Spring is the busiest time of year in the real estate market, and that means plenty of Sunday open houses. Whether you are an active buyer or just starting to get an idea of pricing and neighborhoods, there are some important do’s and don’ts to follow for a pleasant open house experience. 

If you have just started to think about buying a home, REALTOR® Maggie Gerich with RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals says an open house can be a great way to get a lay of the land. Just remember that what you look at today may not be available when you are ready to get purchase. 

“It can be overwhelming, especially if you are a first-time buyer, so touring open houses is a good way to preview some homes and get an idea of what you like,” she said. 

Brecken Terry, REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood, agrees, saying it never hurts to get an early start on house hunting. 

“Stopping by some open houses can really save you time in the long run,” she said. “When you are ready to move forward you will have a better idea of what you want, which can help your REALTOR® narrow down properties for you.” 

Take some time to research the different properties you want to visit. Once you have your plan set and you enter your first open house, remember to be polite…don’t ignore the host. It is also customary to sign in. Some people are hesitant to do so because they don’t want to be bombarded with phone calls, but that will rarely happen. You can also ask to not be contacted at all, if you wish. 

“If you already working with an agent let the listing agent know and leave his or her information,” said Terry. “Signing in allows the listing agent to know how many people attended and be able to reach out to agents or potential buyers to get feedback. It is also a way for them to notify you should there be any change in price, etc.” 

After you greet the host and sign in, it’s time to get down to business. Grab a property description sheet and start your tour, making notes and checking things off as you go. As you look, remember, this is still someone’s house. Be thorough in your tour, but don’t snoop. 

“It is awkward to go through someone else’s home, but you are there to look,” said Gerich. “Open closets and cabinets to make sure there is adequate storage. Just be respectful of the current owner’s privacy.” 

As you walk through the home, be courteous and hold any negative comments until you leave.  If you have any questions about the property, it’s okay to ask the host. Just remember, the open house agent may sometimes be filling in for the actual listing agent. They may not have all the answers, but can get back to you if need be. You can also reach out to your REALTOR® after your tour and have them contact the listing agent with any questions. 

Throughout your tours, Gerich says to always be mindful of the time. 

“Don’t show up at 2:25 when an open house closes at 2:30,” she suggests. “Be respectful of the host’s time as they may have another appointment to get to. If you think you may not make it in time, contact your agent to schedule a private showing.” 

If you are a serious buyer and happen to fall in love with a property, contact your REALTOR® right away to schedule a private showing or make an offer. In today’s fast-paced market, homes are getting picked up quickly, so you should be ready to jump on a property if it checks all your boxes. 

In addition to these tips, it is also polite to ask the open house agent before you take any pictures. Remember, if you must bring children with you, don’t let them wander. Not only can it be distracting for other potential buyers, but there is also a safety concern. Lastly, be sure to come prepared – bring a tape measure, and have a notebook and pen ready. 

If you are thinking of starting the home buying process, visit the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® website at www.lansing-realestate.com to see a list of open houses and find an experienced area REALTOR®.