When you tour a home for sale, you are a guest in someone’s house. The sellers may have rushed to clean, loaded up the kids and the dog and left on short notice so you could see it. Good showing etiquette is a matter of courtesy, and it can also help you. Listing agents talk to sellers, and a buyer who treated the home with care makes a better impression when an offer arrives.
Arrive on time and follow instructions
Be punctual, and let your agent know right away if you are running late or need to cancel. On a hot day, a seller may be waiting in a car or at a park until the showing ends. Follow any instructions left by the listing agent, such as removing shoes, wearing shoe covers or skipping certain rooms. A closed door with a note usually means a room is off limits, and it should stay that way.
Respect the home’s comfort and security
- Close exterior doors behind you so the cool air stays in and pets stay where they belong.
- Leave the thermostat, windows and blinds as you found them unless your agent checks with the seller first.
- Do not use the pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen or play equipment.
- Keep food and drinks other than water in the car.
- Ask before using a bathroom.
- Keep your group together. Your agent is responsible for the home while you are inside.
Look closely, but appropriately
Opening closets, cabinets, the pantry and the electrical panel door is part of evaluating a house, and sellers expect it. Going through dressers, desks, mail or medicine cabinets is not. Photos or videos may or may not be allowed, so ask your agent before you start recording, and avoid photographing personal items such as family pictures, documents or security equipment.
Assume someone may be listening
Many homes have doorbell cameras, security systems or smart speakers, and rules about recording visitors vary by state and by type of recording. The safest habit is to assume that anything you say inside the home or near the front door could be heard. Save your opinions about the price, your budget, your timeline and how much you love the house for the car or a private conversation with your agent. A remark about being willing to pay anything for that kitchen is not one you want the seller to hear.
Leave it the way you found it
Turn lights off or leave them on as the listing instructions ask, close cabinets and closet doors and make sure every exterior door is locked on your way out. If you notice a problem, such as a running toilet, a leak or an open gate, tell your agent so the listing agent can let the seller know. Then share your impressions through your agent rather than directly with the seller or in a note left behind.
Good manners cost nothing, and they travel further than you might expect. When you are ready to start touring homes, reach out through our contact page.
A Showing-Day Routine for Considerate Buyers
A little preparation before you head out makes it easier to be a good guest, especially when you are seeing several homes in one summer afternoon.
Before you leave home
- Confirm the showing times and addresses with your agent, and plan your route so you are not rushing between homes.
- Wear shoes that slip on and off easily, and bring socks if you will be removing shoes on hot days in sandals.
- Pack water bottles for the car, a notebook or notes app and a phone charger.
- Decide who will come along. A smaller group is easier to keep together and less disruptive for the seller.
At the door
- Wait for your agent to open the home, and read any instructions posted near the entry.
- Wipe your feet or use shoe covers if they are provided, especially after a summer rain.
- Keep children close and explain the rules before going in, so everyone knows what to expect.
Inside the home
- Move through the home as a group, room by room, with your agent.
- Ask your agent about anything you want to test, such as faucets, windows or appliances.
- Take notes on what you see rather than discussing your strategy out loud.
On the way out
- Return lights, blinds and doors to the way you found them.
- Confirm with your agent that all exterior doors and gates are closed and locked.
- Save your discussion for the car, after you have pulled away.
Etiquette Mistakes Buyers Make Without Realizing It
- Bringing a crowd. Several relatives on the first showing can make it harder to focus and may concern sellers. Save extended family for a second visit.
- Parking in the driveway. Unless your agent says otherwise, park on the street so the driveway remains clear and you do not block a neighbor.
- Sitting on beds or furniture. Testing the feel of a room is natural, but sellers generally prefer that buyers not use their furniture.
- Letting children play with toys. A child’s room full of toys is tempting. Bring a small activity from home to keep little ones occupied.
- Touring without your agent. If you see a home you like, contact your agent rather than knocking on the door or walking the property alone.
- Posting the home online. Sharing photos or video of someone else’s home on social media without permission can be an invasion of their privacy.
Questions Buyers Ask About Showing Etiquette
Is it rude to stay a long time?
Not if the showing is scheduled for that length of time. If you need longer, ask your agent to check with the listing agent. Sellers often appreciate knowing a buyer is seriously interested.
What if the seller is home during the showing?
Be polite and friendly, but keep conversation light. Let your agent handle any questions about the home, price or terms, and save your reactions for later.
Can I bring my contractor or a relative who knows houses?
Often yes, especially for a second showing, but ask your agent to arrange it with the listing agent first.
Should I leave feedback?
Your agent will usually share feedback with the listing agent. Keep it honest and constructive, and focus on the home rather than the seller’s belongings or decorating taste.
