The open house is one of the greatest tools for both buyers and sellers alike, allowing buyers to get a closer look at their potential dream home and sellers a chance to show off what they have.

However, don’t mistake the “open” in “open house” to mean these are free-for-all events. There is an etiquette involved with taking part in open houses. It’s mostly simple, common sense etiquette, but it’s worth reviewing. That way the next open house you attend will be the best experience possible for all involved:

  1. Remember to be Polite – The host or Long Branch Realtor hosting the event is allowing you into this home. No matter how eager you are, remember your manners! This is especially true if the homeowner is present. No need to insult their taste in décor while they are around.
  2. Unless There Is A Sign, It Is Okay To Enter Without Knocking – Open houses are just that: open. The point is to allow people to come and go, survey the house and property, assess whether the house is the sort of Long Branch real estate they want, and so on. So by all means, unless a sign or note tells you otherwise, feel free to enter! However…
  3. Respect Closed Doors – Remember that you are in someone’s home. If doors are closed, they are closed for a reason. Respect that. If you want to take a look at the room on the other side, ask the Long Branch Realtor hosting the event first. They will assist you.
  4. Dress Appropriately – An open house is not a black tie affair, but it’s also not a time to go out in your cutoff jean shorts and a ragged T-shirt. Dress nicely but comfortably. You may be doing a lot of walking!
  5. Ask Permission Before Snapping Pictures – This may be an open house, but you are still in someone’s home. Best to ask permission before you start snapping pictures.
  6. Don’t Rummage Through Things – Looking inside cabinets to check the available space or look for unseen problems is okay. Rummaging through someone’s belongings is not!
  7. Don’t Interrupt Others (But Do Listen To Them) – There will be other prospective buyers at the open house, and they will be eager to get information on the house, too. Yes, they are your competition. However, that doesn’t mean it’s okay to interrupt them if they are having a private conversation. That said, DO listen to what they are asking, as you might be able to glean valuable information about the house and/or neighborhood from them.
  8. Understand The Host’s Role – The person hosting he open house may not, in fact, be the agent who has listed the home. At times, the agent may have someone fill in for them. If that’s the case, they may not be able to answer all your questions. Have some understanding and don’t be too frustrated at that. Remember, you can always follow up with the agent later.

These simple tips will surely seem like common sense to a lot of you, but it never hurts to have a little reminder. Happy hunting!