Attending an open house is the perfect opportunity to get to know a home beyond its description in the listing. It’s also a good time for you to make a positive first impression on a seller and their agent. Many don’t realize the rules of etiquette that apply to a property tour. To ensure you make the most of the visit and come across favorably, here are a few tips to follow.

Do: 

Take the opportunity to ask questions. 

An open house offers the opportunity to learn as much about a property as possible. Take advantage of this by preparing a list of questions to ask the agent. Find out why the owner is selling, how long the property has been listed, how much the utilities are, and if any offers were made. 

Remain polite & respectful of the seller. 

One of the most important rules of going to an open house is to treat the seller with respect. Doing so makes them more inclined to work with you if you decide to place a bid on the property. Greet them when you arrive, thank them for hosting, and sign the guest registry. Don’t make any criticizing remarks about the house and be mindful of how you voice concerns. 

Don’t: 

Open closed doors without asking.

While it’s normal to want to see as much of the home as possible, this doesn’t mean you should take it upon yourself to start opening doors that are closed without being granted permission first. There may be a specific reason why a room has limited access, so ask before walking in. 

Assume you can take photos & videos. 

It’s understandable to want to take photos and videos of a property to share with family and friends. It helps you remember certain details later on and makes it easier to get their input. However, it’s polite to ask before taking out the camera. If the sellers still live in the home, they may not want particular belongings photographed.  

Going to open houses is a great way to find your dream home, but it’s essential that you use proper etiquette while attending. The real estate agents at EXIT Realty Nexus have helped numerous Coon Rapids, MN, buyers successfully achieve their goals of homeownership by providing quality guidance and helpful resources. They make the house-hunting process as smooth and enjoyable an experience as possible. Call (612) 281-1033 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to browse current listings.