Answering Your Questions About Homebuyer Etiquette During Showings

If you’re curious about homebuyer etiquette during home showings, I’ve got the answers to all your questions.

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What are some of the general do’s and don’ts for buyers during home showings?

1. Can I use the bathroom? You can, but sometimes this answer is a plain no. Some homes—especially foreclosures—are winterized. This means they’ve turned off the water and drained it from the pipes so they don’t burst if the temperature drops below freezing. If there’s no water in the pipes, you can’t flush a toilet. Just because a toilet is there doesn’t mean it’s usable, so always ask if they’re usable first.

2. Can I bring my coffee? This is okay, but be careful not to spill because then we have to clean it up.

3. Can I peek in the closet? Absolutely. The seller knows there will be people snooping around everywhere they can reasonably look. If it’s not locked or deadbolted, then it’s fair game.

When in doubt, ask first.

4. Can I take a selfie with the furniture? I’ve never heard this request before, but if I was the agent showing the home, I would have to draw the line here. While the seller did agree to have pictures already taken of the home to post online, it’s still their personal property and it’s not there for your personal entertainment. It’s a matter of privacy and permission. If the seller is there and you feel the need to take a picture or a selfie, ask first.

5. Can I plop down on that chaise lounge? This kind of question elicits a middle-ground response, but I’d lean toward no. I’ve had buyers sit down on furniture before without incident, but you have to be careful because staged furniture isn’t always what it seems. What looks like a bed or a couch can actually be just a prop.

Keep in mind these general rules of etiquette the next time you’re out looking at homes. If you have any questions or are thinking about buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to help you.