Open houses are part and parcel of property hunting and it’s important to remember there’s an etiquette to these inspections.
You will be greeted at the door by one of our friendly agents. It is somebody’s home, so we ask for people to sign in and provide a contact number. If you don’t want a follow-up phone call from the agent, simply say that on the day.
No one wants to buy a lemon, so a certain amount of prodding and poking is only to be expected. But how much is too much?
What You Can Do
Ask Questions
The agent is there to sell the property, so ask as many questions as you like and feel free to call the agent after the open house if you have further questions. Common questions that buyers ask include:
Has the property been renovated?
Why are the owners selling?
Have you received any offers for the property?
Are big developments planned nearby?
How long has the property been on the market?
Are there any known issues with the property, the land or the neighbours’ properties?
Check If Anything Is Broken Or Squeaks
It’s okay to open kitchen cupboards and check the pressure on a tap as long as you’re polite about it, it’s also fine to use a tape measure to check dimensions.
Take Photos Or Video, With Permission
While online listings include more photos, video and floor plans than ever before, it’s generally considered acceptable for would-be buyers to take photos or videos at an open house but make sure you check with the agent before doing so, just to be safe.
Make Yourself At Home, Within Reason
When thinking about buying a property, it’s natural to want to know how it “feels”, so feel free to sit down on the couch or at the kitchen counter but jumping on the bed is definitely off limits.
What You Shouldn’t Do
What you shouldn’t do at an open house generally comes down to basic manners.
Loudly Criticise The Property
It’s normal to find flaws in a property but it’s rude to walk around loudly criticising everything you see. Instead, call the agent after the open to discuss any matters.
Bring Coffee Or Go Barefoot
It’s common courtesy not to bring drinks into a home which could make a mess if dropped and even when inspecting a beachside property, it’s not appropriate to arrive barefoot.
Bring Kids With Muddy Sports Shoes
Open houses are often held on Saturdays and families with busy lives may fit them in between other commitments but don’t let kids in muddy boots come through a house.
Snoop
There’s a difference between taking a quick look at how deep a bathroom cupboard is and being a sticky-beak, going through someone’s personal possessions.
While it should go without saying: don’t snoop.
Be rude
The best way to build rapport with an agent is to be polite, the agent is there doing a job for the owner, so the best approach is to be polite and communicate with the agent.
Coleman Property Agents are friendly and always happy to help buyers with any queries throughout their purchasing experience, feel free to give them a call anytime or stop in and say hello next time you’re passing by.