House Viewing Etiquette: 2026 Guide to Making the Right Impression When Touring Homes
Author: Carl Smithers
Published on: 12/17/2025|21 min read
Fact CheckedFact Checked
Author: Carl Smithers|Published on: 12/17/2025|21 min read
Fact CheckedFact Checked

House Viewing Etiquette: 2026 Guide to Making the Right Impression When Touring Homes

Author: Carl Smithers
Published on: 12/17/2025|21 min read
Fact CheckedFact Checked
Author: Carl Smithers|Published on: 12/17/2025|21 min read
Fact CheckedFact Checked

Key Takeaways

  • The average home buyer views 8-10 homes before making an offer, though the right number varies based on your needs and the market
  • Arriving on time and treating the property with respect are non-negotiable basics that signal you're a serious buyer
  • Proper preparation (including bringing your preapproval letter and doing homework on the listing) can make or break your house viewing experience
  • Save negotiations and critiques for after the viewing to avoid damaging your relationship with the seller
  • Housing inventory increased by 11.7% in 2025, giving buyers more options but also more competition for desirable properties
  • Ask questions politely during the tour, but know which spaces (like medicine cabinets and closed drawers) are off-limits without permission

When you're shopping for a home in 2025, you'll likely step into quite a few properties before finding the one. Most home buyers tour 8 to 10 homes before making an offer, though I've seen clients find their perfect match on the third viewing and others who needed 20 showings to feel confident.

Here's the thing. Every house viewing is a chance to make an impression. Not just on the property, but on the seller and their agent. In today's market, where the median home price nationwide reached $422,800 in May 2025, you want every advantage you can get.

I've been in mortgage sales since college (got into it through a friend's connection) and the industry got into my blood. Over the years, I've heard countless stories from buyers about viewings that went well and viewings that... didn't. Let me walk you through the house viewing etiquette that actually matters in 2025.

What Exactly Is a House Viewing?

A house viewing is your scheduled, one-on-one showing with a real estate agent. It's different from an open house, where anyone interested can pop in during set hours. During a house viewing, you get focused time with the agent to tour the property, ask specific questions, and really evaluate whether this could be your future home.

Think of it as your private appointment to dig into the details.

The typical viewing lasts 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the property and how many questions you have. Some buyers breeze through in 20 minutes. Others need an hour to check every corner. Neither approach is wrong, you just need to find what works for you.

Why House Viewing Etiquette Matters More Than You Think

You might wonder why etiquette matters when you're the one potentially spending hundreds of thousands of dollars. Fair question.

Here's the reality. In a competitive market (and we're approaching more normal conditions with 4.7 months of inventory supply in June 2025) sellers often receive multiple offers on desirable properties. Your behavior during the viewing can influence which offer gets accepted.

Listing agents talk to their sellers. If buyers made a good impression by showing up on time, asking thoughtful questions, and treating the home with respect, that gets mentioned. If you showed up late, criticized everything, or acted entitled, that gets mentioned too.

One seller might accept a slightly lower offer from a buyer who seemed respectful and organized over a higher offer from someone who raised red flags during the viewing.

It's not the deciding factor in every transaction. But it can be the tiebreaker.

Preparing for Your House Viewing: The Essentials

Preparation separates buyers who waste time from buyers who make smart decisions. Here's how to set yourself up for success before you even walk through the door.

Do Your Homework on the Listing

Start by reviewing the home listing thoroughly (on your own or with your agent). Look at every photo. Read the description carefully. Note the square footage, age of the home, recent upgrades, and any potential red flags.

Write down your questions as they come up. Does the listing mention a new roof but not when it was installed? Is there an addition that doesn't match the original architecture? Are there signs of water damage in the basement photos?

Touring homes helps refine what matters most to you. Each viewing teaches you something about your preferences, but only if you go in prepared to observe and evaluate.

Check the property's history too. How long has it been on the market? Have there been recent price reductions? What did it sell for last time? This context helps you understand the seller's position and how much negotiating room might exist.

Bring Every Decision Maker

If you're buying with a partner, spouse, or family member, everyone involved in the decision needs to attend the viewing. Otherwise, you'll end up scheduling a second showing so your partner can see it, which wastes everyone's time.

I've seen buyers fall in love with a property only to bring their spouse back for a second look and lose the house to another offer that came in faster.

In the current market, where 45% of buyers are willing to pay $20,000+ over asking, speed matters. Having all decision makers at the first viewing lets you move quickly if it's the right fit.

Leave distractions behind. That means kids, if possible. That means pets, definitely. You need to focus on the house, not on keeping your toddler from touching the seller's collectibles or your dog from marking territory in the backyard.

Get Your Financial Documents in Order

Before looking at any house, make sure you have:

  • A mortgage preapproval letter from your lender showing how much you qualify to borrow
  • A copy of the home listing either printed or easily accessible on your phone
  • A clear understanding of your budget including down payment, monthly payment, and closing costs

Your preapproval letter signals to sellers that you're a serious buyer, not a browser. 70% of first-time buyers closed on their home within six months of starting their house hunt, and having your finances squared away from day one is what makes that timeline possible.

Don't waste time viewing homes you can't afford. I've seen buyers fall in love with properties $50,000 above their budget, which just creates heartbreak and delays their actual search. Know your numbers going in.

If you need help understanding how much house you can afford, consider using AmeriSave's prequalification tools to get a realistic picture of your buying power before scheduling viewings.

Bring Tools for Taking Notes and Pictures

You'll want a system for documenting what you see. Most buyers use their smartphones for both photos and notes, which works great. Others prefer a physical notepad and pen for jotting down thoughts.

Take photos of everything that matters to you. The kitchen layout, the closet space, the condition of the floors, the backyard. These photos will help you compare properties later when details start to blur together.

After viewing your eighth or ninth home, you'll struggle to remember which one had the updated electrical panel and which one needed a new water heater. Your notes and photos become essential reference materials.

Ask questions as they occur to you and write down the answers. When was the HVAC system last serviced? Does the fence belong to this property or the neighbors? Are those hardwood floors under the carpet? The listing agent should know most answers, or can find out from the seller.

Core House Viewing Etiquette Rules for 2025

Let's get into the specific behaviors that separate considerate buyers from problematic ones. These aren't just nice-to-haves. They're essential practices for navigating the home buying process successfully.

Always Arrive On Time

Showing up on time demonstrates respect for everyone's schedule. The seller, the listing agent, and your own agent. If you arrive late, you signal that your time is more valuable than theirs. Not a good look.

Plan to arrive five minutes early. That gives you buffer time for traffic, parking challenges, or difficulty finding the property. If an emergency makes you late, call your agent immediately to let them know.

Sheryl Simon, a luxury residential real estate professional, emphasizes this point: "Brokers report back to the seller, especially if there is a bid on the home. You want to present yourself in a very positive light, remembering that it's the job of the listing broker to help pick a great buyer that will get to the closing table."

In my experience, buyers who show up late often have other organizational issues that worry sellers. If you can't be on time for a scheduled viewing, will you be on time for closing? Will you have your documents ready when the lender needs them?

Fair or not, punctuality creates a positive first impression that benefits you throughout negotiations.

Treat the Property With Respect

Remember that you're walking through someone else's home. They might still be living there. At minimum, their belongings are still there, and they care about their property.

Basic respect means:

  • Remove your shoes if you see other shoes by the door or if the agent suggests it
  • Don't touch personal items like photos, collectibles, or mail
  • Close doors behind you unless they were open when you entered
  • Don't open the refrigerator or kitchen cabinets unless invited
  • Turn off lights if you turned them on
  • Be mindful of floors and surfaces (don't drag furniture or lean on walls)

Treat the home the way you'd want visitors to treat yours. It's that simple.

I've heard stories of buyers who left muddy footprints through a pristine home, rearranged furniture to see how their own pieces might fit, or helped themselves to snacks in the pantry. These behaviors get back to sellers and can kill an otherwise competitive offer.

If you need to move something to check behind it (like pulling out the stove to see the outlet or moving a rug to inspect the floor) ask the listing agent first. Most times they'll say yes, but asking shows consideration.

Know Which Areas Are Off-Limits (Unless You Ask)

As a prospective buyer, you have the right to inspect the property thoroughly. That's the point of the viewing. But some spaces are considered private until you specifically request to see them.

Off-limits areas typically include:

  • Medicine cabinets (privacy concerns)
  • Dresser drawers (personal belongings)
  • Closed closets in bedrooms (especially if sellers are still living there)
  • Private home offices (especially if sellers are working from home)
  • Safes or storage units (security concerns)

If you want to see inside a closed closet, ask the listing agent. They'll either open it immediately or ask the seller for permission. Same for office spaces or storage areas that aren't obviously part of the showing route.

Most sellers expect buyers to open kitchen cabinets, check the pantry, and look in the garage or attic. Those are considered normal parts of evaluating the home. But when in doubt, ask before opening.

Save Negotiations and Critiques for Later

This is probably the most important etiquette rule. The house viewing is not the time to start negotiating price, point out every flaw, or discuss what repairs you'll demand.

I get it. You spot foundation cracks or outdated electrical and your mind immediately calculates how much that'll cost to fix. You want to talk it through. But doing that during the viewing can backfire.

If you start picking apart everything wrong with the house while standing in the living room, the listing agent will report those comments to the seller. That seller might decide you're going to be a nightmare to work with and prefer a less critical buyer, even if that buyer offers less money.

Instead, keep your observations neutral during the tour. Take photos of concerning issues. Make notes. But save your analysis for the car ride home.

There will be plenty of time to negotiate once you decide to make an offer. That's when you can request repairs, ask for credits, or adjust your offer price based on the home's condition. The inspection period is specifically designed for identifying and addressing problems.

During the viewing, your goal is to gather information and maintain a positive relationship with everyone involved in the transaction.

Ask Questions Politely and Professionally

You should absolutely ask questions during the viewing. It's expected. You're potentially spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, you need information.

Good questions to ask include:

  • About the property's history: How long have the sellers owned it? Have there been major renovations or repairs?
  • About systems and mechanicals: When was the roof replaced? How old is the HVAC system? Has the water heater been serviced recently?
  • About utilities and costs: What are the average monthly utility bills? Are there any energy-efficient features?
  • About the neighborhood: How's the noise level? What's parking like? Are there any planned developments nearby?
  • About inclusions: Do appliances stay? Does the shed convey? What about the window treatments?
  • About timing: Why are the sellers moving? When do they need to be out? Is there flexibility on closing dates?

Ask your questions conversationally, not aggressively. Remember this isn't an interrogation, it's a fact-finding conversation.

If the agent doesn't know an answer, they can follow up with the seller after the viewing. Don't pressure them for information they don't have or make them feel incompetent for not knowing every detail.

Some buyers bring printed lists of questions, which is smart. Just don't make the viewing feel like a deposition. Keep the tone friendly and curious, not confrontational.

Be Prepared to Inspect Thoroughly (But Considerately)

You need to examine the property carefully. That means:

  • Testing faucets and showers to check water pressure
  • Flushing toilets to see if they work properly
  • Turning on lights to test switches and fixtures
  • Opening and closing windows to check operation
  • Checking outlets (though you probably won't plug anything in)
  • Looking in the attic and basement if accessible
  • Examining the foundation and exterior for cracks or damage

These are all normal inspection activities during a viewing. Agents expect buyers to be thorough.

What's not appropriate:

  • Bringing your own contractor to the initial viewing without clearing it first
  • Spending 30 minutes measuring every room when other showings are scheduled
  • Moving furniture to inspect behind it without asking
  • Testing every single appliance beyond basic functionality

Save the detailed inspection for after your offer is accepted. That's when you'll schedule a professional home inspection and have several hours to examine everything thoroughly.

During the initial viewing, you're getting a feel for the property and identifying any obvious red flags, not conducting a comprehensive inspection.

What to Do After the House Viewing

The viewing doesn't end when you walk out the door. What you do next can make or break your home buying experience.

Take Time to Process Before Deciding

Don't make an offer immediately after viewing a property, especially if it's one of your first viewings. Give yourself at least a few hours (ideally overnight) to think it through.

Sit down with your partner or family members and discuss what you saw. Review your notes and photos. Compare this property to others you've seen.

Consider both the practical factors and your emotional response. Does the home meet your needs in terms of size, layout, location, and condition? Does it fit your budget comfortably? But also, can you picture yourself living there? Does it feel right?

The average home buyer looks at eight homes while they're house hunting, but your personal number might be different. Some people know immediately when they've found the right place. Others need more time and comparisons.

Trust your gut, but back it up with facts and numbers.

Request a Second Viewing if Needed

If you're on the fence about a property, it's completely appropriate to request a second viewing. Many buyers do this before making an offer on a home they're seriously considering.

Try to schedule the second viewing at a different time of day than the first. A house can look and feel very different depending on when you see it:

  • Morning viewings show how much natural light the home gets at the start of the day
  • Evening viewings reveal traffic patterns, neighbor noise, and how the property feels after work
  • Weekend viewings give you a sense of neighborhood activity and noise levels
  • Weekday viewings might show school bus routes, commuter traffic, or nearby business activity

I once worked with a client who loved a house during a weekday afternoon showing. She requested a Saturday morning viewing and discovered the upstairs neighbors threw weekly parties that lasted until 2 AM. That second viewing saved her from a terrible mistake.

Don't feel awkward about requesting another look. Sellers understand that buyers need to be confident before making such a significant financial commitment.

Review Both the Numbers and Your Feelings

When evaluating a property, you need to balance the analytical and emotional sides of the decision.

The numbers include:

  • Purchase price and whether it fits your budget
  • Monthly payment including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance
  • Estimated repair costs for any issues you identified
  • Opportunity cost of what else you could do with that money
  • Resale potential based on location, condition, and market trends

According to a mid-2025 update by Bankrate, extra homeownership costs add an average $21,400 per year, or $1,783 per month for utilities, maintenance, insurance, and property taxes. Make sure you're accounting for these ongoing expenses beyond just your mortgage payment.

Your feelings matter too:

  • Does this house feel like home?
  • Can you picture your daily life here?
  • Are you excited about the space or just settling?
  • Do you feel good about the neighborhood?
  • Is there anything that bothers you that might become a bigger issue later?

The best decisions balance both perspectives. A house might make perfect financial sense but feel wrong emotionally (trust that instinct). Similarly, you might love a property emotionally but the numbers don't work (walk away).

Know When to Move On

Sometimes a property just isn't right, and that's okay. Maybe it needs more work than you're willing to take on. Maybe the location doesn't fit your lifestyle. Maybe something about it just feels off.

49% of Americans feel that buying a home is unrealistic in 2025, largely due to affordability concerns. But if a specific property doesn't work for you, don't force it just because the market feels challenging.

Moving on to the next option is better than buying the wrong house and regretting it for years.

Signs a property isn't right:

  • You're finding more dealbreakers than positives
  • The required repairs exceed what you budgeted for
  • The location compromises important lifestyle needs
  • You're trying to convince yourself it's good enough
  • Your partner or family members have serious reservations
  • The numbers only work if everything goes perfectly

The right house is out there. It might take 10 viewings to find it, or 20. The search process is part of finding the right fit.

Understanding Today's Housing Market as a Buyer

The 2025 housing market looks different than the wild pandemic years, and understanding current conditions helps you navigate viewings and negotiations more effectively.

The 2025 forecast shows a 1.5% increase in overall home sales, reaching 4.07 million transactions for the year. The market has stabilized into what experts call the first balanced market in nine years.

What does this mean for you as a buyer viewing homes?

More inventory means more choices. Inventory hit 1.53 million homes in August 2025, an 11.7% increase from August 2024. You're not fighting over every property the way buyers were in 2021 and 2022.

Price growth has slowed. The median existing home price in June 2025 was $435,300, up just 2% from June 2024. This is a dramatic slowdown from double-digit increases just a few years ago.

You have more negotiating power. With about 4.6 months' supply of homes available and higher share of price reductions in mid-October (about 5.5% of listings), sellers are more open to negotiations, repair credits, and other concessions.

Mortgage rates remain elevated. 30-year fixed rates are hovering around 6.7%, which affects affordability. But builders are using incentives to buy down rates, with new home buyers securing rates approximately 0.5 percentage points below existing home rates.

Understanding these market dynamics helps you approach viewings strategically. You don't need to rush into offers the same way buyers did during the pandemic frenzy, but you still need to move decisively when you find the right property.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Buyers

Your house viewing approach might vary depending on whether you're a first-time buyer, move-up buyer, or investor. Here's what different buyer types should keep in mind.

First-Time Home Buyers

If this is your first home purchase, the viewing process can feel overwhelming. You don't have experience to draw on, and every decision feels high-stakes.

32% of buyers are first-time buyers, and 75% of those first-time home buyers are aged 25 to 33. You're not alone in navigating this process for the first time.

First-time buyers should:

  • View more properties than experienced buyers to develop a sense of what's available in your price range
  • Take detailed notes since you're building your comparison framework from scratch
  • Ask basic questions without feeling embarrassed (agents expect first-time buyers to need more explanation)
  • Bring your agent to every viewing rather than going alone, since you benefit from their expertise
  • Focus on learning with each viewing, not just evaluating that specific property

If it's your first time buying a home, you might need to view a few more homes to get a feel for pricing, layouts, and what your budget really gets you.

That said, one-third of first-time buyers spent less than three months between the start of their search and making a purchase, so the process doesn't have to drag on forever once you understand what you're looking for.

Move-Up Buyers and Sellers

If you're selling one home to buy another, your viewing strategy needs to account for timing constraints and the logistics of owning two properties (even temporarily).

Move-up buyers should:

  • Get your current home under contract first before making serious offers on a new property
  • Coordinate closing dates carefully to avoid paying two mortgages or needing temporary housing
  • Focus viewings on properties that represent a meaningful upgrade from your current home
  • Consider what matters most as your needs have likely evolved since your last purchase
  • Be realistic about timing in your viewing schedule based on your selling timeline

The largest number of home buyers, 24%, are Gen Xers aged 44 to 58 years old, and many in this group are move-up buyers looking for more space or better locations as their families grow or circumstances change.

Investment Property Buyers

If you're viewing investment properties rather than a primary residence, your evaluation criteria look different.

Investors should:

  • Focus on numbers over emotions (you're not living there, so personal preferences matter less)
  • Evaluate rental potential based on comparable rent prices in the area
  • Calculate return on investment including purchase price, estimated rent, operating expenses, and potential appreciation
  • Consider property management and whether you can handle it yourself or need to hire help
  • Look for value-add opportunities where improvements could increase rental income or property value

12% of buyers plan to purchase investment properties in 2025. The investment property market requires a more analytical approach to viewings than primary residence purchases.

Common House Viewing Mistakes to Avoid

I've seen buyers make the same mistakes repeatedly during viewings. Learn from others' errors instead of making them yourself.

Showing Up Unprepared

Walking into a viewing without having reviewed the listing, researched the neighborhood, or prepared questions wastes everyone's time (including yours).

You can't properly evaluate a property if you don't know basic information about it beforehand. Take 15 minutes before the viewing to review the listing details and write down your questions.

Bringing Too Many People

While decision-makers need to attend, bringing your parents, siblings, friends, and your entire support system creates chaos and makes the viewing uncomfortable for everyone.

Limit your viewing party to:

  • You and your co-buyer (spouse, partner, or co-purchasing family member)
  • Your real estate agent
  • Optionally, one trusted advisor (parent, friend, or mentor) if they're directly helping with the purchase

That's it. Save the post-viewing discussion for later when you can gather input from others.

Making Assumptions About What Can Change

Buyers often dismiss properties because of issues that are easily fixable, while overlooking serious problems that aren't.

Remember that you can change:

  • Paint colors
  • Flooring
  • Light fixtures
  • Cabinet hardware
  • Landscaping
  • Most cosmetic features

You can't easily change:

  • Location
  • Lot size or layout
  • Floor plan structure (without major renovation)
  • Neighborhood characteristics
  • School district
  • Major structural issues

Don't let bad paint colors blind you to good bones. But also don't buy a structurally flawed house just because it's been staged beautifully.

Skipping the Neighborhood Assessment

The house viewing should include time outside the property evaluating the neighborhood. Drive around the area. Check out nearby streets. Visit at different times of day if possible.

Look for:

  • Overall condition of neighboring properties
  • Traffic patterns and noise levels
  • Proximity to amenities you use regularly
  • Walking/biking paths or parks
  • Evidence of ongoing development or decline

A perfect house in a problematic neighborhood is still a problematic purchase.

Comparing Out Loud During the Viewing

Even if you've seen properties you liked better, don't mention that during the current viewing. Comments like "the last house had a much bigger kitchen" or "we saw one yesterday with a better layout" create awkward dynamics and don't serve any purpose.

Keep your comparisons internal or save them for discussions with your agent in private.

Overlooking Red Flags Because You're Excited

Enthusiasm is great, but it can blind you to legitimate concerns. If you notice foundation cracks, signs of water damage, outdated electrical systems, or other red flags, don't dismiss them just because you love the kitchen.

Take photos of concerning issues and discuss them seriously with your agent after the viewing. Get professional opinions before making an offer if you're unsure about repair costs or severity.

Making Your Offer After House Viewings

Once you've completed your viewings and identified the property you want, it's time to move forward with an offer. Understanding this process helps you navigate it confidently.

Work With Your Agent on Offer Strategy

Your real estate agent's job is to help you craft a competitive offer that protects your interests. They should advise you on:

  • Appropriate offer price based on comparable sales and market conditions
  • Terms and contingencies that protect you while appealing to the seller
  • Timing strategies for when to submit your offer
  • Personal letter decisions (whether to include one and what to say)
  • Escalation clauses if competing against other buyers

In today's market, you don't necessarily need to offer above asking price on every property. We're approaching more normal conditions, giving buyers meaningful choices without the crazy competition of recent years.

Get Your Financing Finalized

Before making an offer, confirm your financing is solid. Contact your lender to:

  • Verify your preapproval is current and accurate
  • Discuss the specific property and loan amount
  • Understand your closing timeline and any potential delays
  • Get rate lock information if you're ready to proceed

AmeriSave offers streamlined online mortgage applications that let you move quickly when you're ready to make an offer. Having your financing organized demonstrates to sellers that you can close the transaction successfully.

Include Appropriate Contingencies

Most buyers include contingencies in their offers that allow them to back out under certain circumstances:

  • Inspection contingency: Gives you time to have the property professionally inspected and negotiate repairs
  • Financing contingency: Protects you if your loan falls through
  • Appraisal contingency: Allows you to renegotiate if the property doesn't appraise for the purchase price
  • Sale contingency: Only needed if you must sell your current home first

Your agent will advise which contingencies make sense for your situation and the current market conditions.

The Bottom Line: House Viewings Set You Up for Success

House viewings are more than just looking at properties. They're your opportunity to gather information, make connections, and position yourself as a serious buyer in today's market.

The right approach combines preparation, respect, and strategic thinking. Show up on time. Ask thoughtful questions. Treat the property like it could be your future home. Save your critiques and negotiations for private conversations with your agent.

With inventory levels improving and the market stabilizing, 2025 offers buyers better conditions than we've seen in years. But success still requires effort and attention to detail.

Keep it simple. Do your homework before viewings. Bring everyone who needs to be part of the decision. Document what you see. Take time to process before making offers.

After nearly a decade in mortgage sales at AmeriSave, I can tell you the buyers who succeed are the ones who approach the process with both preparation and flexibility. They know what they want, they do their homework, and they move decisively when they find the right property.

Every house viewing teaches you something about the market, about what's available in your price range, and about your own preferences. Use each opportunity to learn and refine your approach.

When you find the right property, you'll know. And when you do, all the viewings you attended and the etiquette you practiced will have positioned you to move forward confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

There's no magic number, but most home buyers tour 8 to 10 homes before making an offer. Your personal number depends on several factors including your timeline, the local market inventory, and how clear you are about your needs. Some buyers know exactly what they want and make offers after viewing just three or four properties. Others need to see 15 or 20 homes to fully understand what's available in their price range and what features matter most to them. First-time buyers typically view more properties than experienced buyers because they're still developing their comparison framework. What matters most isn't hitting a specific number, it's feeling confident about your decision when you're ready to make an offer. If you're torn between multiple properties after extensive viewings, that might signal you need to refine your criteria rather than view more homes. Trust your instincts and work closely with your agent to know when you've seen enough.

Yes, removing your shoes is usually the safe and respectful choice during house viewings, especially if you see other shoes lined up by the door or if the floors are pristine. Many sellers request shoe removal to protect their floors and carpets, particularly in regions where this is common practice. However, rules vary by area and property condition. If you enter a house with obvious renovation work in progress, construction debris, or dated flooring, keeping shoes on might be appropriate. When in doubt, ask your agent or the listing agent at the start of the viewing. Bringing shoe covers is another option that protects floors while keeping your shoes on for support and comfort. Some buyers keep a pair of clean indoor shoes in their car for viewings. The underlying principle is simple: treat the property as you'd want visitors to treat your home. If removing shoes feels awkward because of personal comfort or health reasons, communicate that to your agent beforehand and they can help navigate the situation professionally.

Yes, taking photos and videos during house viewings is generally expected and encouraged, as they help you remember and compare properties later. Most listing agents understand that buyers need documentation to make informed decisions, especially when viewing multiple homes. However, there are some guidelines to follow. Focus your photos on the property itself (the rooms, layout, condition, and features) rather than personal belongings, family photos, or anything that invades the seller's privacy. Avoid photographing people, including the sellers if they're present, the listing agent, or other buyers at the viewing. Some sellers or agents may have restrictions on photography, particularly for luxury properties or homes with valuable art and furnishings, so ask at the beginning of the viewing if you're unsure. When taking photos, be respectful of the seller's space and don't move or rearrange items to get better shots. If you want to create a video walkthrough, ask the listing agent first as some sellers prefer to control video content of their property. Your photos and notes become invaluable reference materials when you're comparing eight or ten properties and trying to remember which one had the updated electrical panel versus which needed foundation work.

Opening kitchen cabinets, pantries, and main closets is generally acceptable during house viewings, as buyers need to assess storage space and functionality. However, some spaces are considered private unless you specifically ask for permission. Kitchen cabinets and the pantry are fair game (buyers need to see storage capacity, cabinet quality, and whether shelving works for their needs). Linen closets and coat closets are typically fine to open. Main bedroom closets are usually acceptable, especially if they're empty or minimally stocked. However, bedroom closets that are full of the seller's clothing and personal items should only be opened with permission from the listing agent. Medicine cabinets are off-limits without asking, as these contain personal health items. Same goes for dresser drawers, private safes, locked rooms, or home offices that appear to be actively in use. If you see a closed door or closed storage area and you're not sure whether it's appropriate to look inside, simply ask the listing agent. They'll either open it for you, ask the seller for permission, or explain why that space isn't part of the showing. Asking shows respect and professionalism, and most agents will gladly accommodate reasonable inspection requests. The goal is gathering the information you need to make a decision while respecting the seller's privacy.

During a house viewing, focus your questions on information that isn't readily available in the listing or that requires the agent's local expertise. Ask about the property's history first: How long have the current owners lived here? Have there been any major renovations or additions? Are there any ongoing issues with the property? Then move to systems and mechanicals: When was the roof last replaced? How old is the HVAC system and when was it last serviced? What's the age and condition of the water heater? Have there been any plumbing or electrical updates? Utility costs matter too: What are typical monthly costs for electricity, gas, water, and other utilities? Are there any energy-efficient features? Ask about the neighborhood: What's the noise level like at different times? How's parking for residents and guests? Are there any planned developments nearby that might affect property values? Don't forget practical details: Which appliances stay with the home? Do window treatments convey? What about the shed or other outdoor structures? Why are the sellers moving and what's their ideal timeline? Finally, ask about anything specific to this property that concerns you or piques your interest. If you notice foundation cracks, ask about them. If the kitchen was recently renovated, ask about permits and whether there are warranties on the work. Your agent can help you formulate questions if you're unsure what to ask, but don't be shy about seeking information. This is potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars you're spending, you deserve clear answers.

Most house viewings last between 30 and 45 minutes, though this varies based on property size, your level of interest, and how many questions you have. For a smaller home or condo, 20 to 30 minutes might be sufficient to tour all the spaces and get a feel for the property. Larger homes, properties with extensive outdoor space, or homes with unique features might require 45 minutes to an hour for a thorough viewing. If you're seriously interested in a property and have many detailed questions, don't feel rushed to leave within a specific timeframe (your agent and the listing agent understand that serious buyers need adequate time). That said, be mindful if other showings are scheduled back-to-back. If you need more time than the initial viewing allows, you can always request a second showing rather than overstaying your first appointment. Some properties allow you to take your time because they're vacant, while others have sellers present who might feel uncomfortable with extended viewings. Your agent will guide you on appropriate viewing length based on the specific situation. Quality matters more than quantity. A focused 30-minute viewing where you ask good questions and examine key features is more valuable than wandering through for an hour without purpose. Come prepared with questions, take your notes and photos efficiently, and respect everyone's time while still gathering the information you need.

If you notice significant issues during a house viewing (such as foundation cracks, signs of water damage, electrical problems, or structural concerns) take photos and make detailed notes, but save your analysis and reactions for private conversation with your agent after you leave the property. Pointing out every flaw loudly during the viewing can damage your relationship with the seller and their agent, potentially hurting your chances if you decide to make an offer. Instead, photograph the concerning areas from multiple angles, note exactly where they're located, and jot down your questions. Once you're back in your car or at your agent's office, discuss what you saw and determine next steps. Your agent can help you assess whether the issues are minor cosmetic problems, moderate repairs you could negotiate in your offer, or major red flags that should eliminate this property from consideration. If you're still interested despite the problems, you'll address them through your offer terms and the inspection contingency. You might request a lower purchase price, ask for repair credits, or negotiate for the seller to fix specific issues before closing. If the problems are severe enough to change your interest level, you can simply move on to other properties without burning bridges. Remember that all homes have some issues, it's rare to find a perfect property. The question is whether the problems you observed are manageable within your budget and tolerance, or whether they represent bigger concerns that make this house wrong for you. For an initial house viewing, you typically shouldn't bring a contractor or inspector without clearing it with the listing agent first, as this can feel invasive to sellers and creates logistical complications. The initial viewing is your chance to get a general feel for the property and identify any obvious concerns. If you're seriously interested after that first look, then you can bring professionals for a more detailed evaluation, but this usually happens either at a second private showing that you've arranged specifically for that purpose, or during your formal inspection period after your offer has been accepted. However, there are exceptions. If you have specific expertise that requires professional assessment before making an offer (for example, if you're looking at a property with significant structural issues and need a foundation specialist's opinion before deciding whether to bid) you can request permission to bring that professional. Most agents will accommodate reasonable requests if you explain the situation. Just don't show up to a first viewing with your entire renovation team in tow. That's premature and inappropriate. The standard home buying process includes an inspection contingency in your offer that gives you several days or weeks to have the property professionally examined after the seller accepts your offer. That's when you'll bring in a general home inspector who will spend several hours examining the property thoroughly. If specific issues arise during that inspection, you can then bring specialized contractors to assess those problems. For first viewings, rely on your own observations and your agent's expertise to determine if the property warrants further investigation.

A house viewing is a private, scheduled appointment where you and your real estate agent tour the property one-on-one with the listing agent, while an open house is a public event where anyone interested can drop in during set hours without an appointment. The key difference is the level of personal attention and focus you receive. During a house viewing, you typically get 30 to 45 minutes of dedicated time to examine the property carefully, ask detailed questions, and have substantive conversations with the listing agent about the home, the sellers' situation, and any concerns you might have. You can take your time in each room, open cabinets and closets to check storage, test faucets, and generally conduct a thorough evaluation. In contrast, an open house usually has multiple potential buyers flowing through at once, which means less privacy, less opportunity for detailed questions, and less personal attention from the listing agent. Open houses are useful for getting a quick first impression of properties you're curious about or for browsing neighborhoods where you're considering buying. They're lower pressure and don't require an appointment. However, if you're serious about a property, you should schedule a private viewing where you can examine it thoroughly without competing for the agent's attention. Many buyers attend open houses to identify properties they want to see again privately, then schedule dedicated viewings for homes that make their shortlist. Both serve purposes in the house hunting process, but private viewings are where serious evaluation happens.

Absolutely. Requesting a second viewing before making an offer is common and perfectly acceptable, especially for properties you're seriously considering. In fact, many agents recommend seeing a property twice under different conditions before committing to such a significant purchase. The second viewing allows you to examine details you might have missed initially, bring family members who couldn't attend the first time, or see the property under different lighting or at a different time of day. Many buyers schedule their second viewing at a different time than the first. For example, if you first saw the property on a weekday afternoon, request a weekend morning viewing to see how different the neighborhood feels, what the traffic and noise patterns are like, or how natural light enters the home at various times. You might also want a second, slower look to measure spaces, envision your furniture in the rooms, or simply confirm that your positive first impression holds up. Some buyers bring family members or trusted advisors to the second viewing for additional perspective. Just communicate clearly with your agent about why you want another viewing and what you hope to learn from it. There's no limit to the number of times you can view a property before making an offer, though most buyers feel confident after one or two viewings. If you've been back three or four times and still can't decide, that might indicate uncertainty you need to work through before moving forward. But in general, sellers and listing agents understand that buyers need adequate information to make confident offers, and a second viewing request signals serious interest rather than wasting anyone's time.