8 Open House Etiquette Tips Every Buyer Should Know
If there’s ever been a time to take open houses seriously, it’s now. According to Redfin data, summer 2025 marked the strongest buyer’s market in records going back more than a decade, with sellers outnumbering buyers by more than 35% nationally. That means more homes to choose from, less competition at the door, and significantly more negotiating power once you’ve found the right place. Open houses are designed to feel low-pressure, with no appointment and no commitment. Still, there are unspoken rules that shape how sellers and agents perceive you. How you carry yourself during a tour can influence whether you’re taken seriously as a buyer, how an agent responds to your questions, and even how smoothly negotiations go if you decide to make an offer. Whether you’re actively searching or just starting to explore, here’s what you need to know before you walk through that door. What is an open house, and how does an open house work? An open house is a set time when a home for s...