Planning your weekend around attending an open house in the area you are interested in buying in? It is an awesome way to get ideas, have important questions answered, and find the little surprises you would have not discovered before
American Lifestyle describes the experience perfectly by saying, “You are a guest entering a seller’s house and should respect their home and belongings. You also need to consider the agent’s time and effort in setting up the open house. By following some simple rules of open house etiquette, it can be a rewarding experience for all parties involved.”
Proper open house etiquette involves treating the property with respect, signing in, removing shoes if requested, and keeping personal, negative critiques private. Key actions include arriving on time, asking before taking photos, not opening personal drawers, and respecting the host’s time. Avoid bringing food, pets, or making overly loud comments, and be mindful of other potential buyers.
Open House Essential Do’s
Sign In: Most agents require this for security and to provide the seller with feedback. It’s also a way for them to follow up with you later.
Remove Your Shoes: If you see a pile of shoes at the door or a sign requesting it, either take them off or use the provided booties.
Mention Your Agent: If you are already working with a Realtor, let the hosting agent know immediately. This prevents confusion regarding representation.
Ask Before Filming: Always ask for permission before taking photos or videos. Some sellers are sensitive about their privacy and belongings.
Be Honest: It is perfectly fine to tell the agent you are “just looking” or in the early stages of your search.
Open House Critical Don’ts
Don’t Touch Personal Items: While you can open kitchen cabinets or bedroom closets to check storage space, you should never look through personal drawers, jewelry boxes, or mail.
Don’t Critique Loudly: Avoid making negative comments about the decor or “deal-breaker” flaws while inside. You never know if the seller is nearby or if a hidden camera (like a doorbell cam) is recording.
Don’t Bring Food or Pets: Unless it’s a service animal, pets should stay home. Food and drinks are also a no-go to avoid accidental spills on the seller’s carpet or furniture.
Don’t Use the Bathroom: Unless it is an absolute emergency, avoid using the restroom. It is considered intrusive and can be awkward for the host.
Katchen Company is there for all area prospective buyers and sellers, and can help set up an Open House to facilitate the sale of your Denver property.
Access city and county market reports for December 2025
December 2025 Market Report