Beyond The Photos: Why Open Houses Are Essential at Every Stage of Your Home Search

Whether you're casually exploring the North Bay market or ready to submit an offer, attending open houses is the most valuable hands-on research you can do. For new buyers, they are essential for tuning your price meter—seeing what real space and condition look like for specific dollar amounts, and truly absorbing the neighborhood feel that photos never reveal. For serious buyers, open houses are tactical preparation, allowing you to gauge competition and test your wants versus needs against reality. The critical final step is ensuring your finances are fully prepared before you submit an offer: Book a buyer consultation with me today, and we'll use the insights you gathered at open houses to build your rock-solid budget and winning offer strategy.