If you’re looking for a new property, chances are you’re going to be attending a lot of ‘open homes’, so it’s important to make sure you know the general rules of visitation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
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Introduce Yourself
It’s polite to introduce yourself to the agent on arrival. You may also be asked to write down your name and a contact name or email. There’s a high chance that the agent will be representing a number of properties around your area, which means you will end up having a lot of communication with them, so it’s important to start off on the right foot
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Be Respectful:
It’s important to remember that this is still someone’s home. You need to be respectful of their space and items, while also being careful about what you say. If you find any flaws or have concerns about the property, try to talk to the agent directly, or maybe even consider sending feedback to the agent after the inspection
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Wear Appropriate Footwear:
Try to wear soft soled shoes and avoid anything that may leave marks or damage flooring. Be sure to wipe your feet on the doormat on entry, especially on a rainy day. It may be a request by the tenant or vendor for visitors to remove their shoes before entry.
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Give Other Prospective Buyers Some Space:
It’s good etiquette to wait until others have vacated a room before you enter. This ensures everyone has enough time and space to really look, instead of feeling rushed.
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Ask Permission:
Remember, in many cases, the property is owner-occupied or tenanted and is someone's private residence. Before you take a photo or look in any cupboards make sure you ask the real estate agent for permission.
If you’re even in doubt, then the best rule to follow is - ‘act how you would expect someone else to behave if they were visiting your home’.
