How to Make the Most of Your Next Open House Visit

22 September 2025

Attending an open house is an exciting part of the home-buying journey. It’s your chance to step inside potential future homes and see if they truly meet your needs. But if you’re just walking in, glancing around, and walking out, you might be missing out on key details.

Want to make sure you get the most out of your next open house visit? Keep reading to find out how you can strategically approach open houses like a pro.

1. Do Your Homework Before You Go

Before you even step foot in an open house, take some time to research the property.

Check Out the Listing

Most homes have online listings with essential details like price, square footage, lot size, and recent renovations. Read through the description thoroughly so you have a baseline understanding of what to expect.

Look at Comparable Homes

Are homes in the same neighborhood priced similarly? If this property is significantly more (or less) than others, find out why. This can provide insight into whether it’s a good deal or if there are underlying issues.

Google the Neighborhood

Location matters just as much as the house itself. Research nearby schools, crime rates, public transportation, and local amenities like grocery stores and restaurants. A beautiful house in a bad location is never a good investment.

2. Arrive Prepared

An open house might seem like a casual stroll through a home, but if you come unprepared, you could miss a lot of small but important details.

Bring a Notebook or Use Your Phone for Notes

You’re likely going to visit multiple homes, and they can start blending together. Jot down notes on things like:

- First Impressions
- Layout and Flow
- Natural Lighting
- Signs of Damage (water stains, cracked walls, etc.)
- Noise Levels

Take Photos or Videos

If allowed, take photos or short videos of things that stand out—both pros and cons. This will help you later when comparing homes.

Prepare a List of Questions

Real estate agents expect questions—so ask away! Some good ones to consider:

- How long has the home been on the market?
- Are there any recent renovations or repairs?
- What are the average utility costs?
- Has the home had any major issues in the past (leaks, foundation, etc.)?
- What’s included in the sale (appliances, fixtures, etc.)?

3. Assess the Home Beyond the Basics

It’s easy to get swept up by beautiful staging and stylish decor, but don’t let aesthetics distract you from the home’s real quality.

Check for Smells and Sounds

Odd smells like mold, cigarette smoke, or pet odors could signal deeper issues. Likewise, pay attention to external noise—traffic, planes, or noisy neighbors could be a dealbreaker.

Feel the Walls and Floors

Run your hand along the walls. Are they damp? That could mean hidden leaks. Test out the floors too—squeaky boards or uneven spots might indicate underlying problems.

Test Outdoors Too

Go beyond the interior. Walk around the yard, check the fence (if there is one), and see how the house looks from the outside.

4. Visualize Yourself Living There

A house isn’t just a building—it’s where you’ll live your life. Try to picture your daily routine in the space.

Consider Your Furniture

Would your current furniture fit in the rooms, or would you need to buy entirely new pieces?

Imagine Your Morning and Evening Routine

Where would you drink your morning coffee? How’s the kitchen space for cooking? Would your commute to work be manageable from this location?

Think About the Future

Are you planning on growing your family? Will you need space for a home office? A house that works now might not in five years, so plan ahead.

5. Observe Other Visitors

Pay attention to how other people at the open house react to the property. If you start seeing serious buyers measuring spaces or asking about financing, that could indicate high interest in the home.

On the flip side, if most visitors seem unimpressed or ask the agent about price reductions, that may be a clue that the home isn’t a hot commodity.

6. Watch for Red Flags

Not every open house is a gem. Sometimes, sellers will try to mask issues with cosmetic fixes. Stay alert for these red flags:

- Overpowering Scents: Are they trying to cover up something?
- Fresh Paint in Strange Places: Could be hiding water damage or cracks.
- Doors or Windows That Stick: This might indicate foundation problems.
- Too Many “Owner DIY” Fixes: Amateur work could lead to long-term repairs.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

7. Talk to the Real Estate Agent Smartly

The listing agent represents the seller, so they’re naturally going to put a positive spin on the home. However, you can still gain valuable insights by asking the right questions.

Avoid Revealing Too Much About Your Interest

Saying things like, “I LOVE this house!” could weaken your negotiating power. Instead, keep things neutral with statements like, “This home is interesting. I’ll need to think about it.”

Ask About the Seller’s Motivation

If the seller is in a rush to move, they may be more open to negotiating. Ask, “Why is the owner selling?” or “Is there flexibility on the price?”

8. Follow Up After the Open House

Once you’ve visited multiple homes, it’s time to narrow down your choices.

Review Your Notes and Photos

Go through your notes and revisit any pictures you took. Compare the pros and cons of each home.

Schedule a Second Visit

If you’re genuinely interested in a home, consider booking a private tour for a second look. Visiting at a different time of day can reveal new details—like how the sunlight hits the rooms or how traffic sounds in the evening.

Talk to Your Real Estate Agent

If you’re working with a buyer’s agent, discuss your thoughts with them. They can provide additional insights and help guide your next steps.

Final Thoughts

Open houses are more than just walk-throughs—they’re opportunities to get a real feel for a home before making a big decision. By preparing in advance, asking the right questions, and paying close attention to details, you can confidently make the most of your next open house visit.

Remember, a home isn’t just about what looks good on the surface; it’s about how well it fits your life. So take your time, stay observant, and trust your gut!