How to Behave in an Open House

When going house hunting, whether to buy or to rent, there are houses to look at by would be homeowners or renters. There may be homes that are shown by appointment or through an open house. Scouring a neighborhood for open houses is a great way to see and make comparisons in order to make the right choice and decision. However, there are certain--often unwritten--guidelines one must follow when going to an open house. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Good Manners
• Sensitivity to others
• Friendly attitude
• Self Discipline

1. Knock first: An open house doesn’t always mean the door is always open. It also doesn’t mean you can just barge in. It would be a good idea to knock or ring the door bell before entering. Unless you see the door already ajar with other people going in and out, it is proper to announce yourself by knocking or ringing the bell.
2. Wipe shoes or remove shoes if needed: Wipe your shoes before entering an open house. Remember that most open houses have current homeowners or renters living in them and would like to maintain cleanliness. There are also certain open houses whereby people would be required to remove their shoes. This could either be due to the culture of the current resident or, simply, to prevent people from dragging dirt inside the house especially on a rainy or snowy day. Oftentimes, there would be a sign by the entrance if they require this. If there isn’t, ask if you should remove your shoes first before proceeding.
3. Introduce yourself: Sometimes open houses are hosted by current residents or an agent acting in behalf of the homeowner or landlord. Introduce yourself and ask if you can look at the house. Oftentimes people just walk around without even approaching the host, although there is no rule against it, it is plain rude or bad manners. If there are a lot of people looking at the house, the host would probably make an announcement for people to feel free to move around and look at the house. This is often the case in brand new homes where the builders are showing model home. If this is the case, it would not be necessary to ask for permission. There are also open houses where they require visitors to register. Write your name, address, and telephone numbers on the visitor’s log legibly.
4. Observe silence: There maybe times that you will look into open houses with the entire family or with your friends. Make sure that everyone is quiet. Converse using your “indoor voices” and avoid being boisterous or loud.
5. Don’t criticize: There maybe things that you may not like about the house, it could be a bad wall color choice, a bad design taste, or a damage that you notice. You should not criticize right there and there, especially if the current residents are around for it could hurt their feelings. If you are seriously considering the house and you find that there is something that needs to be addressed, do that when you make an offer or when you are about to sign a contract. Also do not compare with the other houses for sale in the area, especially if your comments would be negative for the one you are currently visiting.
6. Don’t touch personal items: There are open homes whereby current residents’ still live there, meaning, they still have personal belongings in the house as well. Please avoid touching their personal belongings. Some people even lie down on other people’s beds, which could make Miss Manners cringe. Remember that you are there to view the open house, not to touch people’s personal items. Remind your children if they are with you.
7. Don’t use the bathroom without permission: Do not think because it is an open house you can just use the bathroom. It is understandable that you may need to use a bathroom, especially after several visits to multiple open houses. Ask the host for permission, they will certainly allow you to use it if you really need to go. When using other people’s bathroom make sure to flush right after and keep the counter clean the way you have seen it. Dry the counters if you have spilled water or soap on them. If you have to do “number two” use the air blower or open the window if there isn’t any. Use an air spray if it is available.
8. Children’s behavior: Ensure that your children are in their best behavior. Don’t allow them to play, run around, touch things, and be noisy. Before entering a home, remind them of what they should or should not do.
9. Be friendly with other guests: Do not argue or compete aggressively during an open house with the other guests, especially if you can overhear them putting in a bid right before you. There have been instances of arguments between different guests especially if the house is highly desirable. Tell the host, instead, that you will be putting in an offer for the house and to ask when and where to do so. If they want a quick sale they may want you to put in right there and there or at a certain deadline. Tell them of your intention and act appropriately. Do not purposely announce that you have the house just to deter others from making an offer; you will only hurt your chances of getting it if you cause a commotion or problem for the host.
10. Food and drink: Strictly speaking, bringing food or drink is a no-no. Even though you are so hungry and you want to eat that burger you bought at a drive-thru so badly. Eat and drink in your car before entering the house. It would be wise also to eat a full meal at home before even leaving for house hunting. There are certain open houses that serve snacks and drinks for visitors especially if they schedule it during lunch hour. If they do, eat in the kitchen or dining room and do not walk around with food or drink in your hand to avoid spillage. At times real estate agents feed open houses’ guests at the conclusion of a visit, so that they can also have a conversation to would be buyers or renters.
11. Don’t bring pets: It is true that pets are oftentimes regarded as parts of the family, but in an open house it is best to leave them outside or in your car. Better yet- leave them at home so that they would be less of a hassle for you, especially if they need to have bathroom breaks. You certainly would not want to have them do that on the well-manicured lawn of the open house.
    
    Another reason why you would not want to bring your pets with you is because the current residents may have allergies to pet dander, which your pet may leave behind.
12. Thank the host: At the conclusion of your visit, do not forget to thank the host for allowing you to look at the house.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are house hunting during a rainy day, leave your umbrella outside so that it would not be dripping on the floor.
• Carry your coats with you if you are feeling warm. You can also hang it if a hanger or place to hang items is available.
• Do not steal items. You will end up in jail if caught.