Open houses are part and parcel of property hunting, but not everyone understands there’s an etiquette to these inspections.
No one wants to buy a lemon, so a certain amount of prodding and poking is only to be expected. But how much is too much?
Can you walk straight in? Do you need ID? What should you wear? What should you ask? Is it ok to open cupboards? We answer all these questions and more.
The agent is there to sell the property, so ask as many questions as you like, Schumann says. Also feel free to call the agent after the open house if you have additional questions. Common questions buyers ask include:
It’s totally OK to open kitchen cupboards, check the pressure on a tap, or see if the shed door squeaks, according to Schumann. And as long as you’re polite about it, it’s also fine to use a tape measure to check dimensions.
While online listings include more photos, video and floor plans than ever before, it’s generally considered acceptable for would-be buyers to take photos or videos at an open. But it’s worth asking the agent before doing so, just to be safe.
When contemplating buying a property, it’s natural to want to know how it “feels”, so feel free to sit down on the couch or at the kitchen counter, Schumann says.
But jumping on the bed is definitely off limits.
Ever wondered “what should I wear to an open house?” Well, don’t worry.
Schumann says buyers shouldn’t be concerned about what they’re wearing, especially as most opens are held at weekends, when people are in relax mode.
What you shouldn’t do at an open house generally comes down to basic manners.
“It’s normal to find flaws in a property when you inspect it, but it’s rude to walk around loudly criticising everything you see,” Schumann says.
Instead, call the agent after the open to discuss any issues.
It’s common courtesy not to bring drinks into a home which could make a mess if dropped, Schumann says. And even when inspecting a beachside property, it’s not appropriate to rock up barefoot, either.
Ready to buy? Estimate your borrowing power.
Open houses are often held on Saturdays and families with busy lives may fit them in between other commitments. “But please, don’t let kids in muddy boots come through a house; consider the owners,” Schumann says.
There’s a difference between taking a quick look at how deep a bathroom cupboard is and being a sticky-beak, going through someone’s personal possessions.
While it should go without saying: don’t snoop.
The best way to build rapport with an agent is to be polite, Schumann says. “You do get some people that are rude for different reasons, but the agent is there doing a job for the owner, so the best approach is to be polite and communicate with the agent.”
Schumann says there’s no legal requirement in Australia to provide ID when attending an open house, but many agents ask potential buyers to sign a log when they enter, rather than just walk in.
“A good agency will have more than one agent at an open house, so you should be greeted at the door. It is somebody’s home, so we ask for people to sign in and provide a contact number,” she says.
“If you don’t want a follow-up phone call from the agent, simply say that on the day.”
Click here for more information.
The Queensland Government has announced the abolition of stamp duty on new homes for first-home buyers buying up to $800,000, as it seeks to deliver improved housing affordability for its residents. Click here to read more.
Having no rental history is something every prospective renter faces at one point their lifetime, so don’t feel deterred from entering the market. Click here to read more.