Attending an open house is an exciting part of the home-buying process. It’s your chance to explore potential homes, envision your life there, and gather valuable information about the property and neighborhood. But just like any social or professional setting, there’s a certain etiquette buyers should follow to make a positive impression and get the most out of their visit.

Here’s your guide to the dos and don’ts of open house etiquette every homebuyer should know.

1. Do Your Homework Before You Go

Before attending an open house, take a few minutes to research the property. Review online listings, examine the photos, and assess the price, location, and features. This helps you arrive prepared with smart questions—and shows the listing agent that you’re a serious, informed buyer.

If you’re working with a buyer’s agent, let them know which open houses you plan to attend so they can advise you on pricing or comparable homes in the area.

2. Sign In Politely

Most open houses have a sign-in sheet for visitors. This isn’t just a formality—it helps agents track interest and follow up professionally. When you sign in, include your name, contact details, and whether you’re working with an agent.

If you already have representation, mention your agent’s name to avoid any confusion later.

3. Be On Time and Respect the Schedule

Open houses usually have set time windows, often a few hours long. Try to arrive early or mid-way through the event to avoid the rush. Respect the posted hours—don’t show up before the start or linger too long after it ends.

Agents and sellers have schedules to keep, so punctuality and courtesy go a long way.

4. Remove Shoes or Follow House Rules

Always look for signs or cues regarding the seller’s preferences. Some homeowners request that visitors remove their shoes, wear shoe covers, or avoid certain rooms. Following these simple house rules shows respect for the property and the people who live there.

When in doubt, ask the hosting agent what’s appropriate before entering.

5. Be Polite and Professional

Treat the open house like a job interview—you’re making an impression. Be friendly but not overly talkative. Greet the agent, thank them for hosting, and keep conversations courteous and brief if others are waiting to ask questions.

Avoid making negative comments about the décor or layout while inside. You never know who might be listening, and politeness reflects well on you as a potential buyer.

6. Don’t Overshare Personal Information

While it’s fine to express genuine interest in the home, avoid revealing too much about your financial situation or motivation to buy. Statements like “This is my dream home!” or “We’re desperate to move!” could weaken your negotiating position later if you decide to make an offer.

Keep your enthusiasm balanced and let your buyer’s agent handle the serious conversations about pricing or terms.

7. Ask Smart Questions

Use the open house as an opportunity to gather useful insights. Ask the listing agent questions like:

• How long has the home been on the market?

• Have there been any recent price reductions?

• Are there any known issues or repairs needed?

• What’s the seller’s preferred timeline for closing?

These questions demonstrate that you’re thoughtful and interested, while also helping you evaluate whether the property meets your needs.

8. Respect Other Visitors’ Space

If the open house is crowded, be patient. Don’t block hallways, stairways, or doorways, and give others a chance to view rooms comfortably. Keep noise to a minimum, especially if children are with you, and avoid touching personal items or opening closed drawers or closets without permission.

Remember—you’re a guest in someone’s home.

9. Take Notes and Photos (If Allowed)

If the listing agent gives permission, take a few photos or jot down notes about features you liked or didn’t like. After visiting multiple open houses, these details will help you remember what stood out.

However, if photography is not allowed, respect that rule and rely on online images or your written notes instead.

10. Follow Up Afterward

If you’re genuinely interested in the property, let the listing agent or your buyer’s agent know. A simple email or message expressing your interest and asking for updates can help position you as a serious contender.

Even if it’s not the right home for you, following up with your agent about what you liked or didn’t like helps refine your future home search.

Visiting open houses can be one of the most enjoyable steps in finding your dream home—but only if you approach it with respect, curiosity, and professionalism. By following these open house etiquette tips, you’ll make a great impression, gather valuable insights, and be better prepared when it’s time to make an offer.

The goal is simple: enjoy the experience while showing you’re a serious and courteous buyer.

Matt Witte strives to be the best realtor in North Andover, MA.

Any questions about real estate, reach out to Matt Witte, North Andover Realtor, MA-