Open House Etiquette

Open houses can prove to be a bit tricky, most sellers don't know what they should be doing to prepare.  Buyers are often not sure what the do's and don'ts are for open houses and believe it or not their is a proper etiquette that everyone should be following.  

Sellers Etiquette 

• Go be a buyer!  Take the time and go check out your competition, giving buyers the space to see your home without feeling like they are intruding will pay off in the long run! 

• Send your pets for a spa day ! Or just see if a neighbor would be okay with letting them run around their yard for 2 hours, whichever works for you.  Buyers can be intimidated by dogs running underfoot, and many have allergies you don't want them rushing through because they are avoiding a sneezing fit. 

• Share the news of the open house.  Your agent will do the necessary advertising but you can give your home an extra boost by doing a bit of Facebook sharing with your friends and family.  

• Don't limit who is "allowed" to view your home, that nosey neighbor might just have a friend or relative looking that you don't know about ! 

Buyers Etiquette

• Most important is make sure you sign in, try and be a bit courteous do not scribble to the point the agent can't read your handwriting.  If your working with an agent be sure to bring some of their business cards with you to give to the agent working the open house.  

• Believe it or not you don't need to knock or ring the bell at an open house, simply walking in is acceptable.  If your not greeted by the agent they are more than likely somewhere in the home possibly with another buyer just make your presence known by calling out to the agent. 

• Your pets are not their pets, if you have a traveling companion be prepared to leave him or her in your car ! Homeowners may also have allergies and no agent likes cleaning up those presents your pet may leave behind ! 

• Open houses with children can be interesting, and speaking as a single mom I understand sometimes you can't get a babysitter.  Your best bet is to bring some items to keep them occupied video game, or a coloring book will usually do the trick.  

• Keep in mind this is someones home so put yourself in their shoes. Don't go snooping through bathroom cabinets,  you should also ask before using the bathroom some homes might be winterized which will make for a very awkward conversation if you don't check first ! Now although the bathroom cabinets are off-limits you can ASK the realtor if they have any sort of custom cabinetry in the kitchen before opening although most realtors will point out if there is custom cabinetry.  

• Be honest with the agent, but understand that they work for the seller and certain things like your opinion of price might not be accurate.  Giving them your honest opinion to the agent is important but keep it to these 3 areas: How interested in the home are you, What is your opinion of the listing price, and how well did the home show.  

You are now ready to hold your open house ! Happy House Hunting !