Howdy & Welcome! Come on in!
I trust you know how to act when you’re visiting someone’s home. Open house etiquette is, after all, a matter of common sense and courtesy.
Open House Tips
Don't park in the driveway and don't block any driveways.
Agents don’t bite. Introduce yourself and say hello.
It starts with your shoes. Simply check and wipe your feet (or cover/remove shoes if requested). Wear clean socks and shoes.
Stay in your group with your Agent while touring and don't wonder off. This is very important for owner occupied homes.
Please don’t ask to use the bathroom and don’t use the bathroom. An open house isn’t potty time.
Your children are adorable. But not when they run through the house, jump on the furniture and touch everything. Please mind them.
Your dog is adorable, too. He or she can wait outside.
Sign in & Be Prepared to Show ID and provide your agents info. You are a stranger visiting someone’s expensive home.
You’re encouraged to sit down on a sofa or chair and experience the space from that vantage. Have a seat! Don't turn on the tv or rummage through the shelves.
If you’re carrying food or coffee, leave it in the car while you’re touring.
Neighbors and so-called “looky loos” are always welcome and there’s no need to pretend or explain that you’re looking for a friend or not from around here.
Questions are never dumb.
If you open it, close it: Door, window, drawer, cupboard, garage door *ask before*, hot tub cover, back gate, toilet lid, etc. Don't open anything that may have personal items such as dressers, chest of drawers, etc.
If you don’t have an agent representing you, this is a great time to shop for one. Strike up a conversation!
Resist the urge to stop at the door on your way out to loudly proclaim how noisy, overpriced, dark, smelly, foggy, dangerous, depressing or fill in the blank the home is.
If you arrive at closing time, tour the home, but please don't over stay your welcome.