Open houses can be an effective way to find the perfect home; these dos and don’ts will help you understand the process and get the most out of your visits.
Open houses are an excellent way to get a feel for the market. They allow you to compare layouts, conditions, and neighborhoods quickly.
If it’s your first time, however, visiting an open house can be intimidating. What's the process like? What's okay to do, and what should you avoid? How will the interaction with the real estate agent go?
Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
I’ve hosted plenty of open houses and seen it all. I’ve also represented buyers who have fallen in love with a home at an open house and helped them secure the best deal possible.
By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to step into your first open house, already feeling like a seasoned pro.
What to Do Before Attending an Open House
Before attending an open house, I always recommend that buyers do a couple of key things to prepare:
Get Pre-Approved for a Loan: While it is not strictly necessary to walk through the door, having a mortgage pre-approval letter puts you in a strong position if you fall in love with the home and want to move quickly. It also helps you understand what you can truly afford, so you're not wasting time on properties outside of your price range.
Do Your Homework: Look up the property listing online beforehand. Review photos, square footage, the layout, and neighborhood stats. I once had a client who almost skipped an open house because the listing photos didn’t do the home justice. Thankfully, they checked the floor plan and decided to visit. They ended up buying it!
Dressing for an Open House
Not sure what to wear to an open house? There is no specific dress code; feel free to dress comfortably, but aim to dress appropriately for the situation.
Looking presentable helps make a good impression, especially if you're interested in the property and end up having a serious conversation with the listing agent.
That said, I've had clients stop into an open house while out walking their dogs or running errands. What matters most is showing genuine interest and being respectful.
How to Enter
So, you’ve arrived at the open house. What do you do now? You might see the agent’s sign outside – do you need to call them and let them know you’re there to tour the home?
No, absolutely not. You don’t even need to knock or ring the doorbell in most cases.
Just walk in. Unless otherwise noted, open houses are designed for drop-ins.
Once inside, you’ll likely find that the agent has a sign-in sheet. This lets them know who is coming and going from the property. Simply fill out your name and contact information, and then feel free to begin checking out the home.
Will I Be On My Own or Accompanied by the Agent?
Every agent and open house is different. Often, agents will take a "hands-off" approach and remain in a central area of the home, available to answer any questions you may have while giving you the freedom to explore on your own.
This is particularly true during busy events when it simply isn’t practical to give individual tours to every visitor.
Other times, the agent hosting the open house may play a more active role, guiding you through the various areas of the home and explaining all the features and selling points as you go.
However, if this makes you uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to tell the agent that you’d prefer to take a look on your own. They'll understand and be happy to cater to your preferences.
Inside Etiquette
What’s the proper etiquette for touring a property during an open house? What should and shouldn’t you do?
This is your opportunity to explore and get a sense of whether it's the right space for you. You should feel free to walk around and take a look at the layout and features. Don’t be afraid to do things like open closets or test light switches.
However, keep in mind that it’s often still somebody’s home. A good rule of thumb is to treat the property in the same manner that you would expect from others coming into your home.
This means being observant but respectful. Avoid opening personal drawers or medicine cabinets, and refrain from using the bathroom unless it's a true emergency and you've asked the agent first.
Checking Out the Home
Want to get the most out of the open house? Make sure you have a plan.
Take notes or photos – especially if you’re going to be touring multiple properties. After a day of house-hopping, homes can blur together. Keeping organized notes helps narrow down favorites.
Agents may have printouts of information about the property available, but don’t rely on that always being the case. Make sure you document your visit and note the aspects of the home that you like and dislike.
Want to be really prepared? Bring a checklist of the characteristics you’re looking for and gauge how the listing meets your needs.
I once had first-time buyers come with a spreadsheet – they rated storage, natural light, and even the “vibe” of each property. It was super helpful for them when comparing options later.
Questions to Ask
Don’t be afraid to ask questions – there’s no such thing as a silly question! Whether it’s about the property, the open house process, or the next step, a good agent will be happy to guide you.
Some essential questions to ask can include:
About the Home:
How old is the roof?
When were the kitchen and bathrooms last updated?
Are there any known issues or recent repairs?
For Condos/Co-Ops:
What’s included in the maintenance fee?
Are there any assessments coming up?
What are the building’s financials like?
Neighborhood:
What’s the noise level like?
How is the parking situation?
Are there any new developments planned nearby?
Keep in mind that fair housing laws prohibit the agent from answering certain questions. This can include topics such as whether a lot of families live in the building or neighborhood, whether the area is "safe," and if the residence is located in a “good” school district.
Forget to ask something? You can always follow up with the agent after the open house – they’ll be happy to answer any additional questions you’ve thought of!
Who Usually Holds the Open House?
Typically, the person hosting the open house is the listing agent – they represent the seller. In some cases, though, the hosting agent may be a member of the listing agent’s team or someone else from their brokerage.
They're there to answer your questions if you're interested in the home but don't feel like you're obligated to work with them.
Already have your own agent? You don’t need to bring them with you, but it helps to mention that you’re already represented.
Can the Listing Agent Represent You, Too?
That being said, sometimes, prospective buyers do choose to work with the agent holding the open house, often because it's convenient. They may also think they'll secure a better deal or have a better chance of getting their offer accepted by going "right to the source."
However, if the host is indeed the listing agent, keep in mind that they are representing the seller and have a fiduciary duty to work in their best interest.
The laws regarding the relationship between agents, sellers, and buyers can vary by state. No matter where you’re at, though, real estate professionals are governed by ethical standards — they’re required to treat you fairly and be upfront about the type of representation they can offer.
The Code of Ethics for the New York State Association of Realtors dictates:
“When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other clients as an agent, Realtors pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve Realtors of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other parties in a non-agency capacity, Realtors remain obligated to treat all parties honestly.”
Still, having your own agent ensures someone is fully advocating for you and your best interests.
I've had buyers come to me after falling in love with a property at an open house. Because they already had a relationship with me, I could jump in, negotiate on their behalf, and make sure they weren't overpaying.
Neighbors: Can You Attend an Open House?
Thinking about popping into an open house in your neighborhood? Most agents welcome – and even encourage – neighbors to stop by.
First, additional foot traffic makes the open house appear more popular, which can have a cascading effect on the mood and energy of prospective buyers.
Secondly, even if you're not in the market for a home today, you might be looking to buy down the road. Visiting nearby open houses is a great way to acquaint yourself with a local real estate professional who can help you in the future.
What If You Really Like the Home and Want to Make an Offer?
Say you visit an open house and decide it’s the perfect home for you. Should you make an offer to the hosting agent on the spot? Should you call your agent immediately to get them involved? Is it better to wait until the open house ends and go from there?
If you’re serious about the property, the next step is to speak with your agent right away. Offers are usually made in writing, and your agent will help you submit the correct documentation, including:
The offer sheet
Your pre-approval letter
Proof of available funds
One recent listing I held in Brooklyn had over 30 visitors during the first open house – multiple offers came in by Monday. If you’re serious, don’t wait too long to follow up after attending.
At the same time, don’t feel like you need to be the very first person to make an offer. Sellers typically take a day or two to review offers that come in, especially after holding an open house when it’s likely that multiple parties may make submissions.
The Earnest Money Deposit
One thing to keep in mind when putting in an offer is the earnest money deposit (EMD). This is a "good faith" deposit that demonstrates to the seller you're serious about purchasing their home. These funds will be credited toward your down payment — or closing costs if you’re using a zero-down loan—at closing.
The EMD is usually calculated as a percentage of the offer amount, with the customary figure varying by location. In New York City, it's typically 10% of the purchase price, which is very high compared to most areas. You won't need that much in every locale, especially if you're a first-time buyer planning to use a low-down payment mortgage for your purchase. One to three percent, or even less, is common in most markets.
The earnest money deposit is wired after the seller has accepted your offer and the purchase contract is signed. First-timers often confuse this with needing to write a check at the open house, which is not true.
Open Houses Should Be Only a Part Of Your Home Search
Open houses provide an opportunity to view homes on your own time without the pressure of organizing your visit with a real estate agent.
But keep in mind that not all properties hold open houses, and limiting yourself solely to this approach may keep you from finding the home that's most ideally suited to your needs.
Your best bet? Get in touch with a local real estate professional who can represent you and help you achieve your home-buying goals.
They can point you toward open houses you can explore on your own, but they can also narrow down other available listings that you may be interested in as well. Ultimately, they will act in your best interest and help ensure you’re getting the best deal possible on whatever home you end up buying.
One last piece of advice for attending open houses:
Follow your gut, but stay grounded – I’ve seen clients fall in love with staging and lighting, only to realize later that the layout doesn’t suit their lifestyle. Ask yourself: Can I see myself living here every day?
