Open House Etiquette 101 for Homebuyers
There are plenty of reasons why a seller's real estate agent is the host of the open house for their listings. Firstly, open houses are an efficient way to get many different prospective buyers through the door without the back and forth of having to deal with scheduling private showings. Secondly, they are a good way for agents to pick up new clients, many casual attendees of open houses might not have an agent that is representing them quite yet. Open houses can be entirely worthwhile for those who are attending them, whether you are a serious buyer or just casually browsing the inside of a home you have had your eye on. In this article, we will discuss open-house etiquette for homebuyers.
Can Anyone Attend an Open House?
Yes, anyone can attend an open house, as they are open to the public, meaning anyone can attend during the dates and times that are advertised. At an open house, you are likely going to encounter the following types of attendees:
- Serious Prospective Buyers: These types of people are going to be on the hunt for the ideal home, and they are likely stopping at many different open houses on the same weekend.
- Casual Browers: Open houses are valuable to people who are starting their home search, and can even help to narrow down preferences related to the layout, architectural style, and even the decor or budget.
- Agents of Buyers: Real estate agents drop in on open houses to get a feel for what is on the market in a specific area or to screen a house that they are considering showing to their clients.
No matter the category you fall under, it is always important to know that there is more to attending an open house than walking through the door and snooping around. Here are the following important dos and don'ts to keep in mind when attending an open house.
Dos at an Open House
1. Always Greet the Host
Hosting an open house usually requires a good deal of effort. It is important to start your visit by greeting the hosting agent and giving them your name. Most agents are going to ask the attendees to log their name and preferred contact information on a sign-in sheet, whether it is virtual or on a piece of paper. This is usually for follow-up purposes and is also a safety precaution for the seller and agent.
2. Follow House Rules
The house you are touring is still someone's home. It is important to conduct yourself with respect and courtesy. This will include following posted rules and signs. Some common rules include removing your shoes at the door or wearing disposable booties that are provided at the door. It is common courtesy to not take photos or videos of the home without first asking permission, or stay out of any off-limits areas.
3. Always Be Honest
Not all who attend an open house are looking actively for a new home, and that is okay, too. It is important to be honest about your intentions and let the agent know you are just browsing, looking for decor ideas, or touring on behalf of a family member or friend. It saves them follow-up time later on and will allow them to focus their attention on serious buyers. Be upfront when telling the host if you are already working with a different real estate agent.
4. Look With Your Eyes, Not Your Hands
Open houses are designed to provide prospective buyers with a better feel for a home than they will get from videos or listing photos. They're not an opportunity for attendees to go through a seller's personal belongings. It is perfectly fine to walk through the interior of a home as long as doors are open, there is no need to open any closets, kitchen cabinets, or bathroom cupboards. If you are a serious buyer who wants an in-depth look at the property, that can be easily done during a private showing.
Don'ts at an Open House
1. Openly Broadcast Your Opinions Loudly
There are likely going to be more than just you attending an open house, and you don't want your opinions to affect what they, too, think of an open house. Everyone's tastes are different, so it is important to keep your negative observations to yourself for later to share with whomever you want. If you are a serious prospective buyer, bring along a notebook and pen with you to write down thoughts you have. This can be helpful if you are touring multiple homes in one day or a weekend.
2. Show Your Hand
Bob Jamison of Tuscana Properties weighs in on this topic: "If you are in love with the home that you are touring, it is best to keep that to yourself. If you decide to make an offer, your agent will be the negotiator between you and the seller's agent, who likely hosted the open house. If they heard you gushing over how much you adore the home you are looking at, that could affect how hard they push back during the process of negotiating. They might think you are willing to pay any amount to make the home your own."
3. Let Your Children Run Rampant
It is understandable if you need to bring your children along with you to an open house. Be sure to keep them in sight the whole time. Not only are children not too good with the "look with your eyes, not your hands" rule, but they can be distracting to other prospective buyers who are touring at the same time.
4. Linger Too Long at the Scene
Open houses are scheduled only for a handful of hours, and there might be a lot of attendees, especially in a competitive seller's market or if a home has just come on the market. Take the time you need to tour the home properly, but don't stay longer than necessary. An open house is not meant to be your only opportunity to see a home; rather, it is a starting point. If you are interested in a home after the open house, ask your agent to set up private showings so you can have a more in-depth look.
Bottom Line
Open-house etiquette can sometimes seem like it is shrouded in mystery, but it is not nearly as mysterious as you might think. You don't have to be a serious prospective buyer working with a real estate agent to attend one. Knowing you can enter anyone's house, it is also important to make sure that you are keeping up with the etiquette behind it, including removing your shoes if necessary, formally introducing yourself to the host of the open house, follow posted rules, keep your hands to yourself, and keep negative comments to yourself. If you should become interested enough to be a serious homebuyer, we recommend partnering up with a professional real estate agent who can help you and be your negotiator when necessary in the homebuying process. Trust the professionals at Ronald Christopher and Associates for your next open house or home purchase in Palm Desert.