A guide to house viewing etiquette
While viewing a property is an essential part of the property selling and buying process, they do present a bit of an unusual social situation – after all, we don’t usually walk into a stranger’s home and poke round their property; likewise, we don’t usually throw open our home and invite the person off the street to walk in and have a look around every room in the house.
Generally, at open viewings, most people are well-mannered, respectful of the seller’s home, and behave accordingly. However, while some behaviour is definitely unacceptable, some viewers may still feel uncomfortable and walk away feeling they didn’t get the full benefit of visiting the property.
Whether it’s a house or a flat, here’s our guide to what is good etiquette, what is acceptable and what isn’t when viewing a property:
Good etiquette
- Arrive on time for the house viewing appointment. If it’s an open viewing, make sure you arrive with time to view the property properly, so you can see what you need to see, and leave within the open viewing time frame.
- When you enter, always ask if it’s OK to leave your shoes on. If they are muddy, or you’re concerned they may mark the floor, obviously take them off at the door.
- To avoid knocking belongings or making marks on the wall, leave any big bags at the door when you’re looking at a room.
- If it’s raining and you have a wet umbrella and/or clothing, ask the agent where you should put it. Please don’t just leave it on the floor in the entrance – it might damage the carpets or wooden floor.
- It’s only natural to imagine yourself living in a property, so sitting on the couch or on the seats at the kitchen counter is expected at a viewing. However, making yourself at home to the extent of jumping on the bed and making yourself a hot drink in the kitchen is a step too far!
- Security conscious owners are mindful not everyone wants to be caught on camera for a variety of reasons. If you are concerned about your own privacy, ask the agent in advance if there are any cameras, CCTV, or audio recording devices in the property, and they can arrange for them to be turned when you visit.
- We do welcome children to viewings, and many parents rightly like for their children to be involved with the process, and look at potential new homes; as family-run business, we also understand children are unpredictable, particularly if they are feeling unsettled about moving. It is fair for owners to expect parents to be mindful of their children’s behaviour at a viewing, and consider the owner’s property, and other people who maybe viewing the property at the same time.
What property owners expect viewers to do at open inspections
- Check fixtures and fittings
Owners are expecting you to check if windows open, what the water flow is in shower heads and taps, and whether cupboards squeak, but ask the agent first, or get them to do it. For example, windows may have a tricky latch, and could damage easily.
It’s also fine to use a tape measure to check dimensions.
- Take pictures and or videos
Online listings usually have photos, video and floor plans, but there maybe something which catches your eye in the property you’d like a record of. Generally considered acceptable for would-be buyers to take photos or videos at an open house, but it is good manners to ask the agent first. Furthermore, be mindful of any personal items that maybe in the picture, so do not put the images on social media.
- Ask questions
Agents such as us are present at an open viewing for a reason – as well as open the property, we’re there to tell you about it, so ask us questions. Frequently asked questions include:
- Why are the owners selling?
- Has the property been renovated?
- Have you received any offers for the property?
- How long has the property been on the market?
- Are there any known issues with the property, the land or the neighbours’ properties?
If we can’t immediately answer them, we will find out and get back to you. We are also happy for you to contact us after you’ve seen a property if you think of something later down the track.
What you shouldn’t do at open inspections
What you shouldn’t do at an open house generally comes down to basic manners.
- Loud criticism
At a viewing, you are looking for flaws in a property – that way you will be aware of any potential costs if you decide to purchase it. Also, the décor may not be to your taste. But it is rude to loudly criticise everything you see. If there are issues, make a note and call us after the viewing.
- Food and/or drink
Avoid bringing drinks or food into a home; spillages and dropped food could make a mess, and may leave a lasting mark.
- Prying eyes
There’s a definite difference between a quick look in a cupboard to scrutinising the personal possessions that are in there. No matter how tempting it is, focus on the property, not the owner’s belongings.
Our rule of thumb for viewing houses is to be respectful of others and remember what behaviour you would find acceptable if you opened your home to people you didn’t know.
If in doubt about doing something during a house viewing, always ask the agent; we’ve done heaps of house viewings and as we’re working with the seller, will advise of any specific or unusual intricacies of the house.
If you’re thinking of selling, or would just like to know what your house could get in today’s market, contact us for a free, independent and non-obligatory quote. Our experienced team will also give you tips and ideas and how to prepare your property for an open inspection.
Being one of Newcastle’s longest established real estate offices, our innovative team can give you great advice on what you can do to improve your property right now and we are constantly achieving great results for our clients.
Contact us now on 02 4954 8833. Or send us an email to: mail@apnewcastle.com.au.
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