Planning to attend an open house? 

This overview covers the key things you can expect to learn at an open house, how to conduct yourself during your visit, and the questions you should consider asking the listing agent or other real estate professionals.

What is an Open House

An Open House is a marketing strategy. It is a time, scheduled by the seller and their listing agent, when the public can visit the property without an appointment or a buyer’s or exclusive buyer’s agent. 

Who works at the Open House

The real estate agent at the Open House represents the seller. The real estate professional could be the listing agent, the person on the sign in the front yard, or an agent who works at the brokerage. Either way, the real estate professional at the Open House represents the sellers best interest. 

What Can I Do At an Open House

Guests at an open house are allowed to walk through the property and on the grounds. You are not allowed to open drawers or turn on appliances or other equipment. Children are not allowed to climb on beds or play with toys in a home for sale.

Should You Sign In at an Open House

If you want a real estate agent from the listing brokerage to call you, then sign your name and provide contact information. If you have an exclusive buyer's agent or buyer's agent, write their contact information or provide their business card. Remember, you will be contacted by an agent if you leave your information.

What Will the Agent at an Open House Tell You

The above ground and total square footage of the property

The year the property was built and/or remodeled (if the seller can provide the remodel date)

If the house or unit is in an HOA or condo association, the fee and what is covered by the fee

If the agent has any offers in hand (offers received from buyers) or offers expected (the agent has been told a buyer will be writing an offer)

The roof, heating and cooling systems for the property and year they were replaced (if the seller provides this information)

The sellers disclosures-information provided by the seller regarding the condition of the house, appliances and systems, any repairs and receipts for work done on the property

Results of a radon test (required in Montgomery County Maryland) asbestos, lead paint and/or mold disclosures

What the Agent at an Open House Will Not (or should not) Tell You

Will not tell you what price you should offer for the home. Remember, they work for the seller’s best interest and have a fiduciary duty to represent the seller. 

Will not share ‘private’ information about the seller. They will, if the seller allows, tell you when the seller wants to move and if they need a post-occupancy agreement. 

Will not, or should not, tell you if the sellers are getting divorced, kids are in jail and/or that they need the money from the home sale to save their failing business. 

Note: These examples come directly from conversations I’ve had with listing agents. 

Will not share flaws or red flags with the property-if the basement regularly floods, this information should be in the property disclosures. But any detailed information about the condition of a property should be discovered during a home inspection. 

Will not tell you if the local schools are “good or bad” as this is likely a violation of Fair Housing laws and ethical conduct.

Will not offer advice on how to make an offer or what details an offer should include.

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How can we help?

The exclusive buyer agents at HomeBuyer Brokerage specialize in serving home buyers. Please reach out with questions at info@homebuyerbrokerage.com.