Mastering Open Houses: Insider Tips for Savvy Home Buyers
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Mastering Open Houses: Insider Tips for Savvy Home Buyers
Mastering Open Houses: Insider Tips for Savvy Home Buyers
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Season 2025

Podcast Show Notes: Making the Most of Open Houses 🏡

Learn how to maximize your time at open houses, spot potential red flags, and protect yourself as a buyer.

Episode Summary

Are you house hunting and attending open houses? Don’t let excitement blind you to the details that matter most. In this episode, Bo Kaufman shares practical tips on what to look for, how to avoid costly mistakes, and why having your own buyer’s agent is essential. From structural red flags to hidden maintenance costs, you’ll learn how to navigate open houses like a pro and ensure you’re making informed decisions.

🎙️ Highlights

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

  • 🏠 Why the open house agent works for the seller—not you.
  • 🔍 How to spot structural issues, like cracks, uneven floors, or propped-open doors.
  • 💧 Common red flags in plumbing, water damage, and musty smells.
  • ⚡ Simple tricks to check electrical systems and HVAC functionality.
  • 💰 The hidden costs of homeownership, from landscaping to appliance replacement.
  • 🔑 Why a buyer’s agent is your best ally during home-buying.
Timestamped Outline

00:00:00 – Opening Hook: Want to make the most of every open house? Learn how to spot what others miss.
00:00:04 – Introduction: Why open houses are important and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
00:00:56 – The Role of the Open House Agent: Who they work for and why their interests may not align with yours.
00:01:30 – The Value of a Buyer’s Agent: How they protect your interests and save you from costly mistakes.
00:02:15 – What to Look for at Open Houses: Key areas to inspect, including structural issues, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
00:03:35 – Spotting Red Flags: Cracks, water stains, musty odors, and uneven floors.
00:04:40 – Hidden Costs of Homeownership: Pools, large yards, aging appliances, and maintenance considerations.
00:05:50 – Using All Your Senses: Why smells, sounds, and visual details can reveal hidden problems.
00:06:30 – Wrapping Up: Stay observant, work with a buyer’s agent, and make informed decisions.

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🚀 Connect with Bo

Need expert advice on buying or selling in Winnipeg? Reach out to Bo directly:
📞 Call: 204-333-2202
📧 Email: boknowshomes@gmail.com
🌐 Visit: https://winnipeg.beehiiv.com

Cert. Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

Accredited Buyer Representative

Direct:  204-333-2202

Web: Https://Winnipeghomefinder.com

 

Chapters

00:04 - Introduction to Open Houses

00:23 - Importance of Buyer Representation

02:12 - Key Features to Inspect at Open Houses

03:40 - Hidden Costs of Home Ownership

04:07 - Using Your Senses Effectively

04:48 - Final Thoughts on Open Houses

Transcript
WEBVTT

00:00:00.017 --> 00:00:03.697
Want to make the most of every open house and spot the details that others miss?

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Let's talk about how to do it right.

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You're listening to the Bo Knows Real Estate Podcast. Tips and advice for home

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buyers, sellers, and owners.

00:00:15.837 --> 00:00:19.357
With award-winning REMAX agent, Bo Kaufman.

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Hey there, and thanks for tuning in. If you're in the middle of house hunting

00:00:27.657 --> 00:00:30.097
or thinking about it, this episode is for you.

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We're talking all about open houses, how to approach them, what to look for,

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and most importantly, how to protect yourself.

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Because let's face it, buying a home is a considerable investment and making

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wise decisions now can save you from big regrets later.

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So here's the thing about open houses. They're exciting, right?

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You get to step inside homes you've only seen in pictures, wander around.

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And imagine your life there.

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But there's a catch. The agent hosting the open house? They don't work for you.

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Their job is representing the seller, which means their loyalty lies with the other side.

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They're there to highlight all the home's great features, answer your questions

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in a way that benefits the seller, and ultimately negotiate the best deal for

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their client, not for you.

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Now that doesn't mean

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They're being dishonest or anything like that. It just means their job isn't

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to point out potential problems or to protect your interests.

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That's why having your own buyer's agent is so important.

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A buyer's agent is there to look out for you. They're legally obligated to act

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in your best interest, whether that means helping you negotiate a fair price,

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spotting red flags you might miss, or just making sure you understand the deal's fine print.

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I can't tell you how often I've seen this play out. A buyer goes to an open

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house, falls in love with the home, and gets excited.

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They're ready to make an offer on the spot.

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But then they call me, and when I take a closer look, I spot issues that could

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have cost them a fortune – foundation problems, hidden water damage, you name it.

00:02:05.897 --> 00:02:09.437
Having someone in your corner who knows what to look for can make all the difference.

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Now let's talk about what you should look for when walking through an open house.

00:02:16.554 --> 00:02:20.954
First, consider the big stuff like the home structure. Look at the walls and

00:02:20.954 --> 00:02:22.514
ceilings. Are there cracks?

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Small ones might be no big deal, but if you see large or jagged cracks,

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that could be a sign of foundation issues.

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Walk around and feel the floors. Do they seem uneven?

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If you notice doors propped open with doorstops or wedges, that might mean the

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house is leaning or settling in a way that's not quite right.

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Plumbing is another big thing to check out. Take a peek under the sinks for

00:02:45.754 --> 00:02:49.654
leaks or water stains and look up at the ceilings for signs of discoloration.

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And don't be shy. Turn on the faucets and flush the toilets.

00:02:54.294 --> 00:02:58.694
This is your chance to check the water pressure and make sure everything's in working order.

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Oh, and if you catch a musty smell, that could mean hidden water damage or even mold.

00:03:04.914 --> 00:03:07.834
Electrical systems are another area to pay attention to.

00:03:08.394 --> 00:03:11.954
A simple trick is to bring a phone charger with you to test the outlets.

00:03:12.274 --> 00:03:15.134
It's quick and easy and will tell you whether the outlets are live.

00:03:15.694 --> 00:03:17.534
Also, take a look at the breaker box.

00:03:18.114 --> 00:03:21.534
If it looks old or outdated, it could mean costly upgrades.

00:03:22.494 --> 00:03:27.574
And let's not forget about heating and cooling. Ask how old the HVAC system

00:03:27.574 --> 00:03:29.694
is and when it was last serviced.

00:03:30.574 --> 00:03:34.734
If you notice some rooms feel colder or warmer than others, it could point to

00:03:34.734 --> 00:03:38.314
insulation or airflow issues that might not be obvious at first glance.

00:03:40.254 --> 00:03:44.574
One thing a lot of buyers don't think about is the hidden costs of owning a home.

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For example, that big, beautiful yard might look like a dream,

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but keeping it in good shape takes time, money, and effort.

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Pools are another one. Sure, they're fun, but the maintenance costs can add up quickly.

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Things like cleaning, chemicals, and repairs, and don't forget about appliances.

00:04:02.674 --> 00:04:07.094
Even if they seem fine now, older models might need replacing sooner than you'd think.

00:04:07.874 --> 00:04:12.834
Now here's a tip that might surprise you. Use all your senses when you're at

00:04:12.834 --> 00:04:15.354
an open house. Pay attention to smells.

00:04:15.694 --> 00:04:20.414
Musty odors could mean water damage and overpowering air fresheners might be masking something.

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Listen for creaks in the floors or noises in the pipes, and keep an eye out

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for things like water stains, mold, or doors propped open.

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These little clues can tell you a lot about what's going on with the property.

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You're listening to Bo Kaufman of Remax Performance Realty call Bo if you're

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buying or selling a house or a condo in Winnipeg Bo knows real estate

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I want to circle back to something essential before we wrap up.

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Negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you're not walking into a money pit.

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Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make,

00:05:07.185 --> 00:05:12.225
and having someone in your corner who knows the process inside and out, that's priceless.

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So, to wrap things up, open houses are a great way to explore homes and gather

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information, but they're also an opportunity to dig deeper.

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Be observant, stay focused, and don't be afraid to ask questions,

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or to walk away if something doesn't feel right.

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Most importantly, make sure you have the right people working for you.

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Thanks for hanging out with me today. If you found this helpful,

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please share it with someone else who's house hunting.

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As always, call me if you're looking to buy or sell a house or a condo in Winnipeg.

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My direct sell is 204-333-2202.

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Here to turn your real estate dreams into reality one episode at a time. Let's talk next week.

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You've been listening to Bo Kaufman of REMAX Performance Realty.

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Are you thinking of buying or selling a house or a condo in Winnipeg?

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Call Bo at 204-333-2202. Remember, Bo knows real estate.