Weekend of May 31 - June 1, 2025

VIEW --> All of Middle Tennessee Open Houses

What is an Open House, and can I go?

Open houses are a great way to research areas and become familiar with what's offered in specific communities. Traditionally, an open house is a schedule time where home buyers (and neighbors) can visit a home for review without an appointment.

Public Open House - These are open to the public, and most often held on the weekends. Days and times seem to vary with region, but Sunday 2-4pm is probably the most popular in our area, and Saturday noon until 3:00 is also popular. In cities with heavy tourism, weekdays are also used more frequently for open house events.
Broker Open House - These are attended by real estate agents for the purpose of exposing them to the available property, so they can share the home with their buyers. Generally, the public does not attend these, but occasionally, a broker may bring a client along.

I'm always happy to assist buyers with attending open houses during their purchasing process and as a general contractor I can help identify specific characteristics of each home that can help with your decisions. During your visits, you will encounter hosts of the open houses. They may be listing agents for the home you're visiting, but you may also encounter hosts that are hoping to recruit you as a buyer client of theirs. Feel free to ask their position so you know with whom you are communicating. If you are working with an agent already, be sure to let the on-site host know upon entering the home. This will help both of you.

What to expect at an open house?

Visits to open houses are without appointments, and simply fall within the scheduled time. Upon entering the home, you will most likely be greeted by the host. This may or may not be the listing agent for the home. You may be requested to register by signing in. This serves several purposes including a security measure. When homes are viewed by appointment, there are records of who accessed the home. This is not present at an open house, so guests may be asked (or even required) to sign-in.

Recommendations for attending open houses:

Be respectful... of everything. These are someone's home and property that deserves care. While you may be considering purchasing it, you at this time are a guest.
New construction deserves the same care. While it may not be owned by a homeowner, it is the builder's property and still deserves care while visiting.
Remove shoes or wear covers if requested.
Restrooms - if you should need restroom facilities while attending an open house, please consult the host before taking any liberties. There may be a designated restroom use plan for the home during the open house.
Refrain from bringing in food & drinks. If the host is serving any refreshments, please be respectful on where those are consumed as to not induce any accidental spills on carpets, furniture, etc.
Keep all people in your group orderly and preferable in close proximity. This includes children. Remember that children do not see an open house like you do. They may see it as a new playground.
Furniture - unless invited or offered by the host, there's a limit on how much to "make yourself at home". Beds should not be sat or jumped on, and even living room furniture should only be observed and not used unless offered otherwise.
Cabinets - yes, you can open a door or drawer to see if they're soft-close or to see shelving, but opening all cabinetry out of curiosity is not recommended.
Pantries - please refrain from self-serving from a homeowner's pantry even if there are baskets of snack bars, chips, or candies out in the open. If refreshments are available, the host will have them out.
Pools - if the home you're visiting has a pool, please be watchful of everyone in your party including children. Nothing gets the adrenaline going like someone falling in during an open house.
Exercise patience. If an open house is busy, the host may be trying to juggle multiple groups - not knowing how long each conversation will last. Some visitors may prefer to self-tour, but if you need to talk with the host during a busy open house, please be patient.
If you have driven to the open house, please be courteous of all other vehicles on site as you park to ensure others can easily exit and are not blocked in.
Recording devices are in most homes now. Homeowners (sellers) may be monitoring the open house, so be respectful of any commentary, and if you are actually considering the home... remember that what you say may play a part in negotiations.