With most buyers using websites like, Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com to find their next home, open houses have become the most common way buyers view a property for the first time. In markets like Boston, it's so competitive that it's common to see 50 people show up for an open house. The problem with this, is that there are so many people there that you can't get a good feel for the home with so much traffic. In most cases, the next step would be to set up a private showing before making an offer, but you may miss out if other buyers are ready to make an offer before you get in for the second time. This is why scheduling a private showing can really mean the difference between an offer being accepted or you missing out on an opportunity. If the home looks like a good fit schedule a private showing immediately, especially in a hot seller's market.
