By 
You see the signs on the road. You see them posted on social media. You see them advertised in newspapers. You see them on websites.
Open Houses
Prior to 2020, people attended open houses for several reasons. They wanted to…
- Look at a home they were interested in buying.
- Look at a home down the street, see their competition.
- Learn about home decorating trends and staging styles.
- See what the inside of “that” home looked like.
- Pass the time on the weekend with an activity.
- Connect with a REALTOR face to face.
Now, virtual showings have become more of a common practice. Not only is it good marketing, but it can be a more personalized home viewing experience. However, because of the current market, many sellers are only allowing their home to be shown in an “Open House” timeframe of 2 hours. This way, it’s lots of people, in a short amount of time.
DO
Disclose to the agent if you are working with a REALTOR (aka, me).
Be polite and respectful of the home and the realtor’s time.
Ask permission to take pictures.
Stay focused on the home.
Stay “hands off”
Bring a notepad to take notes, and jot down questions to ask later.
Read disclosures prior.
DO NOT
Bring distractions.
Eat or drink in home (unless it’s provided, and then keep food in kitchen).
Lollygag
Go through personal possessions.
Can you go to open houses if you are not ready to purchase a home? ABSOLUTELY!
This is a great way to
- Learn your "non-negotiables"
- Determine what budget you need for the homes you want
- Meet real estate professionals at the open house (REALTOR, Local Mortgage Professionals, etc.)
- Learn about the neighborhood and neighborhood ammenities
- Provide feedback to the REALTOR
When you are ready to purchase your home, I would be honored if you chose me to be your REALTOR!
Kelly Raulston
“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic.
I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016.
I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017.
When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
