Open House 101: Etiquette Guide for Buyers

Property hunting usually involves checking listings and visiting a number of open homes. However, some buyers do not know that there’s such a thing as open house etiquette. Embarking on a property search in earnest and attending real estate open houses requires one to be aware of the right protocol to follow.

And while your sole purpose is to find the right property for you after inspecting a property or two (or more), it’s essential to know what to do at an open house. Else, you could end up prodding and poking too much that, even with a great offer, you could still get passed on.

Should you have to ring the bell or knock on the door, though? Or can you just go straight in? Do you need to bring identification? What’s the proper attire for attending an open house? Can you take photos or a video?

If you don’t know the first thing about open house etiquette, then you’re on the right page.

Here, we cover the most crucial open house tips for anyone who’s looking with the end goal of buying a house. So, get ready and start taking notes.

1. Schedule your day.

Plan your day to maximise your time. Research the properties you want to see. As much as possible, visit open houses in one location, then move on to the next area, and so on. Give yourself enough time to visit each house before moving on to the next.

During planning, it would also be helpful to make a list of questions you’ll be asking on open house day.

2. Wear the appropriate kind of outfit.

Wear comfortable clothing and footwear because you’ll be walking through rooms and going up and down stairs a lot. While there’s no need to go formal or wear business attire, opting for smart casual or relaxed (but not overly casual) clothes is always a safe choice.

3. Step right in.

Remember exactly what was advertised for each open home you’re going to. Usually, there’d be information stating whether the property is open, at what date and time. If there is a sign out front about the open house, you can simply enter the property.

If there is a logbook or sheet, make sure to sign it with your name and contact details.

4. Leave your footwear outside.

If you’re out while it’s raining and you have muddy or wet footwear, you might need to take off your shoes and leave them outside. If you have the option to do so, wipe your footwear on the doormat instead. Else, if you’re expressly required to remove your shoes (e.g., there’s a sign or there are instructions about it), then it’s best to abide by the house rules.

5. Be polite to the host.

Don’t ignore the real estate agent hosting the open house, even if you are uncomfortable working with them. Be gracious, polite, and friendly, and greet them with a smile. Let the agent know that you already have someone working with you if they act a little pushy or try to solicit your business.

When you’re done looking around and are ready to go, make sure you thank the agent.

6. Ask essential questions.

Ask as many questions as you like because you’re looking to buy a house. Your decision to invest your money in a property you’re unfamiliar with should be based on sound decision-making.

Therefore, if you have any questions before, during, or after the open house, don’t hesitate to ask – but do so politely. Make sure to ask for the agent’s business card so you could call them up if you have follow-up questions.

Below is a list of typical queries posed by property buyers:

• Has the home undergone any renovations?
• Why did the owners decide to sell their house?
• Do you currently have any bids on the property?
• Are there any large-scale projects planned in the area?
• How long has the house been for sale?
• Are there any problems with the house, the land, or the neighbourhood?

If there are brochures or floor plan copies available, take one with you so you can recall the crucial details of the property easily.

7. Don’t bring any food or drinks inside.

It’s considered common courtesy to not bring any food, drinks, or snacks to an open house. These things can create a whole lot of mess when dropped accidentally, so be sure to skip them.

8. Inspect the property.

House inspections are part and parcel of attending an open house. Opening cupboards and closets, checking taps, testing the lights, and other similar activities are generally acceptable. Taking measurements for room or space dimensions is also considered fine. However, avoid snooping around or rummaging through the personal possessions of the homeowners.

9. Take photos and videos with permission, if necessary.

You might want to take pictures or record a video of the property for your reference later. While this may be allowed in general, it’s best to ask the agent or get permission first before you start taking snaps or a video of the place.

Doing so is a sign of courtesy and respect for the privacy of the homeowners who have graciously allowed you to inspect their house.

10. Don’t criticise the property when you’re inside.

Keep any negative feedback you have to yourself while inside the property. Avoid making a big fuss or criticising the place loudly during the open house. Instead, make a list of flaws or concerns, which you can discuss later with the agent.

Master open house etiquette

Not everyone knows what to do at an open house, and things can get pretty awkward if you don’t know how to behave.

But with these open house tips for buyers, you can have a smoother and overall, more pleasant house hunting experience. Hopefully, by knowing these open house rules, you’ll be one step closer to finding your dream home and be ready for the next step.