Issue No. 01 · Free Edition · The Rebecca Savitski Blog

Hi,

Welcome to the first issue of The Rebecca Savitski Blog — I’m so glad you’re here.

I started this newsletter because I believe the people who make the best real estate decisions are the ones who are best informed. Not the ones with the most money. Not the ones who’ve done it the most times. The best-informed ones.

So that’s what I’m going to give you every week: real information, from inside this industry, without the sales pitch.

This week: the open house.

I host open houses most every weekend. And every weekend, I see the same mistakes, buyers walking in unprepared, sharing the wrong things with the wrong people, and missing the details that could save them thousands of dollars or steer them away from a money pit.

This checklist fixes that. Print it. Bring it. Use it.

— Rebecca

Before the Open House

☐ Confirm your pre-approval is current (or speak to a lender first) Need a referral - Ask - I know people!

☐ Look up the home on Search Here days on market, price history, and tax records. or Reach out to Rebecca she is happy to give you all the details.

☐ Check recent comparable sales within 1 mile in the last 6 months. Or reach out to Rebecca for a detailed report like this

☐ Write your top 5 must-haves and top 5 deal-breakers before you go

☐ Note the neighborhood. Figure out your reference points. Where’s your shopping? Hobbies? Medical facilities?

☐ Tell your buyer’s agent you’re going, or bring them along.

☐Have some questions ready for the hosting agent, this a great way to interview agents you may want to hire as your Buyer’s Agent or Listing Agent.

At the Open House — Outside First

☐ Consider the parking situation. Is there ample parking for you and your needs? Are there cars parked on the street? Is there guest parking?

☐ Check the gutters. Are there gutters? Are they sagging? Are there tress growings? Are they rusted, or overflowing?

☐ Look at the grading does the land slope toward or away from the foundation? Is the yard wet? When’s the last time it rained?

☐ Inspect foundation visible at ground level. Look for cracks, efflorescence (white staining), gaps, critters, vines,

☐ Check the driveway and walkways for significant cracks or settling.

☐ Note the age and condition of the roof can you see missing shingles from the ground?

☐ Look at neighboring homes their condition directly impacts yours. Pros and Cons of living in an HOA

☐ Walk the perimeter and check for drainage issues, wood rot, or damaged siding

Here Is a list of Actions - Should you do this during the Open House or During your Private Showing?

☐ Run every faucet. Check pressure AND time to hot water - Private Showing

☐ Flush a toilet. Observe fill time and water clarity - Flush a toilet during an Open House or All during a Private Showing

☐ Check cell signal in every room. No signal is that a Pro or a Con? - Open House

☐ Flip the light switchs. Make note anything that doesn’t work - there is typically and explanation. Private Showing

☐ Open the closets Look up at the ceiling, look at the flooring, not just the space. Open House

☐ Check under kitchen and bathroom sinks for signs of water damage or mold. Open House

☐ Look for fresh paint on isolated wall sections could indicate patched water stains. Open House

☐ Test window operation. Ask the agent first, do they open, close, and lock properly? Private Showing

☐ Check the basement or crawl space for moisture, cracks, or pest evidence. Moisture smells damp. Private Showing there are tools.

☐ Find the electrical panel, note the age, brand, and whether it’s been updated. Private Showing

☐ Locate the water heater. Note the age on the label. Private Showing

☐ Ask about HVAC age and service history. Open House

☐ Note which direction the home faces affects natural light and energy costs. Also do you know what your preference is? Open House

Questions to Ask the Listing Agent or Hosting Agent

☐ “Why is the seller moving?” (Listen carefully and listen for what they don’t say). This is not a material fact and does not need to be disclosed, and sometimes should not be disclosed.

☐ “How long has the home been on market, and have there been any offers?” Good question, but agent needs seller’s permission to state if there have been any offers.

☐ “When were the HVAC, water heater, and roof last replaced?” Ask for the disclosures. The hosting agent will provide either a link or have print outs.

☐ “Are there any HOA fees, restrictions, or pending assessments?” Great question. The agent will be able to answer, and your buyer agent will also do this research to confirm.

☐ “What’s included in the sale vs. excluded?” Great question, and remember everything is negotiable. You don’t want the Washer and Dryer, don’t ask for it and vice a versa.

☐ “What are the average monthly utility costs?” This is a great question. The agent may or may not have this available, but your buyer agent can gather this for you. (I know I do for my clients)

☐ “Has the seller made any un-permitted improvements?” Good question. This needs to be disclosed on the Seller’s Disclosure statement.

☐ “Are there any known issues the seller is disclosing?” Would be on the Seller’s Disclosure Statement

⚠️ Important: The listing agent works for the SELLER. Do not share your budget, your emotional attachment to the home, or your timeline with the listing agent. That information can and will be used in negotiations — against you.

After the Open House Within 2 Hours

☐ Rate the home honestly: 1–10 against your must-haves list

☐ Voice memo your raw impressions while they’re fresh

☐ Note the things that felt off trust your gut, then verify with data

☐ Text or call your buyer’s agent with your notes

☐ Research whether anything you observed warrants a closer look or inspection

Ready to Search with a Strategy?

I work with buyers in Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, Apex, Cary, and across the Triangle.

👉 Book a Free Buyer Consultation

👉 Register for our monthly Buyer’s Summit

Coming next week: “What Sellers Don’t Know About Open Houses And Why It Costs Them.” Make sure you’re subscribed.

— Rebecca Savitski · Real Estate Agent · Century 21 Triangle Group · Fuquay-Varina, NC