Can Anyone Go to an Open House? What Should I Know Before I Show Up?

Who typically attends an open house?

There are four types of people who typically attend an open house.

The serious buyer

People who are serious about buying often show up at open houses to check out the property in person and ask the listing agent any questions they have. For sellers and agents, these buyers are some of the best leads because they’ve already done their homework and are actively looking to make a move.

The buyer knows what type of mortgage loan they qualify for and will have a preapproval letter (there’s a difference between preapproval and pre-qualification) in hand. They’re working with a top-performing real estate agent and are ready to draw up the papers to submit an offer if the buyer wants to go to the next step.

You’d think that the most common open house attendees are those who are genuinely interested in the property. Still, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reveals that only 5% of buyers found their home via an open house. Still, 48% of buyers rely on open houses to gather information during their property search.

The first-time homebuyer

First-time homebuyers typically start their search for a dream home by going to open houses. These attendees may be in the market to buy, but they may not know what exactly they’re looking for in a home.

This type of buyer wants to attend different open houses to figure out whether the neighborhood is right for them and how much house they can get within their budget. They’re weighing their options and trying to figure out what’s best for their financial situation.

The curious voyeur

Have you ever driven past a neighbor’s house and wondered what the home looked like inside? Have you ever wanted to know what upgrades and renovations they’ve made?

Maybe you met the owner and have been curious if their design style reflects their personality. Or perhaps you’re thinking about listing your house and want to see how your home stacks up to others in the area. You’re probably wondering, “Is it okay to go to an open house if you’re ‘just looking’?”

The good news is that it absolutely is. Open houses welcome the “curious voyeur,” whether you’re a neighbor, a former owner, an agent scouting for clients, or someone simply curious about ways to boost a home’s value.

You can go to an open house even if you have no intention of buying and just want to satisfy your curiosity or get ideas for your home renovations.

The possessive buyer

This type of potential buyer loves the property and dreams about owning it. They may have driven past the home numerous times, and from the moment the house hits the market, they’re constantly checking to see when there will be an open house.

When they finally see an open house sign, they jump at the chance to go inside. When they do, they instantly know that it’s the one.

These potential buyers become so attached to the property that they are willing to do whatever they can to dissuade other attendees from adding it to their list of maybes. They may chat with other attendees and complain about the price or the neighborhood. They may point out the flaws and what upgrades the house needs.

The possessive buyer might seem to have a smart strategy, but it can easily backfire. Sellers and their agents may see it as a red flag and be less excited about working with them.

What agents can and can’t require from open house visitors

Open houses are a chance for buyers to explore a property without committing, but agents still have rules about what they can and can’t ask from the attendees. Understanding these boundaries helps buyers feel informed and comfortable while touring.

By knowing what’s optional versus mandatory, serious buyers (and casual lookers like you) can check out the property and get the information you need without feeling pressured.

Guest etiquette: The dos and don’ts of attending an open house

Regardless of which category you fall into, if you’re going to your first open house, there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when attending these events.

Do: Be honest if you already have an agent

As soon as you walk in, let the hosting agent know your intentions and whether you’re working with an agent. Mike Nemecek, an experienced agent from the Green Bay Area who sells houses 84% faster than other agents, gives some insight:

“It’s common courtesy to let the person hosting the open house know that you’re already working with someone. It lets the hosting agent know there isn’t a possibility of working together in the future. More or less, it’s managing expectations.”

Don’t: Lie about why you’re there

Understandably, you might feel awkward going to an open house if you aren’t a serious buyer. You might feel like you have to give a fake name or contact information on the sign-in sheet because it’s just a waste of the agent’s time when they try to follow up with attendees.

In reality, agents meet all kinds of visitors at open houses, from curious neighbors to people just starting their homebuying journey. So when the agent talks to you, don’t be afraid to tell the truth.

“I’ve had people come through and say they’re thinking of listing their house and want to see who’s listing the house. There are a variety of reasons why someone would go to an open house.

“It’s always best to be upfront with the agent. It’ll save time for both the agent and yourself,” shares Nemecek.

Do: Keep your hands to yourself

A cardinal rule of going to an open house is to respect the homeowner and keep your hands to yourself.

“You’re in someone else’s home, so you shouldn’t touch their things. You’re welcome to go through any rooms that have the doors open, but if the door isn’t open, you shouldn’t go inside. You can see these rooms during a private showing with your agent,” Nemecek advises.

Don’t: Overstay your welcome by lingering too long

According to Nemecek, there isn’t a set time limit for open houses, but the typical open house lasts from an hour to an hour and a half, which isn’t a lot of time. When it’s a strong seller’s market and you’re not looking to buy, you should be mindful of other attendees who are considering buying the home and try not to spend too much time touring the property.

However, if you are a serious buyer, you can “spend as much time as you feel necessary.” Alternatively, you can schedule a private showing with the listing agent so you can have more time to evaluate the home.

Do: Keep criticisms to yourself

As a kid, you’ve probably been told that if you have nothing good to say, keep your comments to yourself. This is also true when you’re attending an open house.

You are inside someone’s home, and while you may have some criticisms, try to save the badmouthing until after the visit. Should you fall in love with the house and put in an offer to buy, you could wind up in a situation where there are multiple offers on the home. If the homeowner overheard your criticisms, they may decide not to accept your offer because of that.

»Learn more: Found a few homes you love at open houses? Before you get too far into your search, use our Home Affordability Calculator to see what fits your budget and avoid falling for homes that may be out of reach.

Don’t: Let your children run wild

Parents who want to go to an open house will usually call a sitter. But if you have no choice and you have to bring the kids along, you do not want to leave them unsupervised while you’re looking around.

“Make sure your children stay with you. Don’t let them out of your sight. Everyone has to understand their child’s behavior, and if your kids aren’t disciplined, it’s best to leave them home or with a sitter,” explains Nemecek.

Again, this is someone’s home, and you don’t want your children to cause any damage because they were careless or engaging in horseplay.

Do: Honor house rules

When you’re in an open house, the hosting agent will give you a few guidelines that the owner has laid out. This could be anything from asking you to wear booties or take your shoes off before going through the house to informing you that you can (or requesting that you don’t) take photos or videos of the home. They’ll tell you what rooms you can and cannot go into, and so on.

Depending on the home, you may be asked to use hand sanitizer before coming in or handling things like light switches and doorknobs. Be respectful and follow any rules the seller or agent has in place.

Don’t: Reveal your maximum budget or high enthusiasm if buying

It’s okay to love a home, but try not to let your excitement show too much. Telling the listing agent your maximum budget or saying you’d pay “whatever it takes” can weaken your negotiating position later.

If the seller knows you’re emotionally attached or have room to spend more, they may be less willing to negotiate on price or concessions. Stay friendly and ask questions, but save the big declarations until it’s time to submit an offer.

Do: Know what to look for during an open house

An open house is your chance to look beyond the fresh paint and staged furniture. Pay attention to how the home looks, feels, and functions so you can spot potential issues before making an offer. Look for the following:

A Top Agent Can Find the Right Deal For You

HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing, trusted agent who has the experience to find you the right house at the right price. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.

Get Started

Yes, anyone can go to an open house

It may seem like open house etiquette is shrouded in mystery, but it’s not nearly as mysterious as we think. You don’t have to be a serious buyer working with a real estate agent to attend one.

You can go to an open house to get ideas for your home renovation, or if you find one during your Sunday drive. Not only that, if you’re thinking about putting your own home on the market, you can go to one and get an idea of what other houses in the neighborhood are selling for.

Regardless of the reason, as someone attending an open house, you do have to abide by the rules set by the homeowner. After all, it is still their home.

When it’s time to make a move, touring open houses is simpler with an expert on your side. Partner with a trusted agent so you can ask the right questions and make informed decisions every step of the way.

Header Image Source: (Jonathan Borba / Unsplash)