Warmer weather inevitably sees an increase in the number of home buyers venturing outdoors to join in the open home circuit. But, First National JM Chase principal, Jee Chin, warns while open homes appear an open invitation, there are some rules that apply.
“It is really important to follow proper etiquette when visiting an open home,” Jee Chin said.
“Respecting other people’s privacy and property is paramount because, ultimately, they still own the home, and you are only there at their invitation.”
According to Jee, it is a matter of applying common sense and behaving as you would like others to if they were visiting your home.
“Respect and courtesy is the key here. Respect that the property is someone else’s private domain and treat it accordingly,” Mr Chin said.
“It’s not polite to go rummaging through personal belongings such as chests of drawers or picking up and touching personal items like ornaments and perfume.
“But, if an item forms part of the sale, such as a pantry or built in robe, it is fine to inspect.
“For genuine, interested buyers, a private, one-on-one viewing can be arranged where it is acceptable to check things like cupboard dimensions or conduct building inspections.”
Other rules of open home inspection etiquette include:
- Arrive on time. Often, the agent has more than one open house scheduled and timing is critical. Arriving late or in the closing minutes of the inspection is disrespectful as well as disruptive and causes unnecessary stress at the point where agents must focus on securing the property.
- Remember, it is not your house. If possible, take your shoes off and don’t traipse dirt and mud through the house. A lot of time and effort go into making a property presentable. Also, do not take food or drink into an open home, and above all, do not use the toilet or bathroom. Facilities are there for everyone to view and inspect – not to be used. Should the need to relieve arise, seek an appropriate alternative, just as you would if you were merely passing by.
- Leave your details. Register your name and phone number upon arrival and leave any feedback that is constructive about the house and its price. The registry is used to gauge interest in the home, to keep interested parties informed and to serve as a security measure. In some cases, clients instruct their agent that entry should be denied unless contact details are provided.
- Supervise children. Children should remain with adults at all times and not be left to their own devices, to roam freely around the house or backyard where mishaps can, and often do, occur.
- Keep the driveway clear. The driveway will also be open for inspection and if visitors park their cars there, other interested parties cannot conduct a proper inspection. Also, some people will want to take in the look of the home from the road, without any visible impairment.
- Watch what you say. Your critique, whether good or bad, is just that – yours – and it should not necessarily be shared with others. You never know, the person near you may be the home owner, their family or friends, or an interested buyer.
Jee Chin said open homes are an ideal way for genuinely interested buyers to assess the general condition of the home, its aspect in terms of natural light, the outlook, quality of constructionm, and, if land is the drawcard, whether the block is level or ideal for their purposes.
“It is also incumbent upon the agent to ensure they know all the details about the property because, at the end of the day, an open home is a fact-finding and information gathering exercise,” Mr Chin said.
“And if everyone remembers their manners, open homes are a great way to buy and sell a home.”
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