Open house etiquette is mainly about respecting the seller’s home, following the host agent’s instructions, and being considerate of other buyers. It may sound pretty straightforward, but toeing the line between being polite and getting the answers you need can be easier said than done, especially if you want to look closely, ask questions, take photos, or discuss the home while you’re there.
In this post, we’ll cover the main open house etiquette rules to follow when viewing a home.
1. Follow the Host’s Instructions When You Arrive
When you arrive at an open house, the host agent will usually let you know if there’s anything you need to do before looking around, such as signing in or removing your shoes. From there, just continue to follow their lead and respect any boundaries they’ve set for the property.
Of course, you can still take your time and get a good look at the home. But if you’re unsure about accessing a certain area, ask first rather than assuming it’s okay. That way, you can focus on the property without accidentally overstepping.
2. Be Upfront If You’re Already Working With a Real Estate Agent
If the host agent asks whether you’re already working with your own agent, just answer honestly. It can be tempting to avoid what can feel like an awkward conversation, but saying you’re unrepresented when you already have an agent can create unnecessary confusion and lead the host to spend time discussing services or follow-up that you don’t need.
It’s not like you have to get into a long explanation or anything. A simple yes or no is enough, and you can just continue the conversation from there.
3. Look Closely Without Snooping Through Personal Belongings
You’re there to properly evaluate the home, so it’s fine to look more closely than you would if you were simply visiting someone. To do so with proper open house etiquette, though, the key is to focus on the property itself, not the seller’s personal belongings.
During an open house, it’s usually reasonable to do things like:
- Open kitchen cabinets and built-in storage
- Check closets and pantry space
- Look under sinks
- Open doors that are clearly part of the home
What you shouldn’t do, on the other hand, is start going through dresser drawers, nightstands, boxes, medicine cabinets, or anything else that’s clearly personal or closed off. As a general rule of thumb, if you wouldn’t like someone looking through something in your home, don’t do it at theirs.
If you’re unsure where the line is, ask the host agent before opening something. You’ll still get the information you need without crossing into snooping.
4. Ask Before Taking Photos or Videos
It’s easy to reach for your phone when you see a cool room or feature you want to remember, but don’t assume photos or videos are automatically okay just because the home is open for viewing. The seller may still have personal photos, valuables, security equipment, or other private details visible throughout the property.
If you want to take a photo, record a video, or hop on a video call with someone who couldn’t make it, check whether that’s allowed first. Some sellers won’t mind, while others may prefer that you stick to the listing photos.
The main thing is to remember that an open house gives you access to view the property, not blanket permission to document everything inside it.
5. Save Criticism and Detailed Discussions Until You Leave
Treat the open house as the place to observe, not the place to debrief. You can take mental notes, jot things down, and ask straightforward questions, but save your real opinions for after you’ve left the property.
There are two reasons for that:
- It’s simply more respectful to avoid criticizing someone’s home while you’re standing in it
- Anything you say about your interest, concerns, or negotiating position could be overheard and make its way back to the seller
Once you’re outside, you can talk freely with your real estate agent and sort through what you liked, what gave you pause, and whether the home is worth pursuing.
Open House Etiquette Is Easier With Your Own Real Estate Agent
Once you know the basic etiquette, open houses become a lot easier to navigate. They let you focus more on the property itself instead of second-guessing what’s appropriate while you’re there.
And if you could use even more guidance, having your own Realtor can help. Hawkins Real Estate Group works with buyers across Southern Georgian Bay to make the home search easier to navigate, from viewing properties to deciding which ones are worth pursuing.
If you’re ready to start getting a few open houses under your belt, contact us today.
