Open House Etiquette for Home Buyers

A favorite pastime of many people is to attend Sunday open houses, whether they're in the market to buy a home or they're just simply curious. Open houses also provide agents with a great way to meet potential clients who wander in off the street.

A certain amount of etiquette is involved from both sides. You should understand the role of the agent who's holding the house open before you head out to explore someone else's home, and you'll want to avoid overstepping your bounds as well.

What to Wear?

Yes, an open house is an informal event, and there's certainly no need to break out your high heels or a tie. But try to avoid super casual attire like flip flops, bathing suit tops, seen-better-days sweatpants, and the like. You'll still gain admittance, but agents might not take you seriously if you are indeed looking to buy.

To Ring the Bell or Not to Ring?

Not all real estate agents host open houses in the same manner, so you can't always be sure who will answer the door. It could be the listing agent, a neighbor, a buyer's agent, or even the seller.

But one thing is certain—you don't have to ring the doorbell or knock on the door unless there's a sign posted instructing you to do so. Otherwise, open the door and walk in.

When You're Inside

You'll want to wait to enter a room until any other visitors who are already there have departed. There's plenty of other space to explore in the meantime.

And remember your manners. Don't use the bathrooms, and don't open drawers, cabinets, the refrigerator, or closed doors. People still live in the home in most cases—and it's intrusive.

What to Expect From the Agent

The agent might be standing at the front door when you arrive, waiting to greet you. This type of agent will shake your hand, introduce themselves, get your name, hand you a flyer, and tell you to go through the house at your own pace. The agent might follow you to point out features and answer questions you didn't realize you had.

It's also possible that the agent might be outside in the driveway, asleep behind the wheel of their car. This agent might leave the door ajar and never get up to greet you. Feel free to go inside anyway. Make a note of the agent's name—you'll probably find it on pamphlets or business cards near the front door—and promise yourself that you will not call this broker.

Or the agent might fall somewhere in between. This non-engaging type might be reading a book in another room and will say something along the lines of, "There's information on the counter. Let me know if you have any questions."

In any case, avoid taking up a huge chunk of the agent's time. Just make sure you have a business card if you have many detailed questions about the property and you're seriously considering buying. You can always follow up later.

Is the Open House Agent the Listing Agent?

Asking is the best way to find out whether the agent holding the open house is the listing agent.

You can't always count on the agent's name appearing on the For Sale sign or that they'll be wearing a name badge. Sometimes two agents will co-list a home. You could find yourself dealing with a dual-agency situation if you buy through this agent and your state allows it.

More often than not, the agent holding the listing open will not be the listing agent but rather an associate agent. This agent will be hoping to represent a buyer to buy that home (or any other home, for that matter).

Sometimes, the agent listing the home will head a team of buyer's agents. Those agents will often host the open house. Some team leaders don't want to directly represent the buyer, because they feel there's a conflict of interest that interferes with their fiduciary responsibilities to the seller.

Open House Homebuyers With Agent Representation

If you're already working with an agent, let the agent hosting the open house know. Realtors are technically required to ask buyers about this, but they sometimes forget.

The easiest way to inform the agent that you're working with another agent is to walk in with your agent's card in hand. Just hand it over to the other agent and say, "This is my agent." The agent at the home shouldn't try to solicit you when they're made aware of this information.

Buyers Without Agent Representation

Let the agent at the home know that you're still shopping for a buyer's agent if you haven't yet decided on someone. Maybe you'll want to interview the open house agent to determine whether you want to work with them.

Open houses are an excellent way to find an agent, because you'll meet face to face, and you can witness the agent in action as well.

Open House Buyers Who Stop on a Whim

Buyers will often drop in on an open house simply because it's open. Maybe it's a home you've often admired, and you're curious to see what it looks like inside. Just be honest, and tell the agent that you have no inclination to buy if this is the case. You can still tour the home.

Neighbors Who Visit Open Houses

You might think the agent doesn't want you to come to the open house if you're a neighbor, but most agents would love to show you the home and get your feedback about it and the area. Neighbors are a great source of information.

You also might have a friend or co-worker who would be interested in the property. Don't feel embarrassed to admit to the agent that you are "a neighbor from down the street."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)