Open House Etiquette

Open House Etiquette for Guests: A Guide to Making the Most of Your Visit

Attending an open house is a great way to explore potential homes, get a feel for different neighborhoods, and envision yourself in a new living space.

However, just like any other event, open houses come with certain unspoken rules and etiquette.

First: The Benefits of Attending an Open House

Explore Without Pressure: Open houses allow potential buyers to view a home in a casual setting without the pressure of booking an appointment or committing to a showing.
Get a Feel for the Neighborhood: Attending multiple open houses gives you an opportunity to explore different neighborhoods, assess the area’s atmosphere, and determine if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.
Ask Questions in Real-Time: During an open house, you can directly ask the real estate agent questions about the property, neighborhood, or market conditions.
Gauge Interest: Open houses can also help buyers get a sense of the competition. If the open house is crowded, it might signal that the home will sell quickly or could attract multiple offers.

1. Respect the Homeowner’s Space

First and foremost, remember that this is someone’s home. Even if it’s staged and looks picture-perfect, treat the space as if the homeowners are present.

Be Mindful of What You Might Track In: Many open houses will have a designated area for guests to remove their shoes, or they may provide booties to protect the floors. Be sure to follow this rule without hesitation—it’s a sign of respect for the homeowner’s property.
Try not to snoop: While it’s natural to be curious, avoid opening closets, drawers, or personal belongings that aren’t relevant to the home’s sale. Focus on the spaces meant for display, like bedrooms, bathrooms, the kitchen, and living areas. If you’re curious about a specific space or need further information, ask the agent rather than exploring on your own.
Respect the Home’s Condition: Don’t touch or move anything unnecessarily. Treat the home with the same care you’d expect someone to treat yours.
Stay together as a family, and keep children with you. It’s natural for children to want to explore and play with other kids’ toys, however, it’s very important for children to tour the property with the adult.

2. Sign In Upon Arrival

Think of it like a trade…The only thing asked of you to view the home is to put your real, legible contact down. This allows the agent to gather feedback and offer services.

This step isn’t just a formality; it serves several important purposes.

Safety and Security: For the homeowner, it provides a sense of security, knowing who has entered their home. It also allows the agent to track guest flow throughout the event.
Follow-Up Communication: Signing in gives the real estate agent your contact information, which allows them to follow up with any additional details or answer questions you may have after the open house. If you’re not ready to share your contact info, you can let the agent know, but it’s best to be upfront and honest about your intentions.
Build a Relationship with the Agent: Signing in can help start a conversation with the agent, and if you’re serious about buying, it’s beneficial to build a rapport. The agent could provide insights about the property or even offer you access to upcoming listings before they hit the market.

3. Be Polite and Respectful to the Real Estate Agent

The real estate agent hosting the open house is there to represent the homeowner, but they are also a valuable resource for you as a guest.

Introduce Yourself: Upon entering, introduce yourself and state whether you’re just browsing or a serious buyer. Agents appreciate knowing where guests stand, and it helps them tailor their interactions with you accordingly.
Ask Questions, But Be Mindful: Open houses can get busy, so while it’s a great opportunity to ask questions, be mindful of the agent’s time and other guests who may also need attention.
Don’t Critique the Home in Front of Other Guests: If the home isn’t to your taste, it’s best to save your opinions for later. You never know who might be within earshot, and being overly critical can come across as disrespectful to the homeowners, or other potential buyers.
Follow Up After the Open House: If you have questions or want more information, follow up after the event. Agents often appreciate when guests reach out with genuine interest.

4. Give Other Guests Space

It’s common for multiple guests to attend an open house at once. To ensure everyone has a positive experience:

Avoid Crowding: If a room or space is already occupied, give other guests the opportunity to explore it before stepping in. This allows everyone to see the home comfortably without feeling rushed or cramped.
Keep Conversations Quiet: If you’re attending with a partner or family, keep conversations at a respectful volume. Loud discussions can distract other guests and the agent.

5. Be Honest About Your Intentions

If you’re not serious about purchasing the home, it’s okay! Open houses are often used by buyers who are still exploring their options. However, it’s best to be upfront with the real estate agent about your intentions.

Don’t Pretend to Be a Buyer if You’re Just Browsing: The agent’s job is to sell the home, and they’ll likely tailor their pitch to serious buyers. Being upfront about your situation will help both you and the agent avoid wasting time.
Let the Agent Know if You Already Have Representation: If you’re working with a buyer’s agent, it’s courteous to inform the hosting agent. This helps them avoid stepping on another agent’s toes and keeps the process transparent.

6. Respect the Home’s Timeline

Some open houses are open for specific time windows, so it’s important to be mindful of your timing.

Arrive Within the Scheduled Time: Don’t show up early or stay late unless explicitly invited by the agent. Respect the homeowner’s time and schedule.
Don’t Linger Too Long: While it’s important to thoroughly view the home, avoid overstaying. If you’ve seen everything and had your questions answered, give others a chance to explore without feeling crowded.

7. Follow Up if Interested

If you’re genuinely interested in the home, don’t be shy about following up with the agent after the open house. Whether it’s asking for additional details, requesting a second showing, or even making an offer, following up signals your interest and keeps you top of mind for the agent.