go with that. There is no wrong way to search for a home, provided that you have professional guidance from an experienced real estate agent.
Virtual options
In addition to the traditional choice of an open house or a private showing, you can also sometimes find detailed tours of properties online. Virtual showings have become more frequent since the shift away from in-person meetings that began in 2020, but still, the vast majority of homes that are sold are viewed in person, one way or another. In fact, Google searches for virtual home tours peaked in March 2020. It is always a best practice in real estate to physically see a property before purchasing it.
The best approach
The truth is that attending open houses and scheduling private showings are not mutually exclusive: you can do both to your heart’s content. However, as far as getting you the best service from a real estate agent and the most intimate experience of viewing a home, a private showing is usually the best way to go.
With that said, you can still attend open houses whenever you feel so inclined. If you happen to find a property that interests you in the process, by all means, go for it. While looking at listings of homes you would like to see privately, you can also keep an eye out for open houses or virtual tours.
What to do next — work with Giulietta Ulloa
Whether you lean toward going to open houses or scheduling private viewings, you will need a real estate agent who can show you a wide variety of desirable properties. Giulietta Ulloa is a southeastern Florida realtor with access to some of the finest luxury properties in the area. Her team’s portfolio includes exclusive listings for properties in the area in and around downtown Miami, with listings for Brickell, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, and Sunny Isles Beach homes for sale. Check out Giulietta Ulloa's online guides to the area’s best neighborhoods, or reach out when you are ready to explore some of Miami’s fantastic luxury properties.
