Open House Etiquette for Buyers

 


An open house isn’t just a casual walk-through—it’s your first impression as a serious buyer.
Thousands of homes are sold each year during or right after an open house. But showing up unprepared or behaving poorly could hurt your chances—even in a hot market.

If you're planning to attend open houses soon, this guide will show you how to act, what to do, and what to avoid so you can make the most of every visit—and stand out for all the right reasons.

Why Open House Etiquette Matters

Real estate agents, sellers, and even neighbors notice how buyers behave. Good etiquette shows you're serious, respectful, and ready to buy.

Poor behavior, on the other hand, could:

  • Turn off the seller

  • Get you blacklisted by the listing agent

  • Damage your reputation in a competitive market

🟩 Pro Tip: Sellers may receive feedback from agents after an open house. Always make a good impression—you never know who’s watching!

1. Do Your Homework Before Attending

Before showing up to an open house:

  • Research the property online

  • Look at listing photos and read the full description

  • Know the asking price, square footage, and number of bedrooms

  • Check the neighborhood for schools, amenities, or crime stats

This helps you avoid wasting your time on homes that don’t meet your needs.

📊 Stat: Over 90% of buyers browse homes online before attending an open house—don’t skip this step.

2. Arrive On Time (Or During Scheduled Hours)

Open houses usually have a time window (e.g., Sunday 1–4 PM). Respect that schedule.

Avoid:

  • Arriving 30 minutes early

  • Showing up after the open house ends

  • Asking for a private showing on the spot

🕒 Pro Tip: Agents are often hosting multiple homes in one day. Being punctual shows you respect their time and the seller's privacy.

3. Sign In at the Door

When you enter, you’ll likely be asked to:

  • Sign a guest book or digital form

  • Provide your name, contact info, and whether you’re working with an agent

This helps the listing agent follow up and keeps a record for the seller.

If you have a buyer’s agent, be sure to write their name too. That way, the listing agent knows you’re represented.

✅ Pro Tip: If you’re just browsing, it’s okay to say so—but don’t lie. Transparency builds trust.

4. Be Polite and Greet the Listing Agent

Say hello when you walk in. You don’t need to chat for long, but basic courtesy goes a long way.

Some things you can ask:

  • “Is there anything special I should know about this home?”

  • “Are there any disclosures or inspection reports available?”

  • “What’s the seller’s timeline for moving?”

🟢 Pro Tip: Keep questions focused on the home, not personal details about the seller.

5. Follow the House Rules

Every home is different. Some may require:

  • Removing your shoes or wearing booties

  • Avoiding certain rooms

  • Not using the bathroom

Always look for signs posted near the entrance or listen to what the host tells you.

🚫 Pro Tip: Never bring food, drinks, or pets into an open house unless specifically allowed.

6. Tour the Home Respectfully

When walking through the property:

  • Don’t snoop through drawers, closets, or medicine cabinets

  • Don’t open the refrigerator, dishwasher, or laundry unless you ask

  • Avoid commenting loudly (e.g., “this place is ugly”)

Instead, look carefully and take notes. Whisper if you need to make critical comments.

🏡 Pro Tip: Take photos only if allowed, and never post them online—especially if the house is still occupied.

7. Keep Children and Guests in Check

It’s perfectly fine to bring kids or family members—but they must behave respectfully.

Tips:

  • Keep kids close to you at all times

  • Don’t let them run or jump on furniture

  • Make sure guests know you’re here to tour, not hang out

👨‍👩‍👦 Pro Tip: If possible, leave young children with a sitter. Touring homes is easier without distractions.

8. Don’t Overshare or Overstay

Avoid discussing:

  • Your budget

  • Your thoughts on the price

  • Your timeline for buying

The listing agent represents the seller, not you. Any info you share could be used during negotiations.

Also, avoid lingering too long—15 to 30 minutes is typically enough for a first look.

💬 Pro Tip: Save detailed discussions for your agent after the visit. Keep it short and neutral during the tour.

9. Take Notes for Future Reference

If you’re visiting multiple homes in a day, it’s easy to mix them up. Use your phone or a small notebook to jot down:

  • What you liked and didn’t like

  • Square footage and layout highlights

  • Neighborhood impressions

This will help you narrow down your options later.

✍️ Pro Tip: Create a checklist of features you want in a home—bring it to every open house.

10. Follow Up with Your Agent or the Listing Agent

After the open house:

  • Let your agent know what you thought of the property

  • If you’re interested, ask about next steps (offer deadlines, disclosures, etc.)

  • If unrepresented, you can ask the listing agent for a private showing

📞 Pro Tip: A quick thank-you email or message to the listing agent is a nice gesture—even if you’re not interested in the home.

11. Don’t Be a Spy for Someone Else

Sometimes buyers bring friends or relatives to scope out homes without committing. This can backfire.

Agents can tell when someone is “just looking” on behalf of someone else—and it may be seen as disrespectful to the process.

🚨 Pro Tip: Be honest about your intentions. Whether you're browsing or serious, transparency helps everyone.

12. Respect Occupied Homes

If the home is still lived in:

  • Don’t sit on furniture

  • Don’t touch personal items

  • Don’t open closets without permission

  • Don’t take anything (even flyers) without asking

Remember: You’re a guest in someone’s home. Treat it that way.

🏠 Stat: 40% of open houses are hosted in occupied homes—extra respect goes a long way.

Final Thoughts: Open Houses Are Opportunities

Attending an open house the right way can set you apart as a prepared, respectful, and serious buyer. It’s also your chance to:

  • Get a feel for a home and neighborhood

  • Meet the listing agent

  • Compare properties easily and quickly

  • Decide whether it’s worth pursuing

Use open houses wisely—and make every visit count.

Have You Ever Attended an Open House?

What was your experience like? Did you meet a great agent or fall in love with a home? Share your story in the comments below!

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