You often don’t know if you’ve found the right home until you take that initial step over the threshold for the very first time. Often, that’s when the home speaks to you and says: “You belong here.”

It’s also true that you might have to walk through dozens of homes in person to settle on the right one. 

Regardless, once you settle on the house to buy, the last thing you want to do is to offend the people who might be selling you your forever home. 

There are unspoken rules and behaviors that can make the difference in whether you can secure your home purchase. 

To improve your chances of securing the home you want, here are our top open house tips for buyers along with suggested house viewing etiquette to ensure you make a positive impression and get the most out of your visit.

Why is house viewing etiquette important?

In a low inventory market, there is only a limited number of houses from which to choose.

As a buyer in a competitive market, you want to make a positive impression on sellers so that they take your offer seriously. 

Don’t miss out on your dream home over a faux pas; follow these pro tips when you visit your next open house.  

Respect the scheduled times

Open houses are scheduled for specific times. It’s important to respect these time frames. 

Arriving late or staying too long can be inconvenient for a potentially stressed-out seller. It can also hamper other potential buyers and put you in a bad light. 

Plan to arrive on time, and be mindful of the duration of your visit.

Sign in

Most open houses have a sign-in sheet at the entrance. Use it. 

Signing in serves multiple purposes: It helps the agent keep track of who visited the home, and it provides a way for them to follow up with interested buyers. 

Even if you’re not ready to make an offer, signing in is a courteous gesture.

Remove your shoes or use the provided covers

Sellers often request that visitors remove their shoes or use shoe covers. This is to protect the flooring and to keep the house in its best viewing condition for as long as possible. 

Be prepared to do so and respect the seller’s wishes. A simple act like this shows that you respect the property and are willing to help maintain its condition for other visitors.

Be courteous to other attendees

Open houses can get crowded, especially in a competitive market or in popular neighborhoods. 

Be mindful of other attendees through simple courtesy like:

• Give them space to view the home.
• Wait your turn to see specific areas.
• Avoid blocking doorways or hallways.
• Keep conversations at a moderate volume.

Maintain an open mind

Here’s a basic open house tip that buyers often miss: Tastes in interior decor or lifestyle can vary quite significantly. 

While it’s important to look for a home that meets your needs, try to keep an open mind during your visit. 

Your next home’s current owners might not stage or decorate it to your taste; but focus on the layout, structure and potential of the property. Imagine how you could make the space your own.

Ask relevant questions

Feel free to ask the listing agent questions about the property, but make sure your inquiry is relevant and respectful. 

Inquire about:

• The age of major systems (like HVAC or hot water tank)
• Recent renovations
• Specific potential issues (such as foundation, roof, basement, attic)

This information can help you make an informed decision without coming across as overly critical.

Avoid making negative comments

Even if the home isn’t to your liking, avoid making negative comments in front of the agent or other attendees. 

You never know who might be within earshot, and negative remarks can create an uncomfortable atmosphere. 

If you have concerns, discuss them privately with your agent or a trusted companion.

Don’t snoop

This is one of the most important points of house viewing etiquette to remember. 

While it’s important to thoroughly inspect a potential home, remember that it’s still someone’s private space. 

• Avoid opening drawers, cabinets or closets that aren’t part of the main living areas.
• Focus on areas that will impact your decision, such as the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms.

Respect personal property

If the home is occupied, there may be personal items and valuables present. 

• Refrain from touching or moving personal property, and ensure that any children with you do the same.
• Demonstrate your sense of propriety and courtesy by respecting the seller’s belongings.

Take notes and photos respectfully

Taking notes and photos can be helpful for remembering details about the property. However, always ask the listing agent for permission before taking photos. 

Be discreet and avoid taking pictures of personal items or areas that aren’t relevant to your decision-making process.

Discuss finances privately

While it’s important to consider your budget when viewing a home, avoid discussing your financial situation openly during the visit. 

Conversations about offers, mortgage rates or financial constraints should be held privately with your agent to maintain confidentiality and avoid influencing other buyers.

Follow up appropriately

If you’re interested in the property, follow up promptly with the listing agent or the real estate agent with whom you are working. 

Expressing your interest and asking any additional questions shows that you’re serious about the property. 

If you decide not to pursue the home, a polite thank you to the agent for their time is always appreciated.

Be prepared for multiple visits

If you’re seriously considering a home, you may need to visit more than once. 

• The first visit is often a chance to get an overall feel for the property.
• Subsequent visits can be used to take a closer look at specific details.
• Schedule these visits through your agent to ensure they’re convenient for all parties involved.

House viewing etiquette: Start off right with Compass Mortgage

Proper house viewing etiquette can go a long way toward making a good impression on the seller and getting the most out of your open house visits. 

By respecting the scheduled times, being courteous to other attendees, asking relevant questions and following up appropriately, you can navigate open houses with confidence and conscientiousness. 

These open house viewing tips help buyers conduct themselves respectfully but also enhance their chances of finding the perfect home. 

Make your offer stand out

Before you even attend the open house, show future sellers that you are a serious buyer with a fully-underwritten loan commitment from Compass Mortgage’s Get Committed® program. 

With Get Committed®, you’ll go beyond standard pre-approval and lock in your interest rate before you even find a home. 

Connect with Compass Mortgage today to discover how you can get the keys to the home you deserve.