Cressy & Everett Real Estate Blog
RSS Feed
Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2026 | 17 Posts
- 2025 | 49 Posts
- 2024 | 53 Posts
- 2023 | 48 Posts
- 2022 | 48 Posts
- 2021 | 49 Posts
- 2020 | 48 Posts
- 2019 | 48 Posts
- 2018 | 54 Posts
- 2017 | 51 Posts
- 2016 | 14 Posts
- 2015 | 11 Posts
- 2014 | 21 Posts
- 2013 | 3 Posts
Baroda, MI | 6 Posts
Benton Harbor MI | 7 Posts
Berrien County | 9 Posts
Bristol, IN | 1 Posts
Buying a Home | 83 Posts
Career Opportunities | 4 Posts
Community | 4 Posts
Company News | 13 Posts
Cressy & Everett | 8 Posts
Elkhart IN | 5 Posts
First-time Buyers | 3 Posts
Giving Back | 4 Posts
Goshen IN | 3 Posts
Harbor Country, MI | 2 Posts
Home Improvement | 39 Posts
Home Loans | 2 Posts
Home Safety | 1 Posts
Homeownership | 53 Posts
Michiana | 41 Posts
Michigan Homes for Sale | 1 Posts
Nappanee IN | 4 Posts
Niles, MI | 1 Posts
Real Estate Professionals | 2 Posts
Saint Joseph MI | 23 Posts
Selling Your Home | 54 Posts
Senior Buyers | 1 Posts
South Bend IN | 105 Posts
Sturgis MI | 1 Posts
Top Agents | 2 Posts
Uncategorized | 4 Posts
Welcome New Realtors | 36 Posts
May
27
27
Getting the Most from Showings and Open Houses
Our experienced real estate agents at Cressy & Everett are dedicated to helping you navigate the exciting journey of buying and selling homes, whether you're looking at South Bend homes for sale or exploring the beautiful St. Joseph homes for sale along Michigan's stunning shoreline. With their expertise, you'll be well-equipped to make the most of every property viewing opportunity that comes your way.
- Preparing as a Buyer
Before attending showings or open houses, take time to clarify your must-haves versus nice-to-haves in a property. Create a checklist of features important to you, such as the number of bedrooms, yard size, school district, or proximity to amenities. Arrive with pre-approval in hand to demonstrate you're a serious buyer ready to make an offer if the right property presents itself. Dress comfortably and bring a notebook, measuring tape, and your smartphone for photos and notes that will help you remember specific details when comparing properties later. - Making the Most of Your Visit
When you arrive at a property, take a moment to assess the neighborhood and surrounding area before entering. Notice traffic patterns, nearby amenities, and the general condition of neighboring properties. Once inside, resist the urge to rush through rooms—instead, move methodically and imagine your daily routines in the space. Open closets, check under sinks, and test light switches to get a comprehensive understanding of the property's condition. Engage with the listing agent by asking thoughtful questions about the home's history, recent upgrades, and why the current owners are selling. - Looking Beyond Aesthetics
Train yourself to look past decorative elements and focus on the bones of the home. A property with outdated décor but solid construction often represents better value than a beautifully staged home hiding structural issues. Pay close attention to foundation, roof condition, HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical components—these expensive items can significantly impact your budget if repairs are needed. Take note of natural light, noise levels, and room flow, as these factors significantly affect daily living comfort but cannot be easily changed. - Seller Strategies for Successful Showings
If you're selling your home, presentation makes a tremendous difference in buyer perception. Declutter aggressively, removing personal items that might distract potential buyers from envisioning themselves in the space. Deep clean every corner, paying special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, where cleanliness signals well-maintained systems. Consider a pre-listing inspection to address potential issues before they become negotiation points. Create a comfortable atmosphere with appropriate lighting, comfortable temperature settings, and subtle, neutral scents. - Following Up Effectively
After visiting properties, take time to review your notes while impressions are fresh. Rank properties based on how well they meet your criteria rather than emotional reactions alone. Don't hesitate to schedule second showings for properties that make your shortlist—different times of day can reveal new insights about lighting, noise levels, and neighborhood activity. When you find a property that checks your most important boxes, work with your Cressy & Everett agent to craft a competitive offer that reflects current market conditions.
We at Cressy & Everett Real Estate understand that finding the perfect home is both an art and a science, which is why our dedicated team is committed to guiding you through every step of the process. Contact us today to begin your journey toward homeownership.
Note: a subscription to the Do Not Call list does not apply when requesting information from our company.
This site is hosted, designed and copyright
© 1994 - 2026 by
Delta Media Group, Inc. -- Patent Pending --
Agency License Information: Cressy & Everett Real Estate is licensed in the states of Indiana and Michigan.