What You Should Know Before Going to an Open House

Purchasing a luxury home is exciting, and likely means you’ll be stopping in at least one or two open houses during your search. Not only might you find your dream home, but open houses can also be a great way to get familiar with what’s available in your price point. There are a few etiquette items you should know, however, before you head off to your first.

Remove your shoes. It might be an open house, but you’re still stepping into someone’s home, one that someone has gone to great lengths to clean and stage. Show respect by taking your shoes off in the entry. If you’re planning on attending several in one day, wear shoes that are easy to slide on and off. 

Explore within reason. An open house might seem like an invitation to explore, but there’s a limit. Feel free to open closets to get a sense of storage or peek under sink cabinets, but avoid touching anyone’s personal belongings or opening wine fridges. If you decide to make an offer, these things can be done during the inspection.

Ask practical questions, not personal. It can be exciting to set foot in a home owned by a well-known figure, as is the case with many luxury homes. Avoid the temptation to ask the listing agent personal questions about the owner. You can, however, ask questions about the home itself and, in fact, this is a great time to do this. Ask things like when the hot water tank was installed or what the maintenance fees include. The listing agent is there to help!