Walking into an open home in Chelsea Heights or Bonbeach on a crisp Saturday morning is a familiar ritual. You grab a brochure, sign the register, and begin the mental process of figuring out if this house could be your house.

As agents, we see hundreds of people through our doors every month. While every buyer is unique, the conversations often follow a very similar script. We hear the same phrases every weekend: and while they might seem like casual observations to you, they tell us a lot about where you are in your buying journey.

Here’s a look behind the curtain at the 10 most common things buyers say at open homes, what they actually mean, and how you can use this knowledge to your advantage.

1. "What’s the lowest price the seller will take?"

This is usually asked within the first three minutes of stepping inside. It’s a direct question, but for an agent, it’s one we simply cannot answer. Our job is to achieve the best possible outcome for our vendors, and revealing their "bottom line" would be a breach of that trust.

The Reality: When we hear this, we know you’re trying to find the "value floor." Instead of asking for the lowest price, ask us about recent comparable sales in the area or how the interest has been so far. This gives you a much better sense of where the competitive tension lies without putting the agent in an awkward spot.

2. "We’re just looking today."

This is the classic "stealth buyer" move. Often, people say this because they don’t want to be "sold to" or followed up on Monday morning.

The Reality: More often than not, the "just looking" buyer is actually highly motivated but hasn't found the right property yet. At Property One, we manage every home as if it were our own, which means we want to help you find the right fit. If you’re honest about your search, we can keep you in the loop for off-market opportunities that might not have hit Realestate.com.au yet.

3. "How long has it been on the market?"

Buyers often ask this to gauge whether there is room to negotiate. The assumption is that if a house has been sitting for 45 days, the seller must be getting desperate.

The Reality: In the current market, "days on market" doesn't always reflect the quality of the home. It might mean the seller is waiting for a specific settlement term, or they’ve just turned down an offer that didn't meet their expectations. A longer campaign can sometimes be a sign of a patient seller, not a desperate one.

4. "We’ll need to sell ours first."

This is the beginning of the "real estate chain" conversation. In a shifting market like we’re seeing in mid-2026, many buyers are cautious about committing to a purchase before they’ve locked in a sale for their own home in suburbs like Edithvale or Aspendale.

The Reality: "Subject to sale" offers are much harder to get across the line in a competitive environment. If you find yourself saying this, it’s worth chatting with us about a formal rental appraisal or a sales strategy for your current home. Knowing exactly what your home is worth allows you to act with confidence when the right property pops up.

5. "The photos made it look bigger."

We’ve all been there. Professional photography: especially with wide-angle lenses: is designed to show the full potential of a space. But when you arrive, the "expansive master suite" feels a little more… intimate.

The Reality: This is why physical inspections are non-negotiable. Photos are a greeting; the inspection is the conversation. Instead of being disappointed, focus on the "bones" and the flow. Does the layout work for your lifestyle? Can you imagine a morning walk along the Bonbeach foreshore from this location? Layout and location are the two things you can't renovate.

6. "What are the schools like around here?"

For parents (and parents-to-be), this is the golden question. In the southeast, school zones are a massive driver of property value.

The Reality: This is a great question, but timing matters. Buyers often ask this as an afterthought. If you’re looking in Chelsea Heights, you’re likely eyeing Chelsea Heights Primary School. If you’re closer to the water, Bonbeach Primary is a highly-regarded option that often sees strong academic results. Knowing the zones before you fall in love with a house is a smart move. Check our expert advice section for more on local amenities.

7. "We’re not in a rush."

Sometimes this is true. Other times, it’s a defense mechanism to avoid appearing over-eager.

The Reality: The "not in a rush" buyer often becomes the most frustrated buyer when they miss out on a property by $5,000. The best opportunities in Bayside often move quietly and quickly. If you like a place, don't hide it behind a "no rush" facade. Let us know you're interested so we can ensure you’re given the chance to participate before a contract is signed.

8. "Can we come back with our parents/partner/tradie?"

This is the "sanity check" phase. It usually happens mid-week after a successful Saturday inspection.

The Reality: To an agent, this is music to our ears. It means you’re serious. Bringing a tradie to look at a potential wall removal or bringing parents for a second opinion shows that you’re moving from "browsing" to "due diligence." We always encourage a second look: it’s a huge decision, and you should feel 100% comfortable.

9. "What’s the strata?" (The Section 32 Talk)

Usually asked by apartment or townhouse buyers, this is a vital question that often comes too late in the piece.

The Reality: In Victoria, the Section 32 (Vendor’s Statement) is your best friend. It outlines the strata fees, any upcoming special levies, and the council rates. Instead of just asking for the number, ask us to email you the Section 32. Having your solicitor review this early can save you a lot of heartache and ensure there are no "hidden" costs waiting for you after settlement.

10. "We’ll make an offer… but we want to think about it."

Hesitation is the most common emotion at an open home. It’s a lot of money, and the "fear of overpaying" is real.

The Reality: While thinking it over is wise, in a market where quality stock is scarce, "thinking about it" for too long can be the "hesitation trap." If the house ticks 8 out of 10 boxes, it’s probably the one. We’ve seen many buyers spend two years "thinking about it" while the market moves another 10% out of their reach.

Why your choice of agent matters

At Property One, we believe in a transparent, personalized approach. We aren't just here to open doors; we’re here to help you navigate the nuances of the Melbourne southeast market. Whether you are selling your family home or looking for your first investment, we treat every transaction with the care it deserves.

The things you say at an open home help us understand how to better serve you. So, next time you see us at a Saturday open, feel free to ask the "hard" questions. We’re here to give you the truth, not just a sales pitch.

Ready to find your next home?

Browse our current listings or reach out for a confidential chat about the market today.