I am sure you know people who check out open houses for a hobby…realtors refer to them as lookiloos. Some of my buyers have converted into lookiloos because they really enjoy looking at homes and cannot seem to stop. Almost like I was the drug dealer getting them their first hits aka, getting them into some homes that met their criteria and they were hooked! Once escrow closed they could not stop looking and they will cruise the streets on the weekends looking for another hit (aka open house).
Some people are simply nosey or more accurately enjoy the voyeurism of looking how other people live. Others are looking for remodeling ideas or that perfect fireplace. Others are looking for their dream home and enjoy picking a house apart. If they find one they cannot pick apart, they might just have to buy it!
Do you like to look at houses? Are you addicted? What are you looking for?
Personally, I see huge value in lookiloos and here are my Top Three Reasons lookiloos are a good thing!
1) They are often talking positively about real estate
2) They may see something that catches their attention and tell a friend that is looking for a home
3) They help agents with pricing. If a property is not priced well, a lookiloo will not only still come and see the home, they will often give honest and knowledge based feedback
