Open house etiquette for buyers
Open houses are part and parcel of property hunting, but not everyone understands there’s an etiquette to these inspections.
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?
Can you walk straight in? Do you need ID? What should you wear? What should you ask? Is it ok to open cupboards? We answer all these questions and more.
What you can do at an open house
Jane Schumann, an associate director with Raine & Horne Double Bay, explains what would-be buyers can do when they attend an open house.
1. Ask questions
The agent is there to sell the property, so ask as many questions as you like, Schumann says. Also feel free to call the agent after the open house if you have additional 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?
2. Check if anything is broken or squeaks
It’s totally okay to open kitchen cupboards, check the pressure on a tap, or see if the shed door squeaks, according to Schumann. And as long as you’re polite about it, it’s also fine to use a tape measure to check dimensions.
3. 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.
4. 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, Schumann says.
But jumping on the bed is definitely off limits.
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