Can Anyone Go to an Open House? What Should I Know Before I Show Up?

Who typically attends an open house?

There are four types of people who typically attend an open house.

The serious buyer

Serious buyers are typically present at open houses, as they want to get a feel for the property and ask the listing agent directly for more information about the home. For sellers and listing agents, the serious buyer at an open house is a strong lead because they have already done the legwork and are ready to buy.

The buyer knows what type of mortgage loan they qualify for and will have a preapproval letter (there’s a difference between preapproval and pre-qualification) in hand. They’re working with a top-performing real estate agent and are ready to draw up the papers to submit an offer if the buyer wants to go to the next step.

You’d think that the most common open house attendees are those who are genuinely interested in the property. Still, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reveals that only 4% of buyers found their home via an open house. Still, 49% of buyers rely on open houses to gather information during their property search.

The first-time homebuyer

First-time homebuyers typically start their search for a dream home by going to open houses. These attendees may be in the market to buy, but they may not know what exactly they’re looking for in a home.

This type of buyer wants to attend different open houses to figure out whether the neighborhood is right for them and how much house they can get within their budget. They’re weighing their options and trying to figure out what’s best for their financial situation.

The curious voyeur

Have you ever driven past a neighbor’s house and wondered what the home looked like inside? Have you ever wanted to know what upgrades and renovations they’ve made?

Maybe you met the owner and have been curious if their design style reflects their personality. Or perhaps you’re thinking about listing your house and want to see how your home stacks up to others in the area. You’re probably wondering, “Is it okay to go to an open house if you’re ‘just looking’?”

The good news is that it absolutely is. Open houses welcome the “curious voyeur”, whether you’re a neighbor, a former owner, an agent scouting for clients, or someone simply curious about ways to boost a home’s value.

You can go to an open house even if you have no intention of buying and just want to satisfy your curiosity or get ideas for your home renovations.

The possessive buyer

This type of potential buyer loves the property and dreams about owning it. They may have driven past the home numerous times, and from the moment the house hits the market, they’re constantly checking to see when there will be an open house.

When they finally see an open house sign, they jump at the chance to go inside. When they do, they instantly know that it’s the one.

These potential buyers become so attached to the property that they are willing to do whatever they can to dissuade other attendees from adding it to their list of maybes. They may chat with other attendees and complain about the price or the neighborhood. They may point out the flaws and what upgrades the house needs.

What agents can and can’t require from open house visitors

Open houses are a chance for buyers to explore a property without committing, but agents still have rules about what they can and can’t ask from attendees. Understanding these boundaries helps serious buyers feel informed and comfortable while touring.

By knowing what’s optional versus mandatory, serious buyers (and casual lookers like you) can check out the property and get the info you need without feeling pressured.

Guest etiquette: The dos and don’ts of attending an open house

Regardless of which category you fall into, if you’re going to your first open house, there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when attending these events.

Do: Be honest if you already have an agent

As soon as you walk in, let the hosting agent know your intentions and if you’re working with an agent. Mike Nemecek, an experienced agent from the Green Bay Area who sells houses 84% faster than other agents, gives some insight:

“It’s common courtesy to let the person hosting the open house know that you’re already working with someone. It lets the hosting agent know there isn’t a possibility of working together in the future. More or less, it’s managing expectations.”

Don’t: Lie about why you’re there

Understandably, you might feel awkward going to an open house if you aren’t a serious buyer. You might feel like you have to give a fake name or contact information on the sign-in sheet because it’s just a waste of the agent’s time when they try to follow up with attendees. But when the agent talks to you, don’t be afraid to tell the truth.

“I’ve had people come through and say they’re thinking of listing their house and wanted to see who was listing the house. There are a variety of reasons why someone would go to an open house.

“It’s always best to be upfront with the agent. It’ll save time for both the agent and yourself,” shares Nemecek.

Do: Keep your hands to yourself

A cardinal rule of going to an open house is to respect the homeowner and keep your hands to yourself.

“You’re in someone else’s home, so you shouldn’t touch their things. You’re welcome to go through any rooms that have the doors open, but if the door isn’t open, you shouldn’t go inside. You can see these rooms during a private showing with your agent,” Nemecek advises.

Don’t: Overstay your welcome by lingering too long

According to Nemecek, there isn’t a set time limit to open houses, but the typical open house lasts from an hour to an hour and a half, which isn’t a lot of time. When it’s a strong seller’s market, and you’re not looking to buy, you should be mindful of other attendees who are considering buying the home and try not to spend too much time touring the property.

However, if you are a serious buyer, you can “spend as much time as you feel necessary.” Alternatively, you can schedule a private showing with the listing agent so you can have more time to evaluate the home.

Do: Keep criticisms to yourself

As a kid, you’ve probably been told that if you have nothing good to say, keep your comments to yourself. This is also true when you’re attending an open house.

You are inside someone’s home, and while you may have some criticisms, try to save the badmouthing until after the visit. Should you fall in love with the house and put in an offer to buy, you could wind up in a situation where there are multiple offers on the home. If the homeowner overheard your criticisms, they may decide not to accept your offer because of that.

Don’t: Let your children run wild

Parents who want to go to an open house will usually call a sitter. But, if they have no choice and you have to bring the kids along, you do not want to leave them unsupervised while you’re looking around.

“Make sure your children stay with you. Don’t let them out of your sight. Everyone has to understand their child’s behavior, and if your kids aren’t disciplined, it’s best to leave them home or with a sitter,” explains Nemecek.

Again, this is someone’s home, and you don’t want your children to cause any damage because they were careless or engaging in horseplay.

Do: Honor house rules

When you’re in an open house, the hosting agent will give you a few guidelines that the owner has laid out. This could be anything from asking you to wear booties or taking your shoes off before going through the house to informing you that you can (or requesting that you do not) take photos or videos of the home. They’ll tell you what rooms you can and cannot go into, and so on.

In light of increased health and safety precautions in recent years, they may ask you to use hand sanitizer when you walk inside or before touching any doorknobs or light switches. Always be prepared to follow house rules.

Yes, anyone can go to an open house

It may seem like open house etiquette is shrouded in mystery, but it’s not nearly as mysterious as we think. You don’t have to be a serious buyer working with a real estate agent to attend one.

You can attend an open house to get ideas for your home renovation, or if you find one during your Sunday drive. Not only that, if you’re thinking about putting your own home on the market, you can go to one and get an idea of what other houses in the neighborhood are selling for.

Regardless of the why, as someone attending an open house, you do have to abide by the rules set by the homeowner. After all, it is still their home.

When it’s time to make a move, touring open houses is simpler with an expert on your side. Partner with a trusted agent so you can ask the right questions and make informed decisions every step of the way.

Header Image Source: (Jonathan Borba / Unsplash)