Any time the word etiquette gets thrown around, I instantly think of Emily Post. So please allow me to preface this post by squashing all notions that I find myself on the same level as the queen of manners. I’m not out to judge you in any way. But I have been on every side of this real estate game, and there is nothing more invasive than a stranger touring your home…without you in it. So after doing multiple showings this week with a first time homebuyer, I thought it might be time to share some unspoken rules to follow during a house showing:

1. House rules. If you see a sign that asks you to use a specific entry door, or remove your shoes, please do. Just as you would if the seller was there, you want to play nice when they’re not. I was never a homeowner who asked people to remove their shoes, but when you have a crawling baby on the ground, it’s pouring rain outside, and you have people traipsing through your home with muddy boots, it tends to change your mind. It’s your Realtor’s job to shut off all the lights, and be sure to lock the doors behind you, but if they forget, bonus points for helping out.
2. Be on time. If your agent scheduled your showing for 9am, arrive at 9am. If you happen to arrive early (because, hello, we’re excited!!), wait in your car a safe distance away (not in front of the garage) until exactly 9am. Chances are, the sellers are scrambling to get everything in tip top shape before your arrival. You could be the one. So they have to clean every surface, put away the laundry and the toys and all signs of life really. Then get the dog, kids and themselves out the door with sometimes seconds to spare. Jon once answered the door for an early showing sweating profusely with our pantsless baby. It didn’t go well.
3. Give notice. If your Realtor tells you the listing requires 24hours notice, try to give it to them. For all of the reasons listed above, and then some. And if by chance you need to cancel, definitely do. A lot of times I’ll have buyers say, oh, we don’t want to see that one anymore, but we don’t want to upset them. If you can save them the time and stress getting everything ready for a showing, give as much notice as you’re able.
4. Do your homework. Look at the pictures a few times to get familiar with the layout of the house. Check the taxes. Double check what your mortgage payment would be should you put an offer in. Drive by the house to look at the condition of the home and vibe of the neighborhood. Check your list of must have’s and make sure it checks the boxes. Look into the school district and your commute time. All of this will help more than you know. 9 times out of 10, doing your homework ahead of time will eliminate homes that aren’t a good fit before you even schedule a showing.
5. Be mindful. A showing is typically 30 minutes or less. I always tell sellers to expect to be gone one hour, but the average showing is about 30 minutes depending on the size of the home. If you are truly interested, absolutely take your time. If you’re interested, but unsure, schedule a second showing at a different time of day (so you can see it in another light, see how the neighborhood is at another time, etc). But if you know this one’s not for you, head out when you know. That way, the sellers can come back home, and get back to their life. Too often, people stick around chatting with their agents, taking up more time, and making themselves at home. When that’s just the thing, it’s not your home.
6. Be kind. Sure, that wallpaper isn’t for everyone. And you definitely wouldn’t have chosen that tile in the bathroom. Who the heck installs purple carpet when they know they’re going to list it for sale?! All true. But save any critical feedback for your car, or your agent’s office. You never know who might be listening. And I know you’d never want to hurt someone’s feelings. You also don’t want to show all your cards that you’re head over heels in love with the place should you end up putting in an offer. Lots of sellers have been using nest cameras lately and can tune in at any time.
7. Don’t be nosy. You absolutely have to open the closets to check out the space. And a cupboard or two in the kitchen to see if they’re soft close, and of good quality. But you don’t need to paw through their dresser drawers and medicine cabinet. The contents don’t convey with the house. Are you thinking who does that?! So. many. people. I’ve seen it all, and a lot worse than that. The rule I like to follow is, would I want someone doing this in my house? The Golden Rule always rules.

Did we miss any? Share with us in the comments below. And as always, thank you so much for stopping by, friends!