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Open House Etiquette: 23 Rules Every Agent Should Know
Want to make a great impression at your next open house? This guide breaks down the essential open house etiquette for real estate agents—what to do, what to avoid, and how to create a professional, trust-building experience that leads to more clients and better results.
Written by Seth Cox
May 29, 2025 / Open Houses
Hosting an open house isn’t just about showing a property—it’s about showing your professionalism. Buyers and sellers notice how you carry yourself, how you communicate, and how you respect the space. In fact, for many potential clients, an open house is their very first impression of you as an agent.
That’s why mastering open house etiquette isn’t optional—it’s a competitive advantage. The right behavior builds trust, encourages honest feedback, and makes you more memorable than other agents doing the bare minimum.
In this article, we’ll walk through 23 open house etiquette rules every real estate agent should follow. From how to greet buyers to what not to say during a showing, these tips will help you host open houses that are polished, respectful, and far more effective.
Open House Etiquette Before the Event
Professionalism starts long before the first guest walks through the door. The way you prepare for an open house sets the tone for how buyers perceive you—and how sellers evaluate your effort. These open house etiquette tips will help you get everything right before the event even begins.
1. Notify Neighbors and the HOA in Advance
If the property is in a tight-knit neighborhood or an HOA-managed community, give nearby homeowners a heads-up. A simple flyer or email invitation can go a long way in building goodwill—and may even generate buyer referrals.
2. Arrive Early and Be Fully Set Up Before Start Time
Showing up right as the event begins (or worse, after) signals poor time management. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to turn on lights, adjust temperature, stage refreshments, and double-check that everything is spotless.
3. Dress Professionally for the Market and Price Point
Your appearance is part of your brand. Tailor your look to the neighborhood and listing value—business casual may work for a starter home, but luxury listings usually call for elevated attire. Either way, look polished and confident.
4. Respect the Seller’s Property
Before the open house, confirm if shoes should be removed, which doors should remain closed, and if any valuables or medications need to be secured. Show respect for their home as if it were your own.
5. Clarify the Seller’s Expectations in Writing
Make sure your seller understands exactly how the open house will be conducted. Discuss things like pets, security cameras, whether you’ll allow unaccompanied guests, and how follow-up will be handled. Clarity avoids awkward misunderstandings later.
Etiquette for Greeting Buyers at an Open House
The first few seconds of your interaction can shape how buyers feel about the home—and about working with you. Great agents strike a balance between being warm, helpful, and professional without overwhelming visitors. These open house etiquette tips will help you make the right impression every time.
6. Always Greet Guests—Even If You’re Busy
Don’t let anyone slip through the front door unnoticed. A simple, friendly “Welcome! Let me know if you have any questions as you look around” sets a professional tone and makes visitors feel acknowledged.
7. Ask (Politely) If They’re Working With an Agent
It’s smart to ask early, but keep the tone relaxed. Try: “Are you currently working with an agent, or are you exploring on your own for now?” This respects buyer agency relationships without making them uncomfortable.
8. Don’t Pressure Guests to Sign In
While collecting contact info is important, hard-selling the sign-in form can make people defensive. Instead, offer something in exchange—like a brochure, floor plan, or local neighborhood guide—and say, “Feel free to leave your info if you’d like a follow-up or digital copy.”
9. Avoid Hovering or Overselling
Give buyers room to explore. Stay nearby in case they have questions, but avoid following them from room to room. Most visitors prefer a self-guided experience unless they specifically ask for a tour.
10. Use Open-Ended Questions to Start Conversations
Instead of “Do you have any questions?”, try “What do you think so far?” or “What are you hoping to find in your next home?” These open-ended questions are more likely to spark conversation and help you qualify leads naturally.
Professional Behavior While Showing the Property
Every action you take during the open house reflects your professionalism—not just to buyers, but to potential sellers and neighbors watching how you operate. These etiquette rules help you create a respectful, polished experience inside the home.
11. Let Buyers Explore at Their Own Pace
Unless a guest specifically asks for a guided tour, give them space. Hovering makes buyers uncomfortable and may discourage them from spending time in rooms they actually care about. Make yourself available, but not overbearing.
12. Never Criticize the Home—Even Lightly
Avoid pointing out flaws or joking about parts of the house, even if you think you're being relatable. Comments like “You’d definitely want to update this kitchen” may come off as negative and can offend the seller if overheard or reported.
13. Stay Off Your Phone and Be Present
Checking your phone constantly gives off the impression that you’re bored, distracted, or disinterested in buyers. Silence notifications, put it away, and stay focused on creating a welcoming environment.
14. Don’t Open Private Drawers, Cabinets, or Closets Without Permission
Only show what’s intended to be shown. If a door is closed or marked off, don’t open it unless the seller has given you specific permission. Respect for boundaries earns trust with buyers and sellers alike.
15. Keep Conversations Professional and Neutral
Avoid gossip, political comments, or sharing too much personal information. Keep the conversation focused on the property, the neighborhood, or the buyer’s needs. Remember, you're not just selling a home—you're showcasing your professionalism.
How to Handle Common Open House Etiquette Challenges
Even the most well-planned open house can bring unexpected situations—disruptive guests, negative feedback, or awkward moments. How you respond says everything about your professionalism. These etiquette tips help you stay composed, confident, and in control.
16. Stay Calm if Children or Pets Disrupt the Flow
If guests bring children or pets that create a distraction, don’t scold or show visible frustration. Gently redirect with phrases like, “Feel free to explore while I keep an eye on things here,” or offer a safe space (like a backyard) for families to regroup.
17. Handle Difficult Guests Gracefully
Not every visitor will be polite or respectful. If someone dominates the conversation, interrupts others, or acts pushy, maintain a calm, courteous tone and set gentle boundaries. Your professionalism will be noticed—even by others in the room.
18. Don’t Take Negative Comments Personally
Buyers may comment openly about the price, layout, or décor. Resist the urge to defend or debate. Instead, respond with something like, “That’s helpful feedback—I’ll be sure to pass it along to the seller.” This shows maturity and emotional control.
19. Respect Other Agents and Their Clients
If a fellow agent visits with their buyer, give them space. Don’t insert yourself into their conversation or try to pitch your services. Professional courtesy strengthens your reputation and avoids potential conflicts of interest.
Open House Follow-Up Etiquette for Real Estate Agents
Your behavior after the open house is just as important as what you do during it. Following up with professionalism, respect, and intention helps you convert visitors into leads—and leaves a great impression on sellers.
20. Send a Personalized Follow-Up Within 24–48 Hours
Reach out to each guest individually. Mention something they commented on (“You mentioned loving the backyard—here’s a twilight photo we didn’t include on the listing.”) This small touch builds connection and increases your response rate.
21. Don’t Add People to Your Email List Without Permission
Only send future marketing emails to guests who explicitly opted in. If someone signed in but didn’t check a consent box, send one personalized follow-up email—but don’t add them to your CRM’s drip campaign without permission.
22. Share Feedback With the Seller Respectfully
Sellers appreciate a quick recap of how the open house went. Share visitor volume, general reactions, and any useful feedback—without harsh criticism or buyer-specific judgments. This builds trust and reinforces your value as their agent.
23. Review What Worked—and What Didn't
After every open house, take 10 minutes to reflect. Which marketing tactics drove traffic? What caused awkward moments Which buyers felt serious? Use that insight to improve your next event. Great etiquette includes growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Open House Etiquette
What’s the proper etiquette for real estate agents at an open house?
Agents should arrive early, greet every visitor professionally, give buyers space to explore, and avoid pressuring anyone for contact info. Most importantly, respect both the seller’s home and the buyer’s time.
Should agents attend another agent’s open house?
Yes, but only with transparency. If you're previewing for a client or learning the market, introduce yourself and respect the host’s space. Never pitch your services to visitors at someone else’s event—it’s considered unprofessional. Often, the broker caravan is a better time for agents to see the home.
What should a real estate agent avoid saying during an open house?
Avoid negative comments about the home, the seller, or other buyers. Also steer clear of overhyping features or making unverified claims. Let the home speak for itself while you provide helpful, accurate information.
Is it okay to follow buyers around during an open house?
Unless buyers ask for a guided tour, it’s best to let them explore freely. Hovering can make people feel uncomfortable. Stay available and approachable, but not intrusive.
Can you ask visitors to sign in at an open house?
Yes—but do it respectfully. Instead of demanding contact info, offer something of value in return: a floor plan, brochure, or neighborhood guide. You’ll get better compliance and a more positive impression.
Conclusion: Mastering Open House Etiquette Sets You Apart
Open house etiquette isn’t just about manners—it’s about marketing. The way you prepare, interact, and follow up during an open house shapes how buyers see you, how sellers trust you, and how likely someone is to refer you to a friend.
By showing up early, respecting the space, and engaging with professionalism, you position yourself as a true expert—not just another agent with a flyer and a sign-in sheet.
Use these open house etiquette tips as part of your standard process. They don’t cost anything, but they deliver long-term value: stronger relationships, better impressions, and more business.
Let your competitors cut corners. You’re here to raise the bar.