Open house etiquette for buyers

When looking at property for sale and with the view to buying, a big part of the search is attending open homes. Even if you’re not quite ready to buy, it can still be worthwhile to visit open homes, especially if you have an idea of where you’d like to buy. Open homes help determine what you want in your home, and what you don’t, and you will also gain a feel for the neighbourhood you’d like to purchase in.

If you have never attended an open home, don’t feel intimidated. They are designed to let you look at your own pace. Most agents know to step back and not be pushy. But have you wondered if there are open house etiquette rules or what to do at an open house? Learn more about how you can approach an open home and talk to the agent to obtain all the information you need for your purchase.

If you are looking for a property to buy, request to be added to our open home alert 

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Not everyone understands there are good manners that should be exhibited when attending one of these opens. So, what can you do at an open home?

Don’t park in the driveway
Ensure that others have easy access to the open home.

Sign in, leaving your name and contact information
A stranger has allowed you to walk around their home. Privacy and security measures require that you let them know who you are, as well as being COVID safe.

Walk right in
If the property has been advertised as being open, or there is a sign out the front, just step right in. Make sure you wipe your feet on the doormat, especially on a rainy day, or remove your shoes if requested.

Don’t bring in food or drink
It is common courtesy not to bring food and drinks into a home which could make a mess if dropped.

Wear what you’re comfortable in
Open homes tend to be a relaxed affair, so wear what you feel comfortable in.

Ask questions
We encourage you to ask questions at the open home. The agent is there to sell the property, so ask as many questions as you like. If the agent is unable to give you the time you deserve, or there is a lot of people in the open home preventing a confidential and or comfortable conversation, advise the agent of your interest, and ask that they call you, or take a business card and call them directly after the open home. If you think of other questions after the open home, feel free to contact the agent after the open. Take a brochure or floor plan with you to help you remember the important points of the property later on.

Don’t be rude
Be polite with the agent and build rapport.

Check if anything is broken or squeaks
Open kitchen cupboards, check the pressure on a tap, or see if the shed door squeaks, or use a tape measurement to check dimensions. Be polite about it. But don’t snoop or be a sticky-beak. There’s a difference between taking a quick look at how deep a bathroom cupboard is and being a sticky-beak by going through someone’s personal possessions.

Make yourself at home, within reason
When thinking about buying a property, it’s natural to want to know how it “feels”, so feel free to sit down on the couch or at the kitchen counter. Avoid jumping on the bed though.

Don’t loudly criticise the property
It is normal to find flaws in a property, but it is rude to walk around loudly criticising. Discuss your concerns directly with the agent.

Thank the agent before you leave
Create a positive relationship with the real estate agent to assist you with your purchasing journey.

If you are looking for a property to buy, request to be added to our open home alert 

YES, ADD ME TO YOUR OPEN HOME ALERT

If you know you’re going to eventually sell your home, touring open houses can give you some makeover ideas that will increase your home’s value, along with provide you with market pricing for homes in your area.

We hope that has helped you today. If you have any questions, we would love to talk to you and can be contacted on 0426 264 771. We hope you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy. Most importantly we are here to help.