The Do’s and Don’ts of Open Houses

An open house is meant to generate interest and showcase a home to a potential buyer. Open houses are generally open to the public, and a scheduled showing is not necessary.

While open houses are an excellent showcasing tool, there are some etiquette rules and expectations to consider.

When attending an open house, DO:
• Respect the House and Space: Remember, this is still someone’s home! Be respectful of their space and avoid opening up drawers or messing with personal items. Take off your shoes and wear the provided footwear upon request. Be sure to greet the host if there is one.
• Ask Before You Capture: Before taking a video, ask the realtor or host if it is permissible. This is to respect the privacy of the home as well as other guests and buyers.
• Provide Feedback if Requested: Feedback is an essential part of an open house! Often, it helps the buyer understand any issues that need to be fixed before a sale.
• Wait for Others: If an open house has a number of people inside, be mindful of their space! The proper open house etiquette is to wait for others to exit a room before entering it yourself.

DON’T:
• Touch Everything: Be respectful of the owner’s space and belongings.
• Let Your Kids Wreak Havoc: If you decide to bring your children, you must be in the same vicinity as them at all times. Do not let them run around and disturb other viewers.
• Be Critical of Style: If the homeowner has a different style or furniture taste, be respectful of it! Furniture style is not an integral part of the home.
• Reveal Information: When you attend an open house, you need to make sure that you are not revealing any information that would compromise your negotiating power. This includes your budget and level of interest in the home.