Proper etiquette at open homes
Valerie Khoo breaks out the dos and don’ts at an open home.
There are unwritten rules for buyers when inspecting homes. Most people would never dream of doing anything like stealing from an open home.
But what other, smaller sins might you be committing?
When is it OK to stickybeak?
It can feel voyeuristic to open people’s cupboards and peek at the labels in their wardrobe or their preferred brand of scotch. However, prospective buyers also need an idea of the storage space in the home.
Real estate agent Sam Wilkinson says: ‘‘Use common sense. If you’re checking out kitchen drawers and pantry space, that’s reasonable. But if you’re going into more private areas, like the bedroom, then it’s worthwhile getting the agent’s approval.’’
The call of nature
Although nature might call during your visit, most agents would prefer if you go to the loo elsewhere. Wilkinson says: ‘‘I think it’s best to assume that the bathrooms are out of bounds.’’
Property adviser Brooke Flint works for buyers and sellers. She says: ‘‘I did have someone do a poo at an open home, and that’s not OK.
‘‘But I did say: ‘I appreciate that you had to go to the bathroom. However, it would have been nice if you asked first.’’’
The reality is, if you’re desperate, you have to go. However, agents may direct you to the bathroom that is most tucked away.
What’s on your shoes?
Real estate agent James Baker says it’s important to wipe your feet and check your shoes if you’ve been outside. ‘‘I’ve had a situation where a buyer walked into the garden, trod in dog poo and walked it through the whole house, through the kitchen, up the stairs, everywhere,’’ he says.
Negative comments
Although you may not like a property, most agents agree that it’s rude to put down a property in front of other buyers. Baker says: ‘‘They don’t need to hear your negative comments, so save them for your own private conversations.’’
Taking photos
If you love the house, it can be tempting to share some pics. Or you might want to take pics to remember various rooms or dimensions. Baker says: ‘‘If you’re taking a photo to help you remember the property, that’s generally fine as long as you ask first. But it’s not OK if you’re showing off on social media where you’ve been.’’
The sofa dilemma
It may look inviting, but an open home is not an opportunity for you to rest and relax.
Should you make yourself at home by sitting on the sofa during an inspection? There doesn’t seem to be a consensus on this one. Wilkinson says: ‘‘People do need to realise that the home is on display. The vendor has gone to the trouble to present it well. It’s there to inspect, not to relax into.’’
On the other hand, Flint says it’s a good sign from the buyer. ‘‘I think that sitting on a sofa shows interest. It’s part of what an open home is about, letting the buyer get a feel for the house. Open homes create a space for us to imagine ourselves in a better life.’’
Watch your kids
Buyer and vendor advocate Miriam Sandkuhler says the biggest sin is when buyers behave in a way that results in damage. ‘‘When little kids are let loose, I’ve seen things get knocked off coffee tables and break. It’s important to keep an eye on your kids. I’ve been in an open home where the child’s room had a lot of toys displayed nicely. A little kid, who was at the inspection with his parents, took a shine to one of the toys and walked out with it. The parents didn’t realise till they got to the car – fortunately, they then came back and returned it.’’