Funny But Helpful Etiquette Tips for First-Timers
If you’ve never been to an open house before, you might imagine it’s like popping into a local art gallery—quiet, chill, and full of snacks. In some ways, you’re not wrong. But attending an open house isn’t just about wandering through someone else’s space in search of a new home (or a better kitchen). It’s also about behaving in a way that won’t get you side-eyed by the listing agent—or, worse, turned into a cautionary tale at their next office meeting.
So, whether you’re seriously house hunting or just Zillow-surfing in real life, here’s your guide to the unwritten rules of open house etiquette. Funny? Yes. Useful? Absolutely.
Secret Agent at Open House
1. 🕵️♀️ Don’t Pretend You’re a Secret Agent
Yes, you’re allowed to look around. No, you don’t need to open every single drawer like you’re solving a mystery on HGTV.
Let’s clarify: opening closet doors? Totally fine. Peeking inside kitchen cabinets? Acceptable—storage space is important. But opening the nightstand drawer or rifling through someone’s Netflix queue? That’s officially crossing the line from curious to creepy.
Pro Tip:
If it looks personal (medication cabinet, sock drawer, journal on a nightstand), skip it. You’re house shopping, not auditing their life.
Girlfriends Touring Homes
2. 🚫 Don’t Show Up with Your Entourage (or at Least Keep Them in Check)
We get it—you want Mom’s opinion, your best friend’s gut instinct, and your cousin who once flipped a house to give it the ol’ once-over. But bringing a full entourage into a modest 1,500-square-foot ranch can feel like a conga line of chaos.
What You Can Do:
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Bring one or two trusted folks whose opinions matter.
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Save the group tour for later—after you know you’re interested.
PSA: If your “crew” includes toddlers, just remember that not all homes are child-proof. One knocked-over vase and you’re paying for décor you never liked.
Filming at an Open House
3. 📸 Don’t Start Filming Like You’re the Next HGTV Star
We know—your Instagram followers are dying to see that farmhouse sink and waterfall island. But before you whip out your phone for a full video walkthrough or TikTok commentary, ask permission.
Not all sellers want their home broadcasted across the internet. Some may still be living there, and photos of their kid’s bedroom or family photos on the wall aren’t exactly for public consumption.
TL;DR:
Ask the listing agent if filming is okay. Better yet, keep notes and take pics only of the areas you need to remember (and nothing personal!).
Dog at an Open House
4. 🐶 Don’t Bring Your Dog—Even If He’s “Friendly”
Listen, we love dogs. Who doesn’t love dogs? But an open house is not the time to showcase your Goldendoodle’s good behavior. Sellers often have their own pets (or not-so-pet-friendly decor), and allergies are real.
Plus, if your pup has a tail like a baseball bat and a curiosity for every corner, you’re just one wag away from disaster.
Best Practice:
Leave the pets at home. Trust us—they don’t care about the size of the backyard yet.
Acknowledging Bad Smells
5. 👃Don’t Comment (Out Loud) on the Weird Smells
Yes, the house smells like someone microwaved fish in 2006 and it’s still lingering. Or maybe it’s a heavy-handed plug-in air freshener trying to mask…something. Either way, keep your commentary internal—or save it for your agent afterward.
Why?
Because sellers might be nearby. Or the agent might be friends with the sellers. Either way, loudly declaring “It smells like sadness and expired cheese in here!” won’t score you any points.
Removing Shoes
6. 👠 Wear Shoes That Are Easy to Slip Off
You know what slows down an open house? Someone lacing up a pair of thigh-high boots like they’re prepping for battle.
Many homes ask that you remove your shoes (especially if it’s been raining, snowing, or if the floors are freshly cleaned). Do yourself a favor: wear socks without holes and shoes that slide off easily.
Bonus: no one wants to be that person holding up the doorway during high-traffic hours.
Sign-in Sheet at Open House
7. 📋 Don’t Lie on the Sign-In Sheet (Or Avoid It Altogether)
We know. You don’t want 17 follow-up emails from someone asking if you’ve “fallen in love with any homes yet.” But refusing to sign in—or writing down “Mickey Mouse” and a fake number—makes you look like you’ve got something to hide.
Why Agents Ask You to Sign In:
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For the seller’s safety.
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To track interest and traffic.
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To follow up with genuinely interested buyers.
If you already have a buyer’s agent, just say so. Most sign-in sheets have a place for that. You won’t be harassed if you’re clear.
Trying Out the Bed
8. 🛋 Don’t Make Yourself Too Comfortable
It’s fine to sit briefly on the sofa to “get a feel” for the space. It’s not fine to:
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Unwrap a granola bar in the living room.
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Take a nap on the seller’s bed.
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Flop down like you’re watching Sunday football.
You’re here to envision yourself living in the home—not actually live in it for 30 minutes.
Imagining a Christmas Tree
9. 🗣 Don’t Overshare in Front of Other Buyers
You’ve found “The One.” You’re smitten. You’re picturing your Christmas tree in the corner and your golden retriever running through the hallway. But…if you gush out loud in front of other potential buyers? You just tipped your hand.
Someone else might decide to make an offer out of spite—or competition. Keep your poker face on and save the emotional declarations for the car ride home.
Thinking Cap
10. 🙋 Don’t Ask the Agent 1,000 Questions They Can’t Answer
Listing agents are happy to help. But there are limits.
Here’s what they can discuss:
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Basic property details
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Neighborhood info
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Showing protocol
Here’s what they can’t discuss (by law or ethics):
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Whether the seller will “definitely take $30K under asking”
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If the neighborhood is “safe” (Fair Housing laws, folks)
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Personal info about the seller
Also, don’t expect them to know the school district boundary lines off the top of their head. That’s something you (or your buyer’s agent) should double-check later.
Open House Food
11. 🍷 Don’t Treat It Like a Free Brunch Event
Yes, some open houses offer snacks. Sometimes even charcuterie and wine (especially for luxury listings). But the food is a perk, not the purpose.
You’re not at Costco. Don’t swing by just to fill your purse with cookies and then leave. And if you grab a snack, don’t leave your trash behind. It’s someone’s actual home.
Homeowner and Shih Tzu
12. 🛑 Don’t Be the “Negative Nancy” Who Roasts the Decor
We all have opinions. Yes, the wallpaper is loud. Yes, the dining room light fixture is straight out of 1984. But unless you’re in private with your agent or partner, keep the commentary subtle.
You don’t know who’s listening—the seller could be that guy quietly petting his Shih Tzu in the corner. Or worse: there could be a security system with cameras. Even the smart doorbell can pick up conversations!
13. 💬 Don’t Forget to Give Feedback (Kindly)
Agents genuinely want to know what buyers think—especially if you’re not interested.
A simple “The layout wasn’t right for us” or “We’re looking for something with more outdoor space” is better than silence. It helps the sellers make improvements—or price adjustments—down the line.
And if you did love it? Say so. It might work in your favor during offer negotiations.
Buyers Chatting with a Real Estate Agent 3
14. 🕰 Don’t Linger Too Long
If it’s a slow day, and the agent is chill, sure—you can linger and chat. But during busy open houses? Keep it moving.
Most tours should take 15–20 minutes tops unless you’re asking in-depth questions about making an offer. Other people want to get in and out too.
15. 🎭 Don’t Fake Interest Just to Be Polite
If you walk in and realize it’s absolutely not the one—bad layout, wrong size, weird vibe—it’s okay to leave. Agents are used to it. A polite “Thanks so much for your time” is all you need.
Trust us, no one wants you to pretend to like a house you hate. It’s not prom. You don’t owe the listing a pity slow dance.
Bonus: If You’re Just Browsing, That’s Okay—Just Be Honest
Plenty of people go to open houses before they’re “ready” to buy. Some are looking for inspiration. Others are scoping out neighborhoods. And yeah, a few are just nosey. It’s fine.
Just don’t pretend to be a serious buyer if you’re actually 6–12 months out. Agents won’t be offended—they might even offer helpful tips to prepare for when you are ready. Being upfront helps them budget their time and determine what information you may need now.
Final Thoughts: Be Curious, Be Courteous, and Be Real
Open houses can be fun. They’re a chance to see what’s out there, explore new neighborhoods, and maybe even find your future dream home. But remember: you’re stepping into someone else’s space—even if it’s staged within an inch of its life.
So, treat the home like you’d want yours to be treated during showings: respectfully, thoughtfully, and with a dash of humor. Follow the unwritten rules, and you’ll blend in like a pro—even if it’s your very first time.
And who knows? The next open house you attend might just be your future address.
👋 Have Questions About House Hunting or Open Houses?
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned pro, our team at The Cameron Team is here to help you navigate every step of the buying process—from browsing to buying (and everything in between). Reach out today for personalized guidance—and yes, we’ll even tell you if it’s okay to peek inside the pantry.
