A buyer's guide to open house etiquette

As the scramble to buy a property continues, open houses are becoming increasingly common. Though you can probably think of better ways to spend your Sunday afternoon, they’re necessary in this market, and are a great way for you to suss out the competition and dig beyond the listing data. Before you go in, here are a few tips for navigating the waters.

Don’t park in the driveway. What applies at house parties applies here.

Walk right in. If the property’s been listed in the paper or online, or there’s a sign posted at the front, don’t bother knocking or ringing the doorbell, just step right in. But make sure you wipe your feet on the doormat, especially on a rainy day.

If you’re not actively buying, don’t feel bad for dropping by. Open houses are there for potential buyers, but they’re also there to get the word out, so that neighbours and passerby can spread the word to friends, family, and the like.

If you already have an agent, make it known so the hosting agent doesn’t try to solicit you. Agents tend to use open houses as a networking opportunity.

Don’t monopolise the agent’s time. If they’re busy, pick up one of the shiny A4 sheets by the door and go on a self-guided tour.

Set aside any uncharitable feelings you may have toward agents and try to create a rapport. This may give you an edge over other buyers. That doesn’t mean you have to divulge too many details about your circumstances. Even if you encounter your dream home, don’t show it. Put on your poker face. Another tip? Turn up slightly early, “accidentally”.

Ask permission before taking any photos or videos. This is somebody else’s home, so respect their privacy.

That also applies to using the bathroom. Ask permission first.

Open houses are often so crowded that as soon as you leave the room, another viewer is hot on your heels. If possible, wait for the group to exit the room before you enter.

There’s no need to knock on the door. Photo: Stocksy

Don’t stickybeak. The seller usually vacates the house so potential buyers feel comfortable enough to ask pointed questions. This doesn’t give you an all-access pass to peek inside their wardrobe, pantry, fridge and drawers. Sure, you want to make sure there’s enough storage space, but don’t go snooping around. If you encounter a closed door, ask the agent before entering. Even if you’re that person at parties, the medicine cabinet is not to be rifled through.

Don’t be afraid to ask blunt, direct questions, but wait until the seller has left before you do. Nobody wants to hear that they have bad taste in decor, or that their place has a strange smell. On the other hand, the real estate agent may appreciate the feedback. If you’re bothered by it, chances are, other potential buyers will be bothered by it, too.

Focus on the property. Check if anything is broken or squeaks, and take a tape measure if you need to.

Don’t get too comfortable. That bed/couch/beanbag isn’t for you. Park your tuchus elsewhere.

And if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Your overwhelming feeling may be “I can’t believe how much it costs for this crack den”, but no one needs to hear that. Who knows who may be listening – the seller, a neighbour, a friend? If the property didn’t meet your expectations, save that conversation for the ride home.

Sign in, leaving your name and contact information. A stranger has allowed you to traipse around their personal home, so it’s good form to let them know who you are. If you don’t want a follow-up call from the agent, simply leave a note stating so. And thank him or her before you leave.

Happy house hunting!

Say thank you before you leave. Photo: Stocksy