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Is it rude to go to an open house to browse?

We've always enjoyed looking at houses. We browse model homes and open houses to get ideas for our own house and to know what's selling around us. There's a lot of lovely homes near us and we enjoy seeing them. We're not obnoxious about anything and don't lie about our intentions. But sometimes we feel bad or feel like the agent is upset that we're in the home. While I understand their disappointment that we're not going buy the house, we also don't take away any time or energy from them. The house is open and the agent has to be there anyway, so why do some agents seem upset by us viewing the home? Is browsing at an open house an unspoken no-no?
Asked By Beth | Charlotte, NC | 408 views | Buying | 2 months ago
Answer(25)
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Pro
108 Answers
Julianne Clark | Your Lowcountry Compass

Charter One Realty

(47)

I have never had a problem with people stopping by open houses. Sometimes it nice to break up the time if is a slow day with a visitor. Be upfront and chat with the agent a little beforehand. Of course -- if they are busy talking and touring actual potential Buyers -- convey to the agent that you are just touring and not a Buyer so that they can maintain their focus with potential client.
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Rising Star
11 Answers
Amanda Stanford

Magnolia Realty San Antonio | Hill Country

(19)

I love it when neighbors drop by my open houses! Often neighbors know potential buyers and will pop by to preview it. Some have been honest and said they just love seeing people's decor. That's fine for me as well. The more eyes we have on the house, the more conversations we generate. Those conversations lead to business. Come on by!

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Novice
3 Answers
Nancy Moore

Gibson Sotheby\'s International Realty

(55)

Please know that browsing open houses is not a “no-no” at all—in fact, it’s one of the reasons they exist. Many people stop by open houses simply to get design inspiration, stay current on what’s selling in their neighborhood, or explore possibilities for the future. That kind of interest helps spread word of mouth about the home, which is valuable in itself.
As agents, our role is to welcome guests, answer questions, and represent the property with professionalism—whether someone is ready to buy today or just gathering ideas. While some agents may feel disappointed if visitors aren’t immediate buyers, the truth is that every person who walks through an open house is contributing to exposure and community awareness.
So please don’t feel bad about attending open houses. If you’re respectful of the space—as you mentioned you are—you are more than welcome. Who knows? Sometimes browsing today can spark a move tomorrow, and either way, you’re supporting the process. ~ Nancy Moore Needham Realtor
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Novice
2 Answers
Alex Narodny

Alamere Real Estate

(103)

Hi there! I don't think it's rude at all! Open houses are a great way to begin the process and start getting educated. Browse away!
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Novice
2 Answers
Bruce Jones

Compass RE

(60)

Never an issue unless you start asking questions about the people who live there or try to gain information that is confidential.
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Novice
2 Answers
Aimee ONeill

Compass Florida

(1)

I encourage browsing. Your home is one of your biggest assets, and staying aware of what’s on the market helps you understand trends, values, and design ideas. Open houses are meant to welcome both serious buyers and curious neighbors. As long as you’re respectful, you’re not wasting anyone’s time. In fact, it’s a smart way to compare finishes, layouts, and pricing in your area. A bonus tip (and super helpful for us agents): provide honest feedback!
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Novice
2 Answers
Gabrielle Strout

Compass Real Estate

(6)

It's never a bad idea to go to an open house! It's great to get an idea for your value and lots of neighbors do so. You shouldn't feel bad about that. It's unfortunate that some agents don't like that. It's always good to have someone providing insight as to the value of the area. Perhaps if you met someone you liked or provided good value, ask them if you could use their name as an agent the next time you go "shopping" in your neighborhood!
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Novice
1 Answer
Christine Pope,

Michael Saunders & Company

(44)

I don't think it's rude at all to go to an open house just to browse. I don't know about other agents, but I enjoy meeting people and finding out what they like or don't like about a house even if they don't intend to buy it. It helps me provide the seller with feedback and sometimes it even sparks an idea for what we could do differently to attract more homebuyers.
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Pro
116 Answers
Jason Craig

Coldwell Banker

Beth, not rude at all! Open houses are meant to welcome people in—whether you’re buying tomorrow or just getting ideas. As an agent, I’d much rather have people walk through than sit in an empty house for two hours. Some agents may get a little disappointed if they think every visitor is a potential buyer, but that’s more about expectations on their side. In Charlotte, open houses are also a great way to keep a pulse on the market, so your curiosity actually helps you stay informed. My advice: be honest about just browsing (which it sounds like you already are) and enjoy it—there’s no unspoken rule against it.
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Rising Star
8 Answers
Karen Burkardt

Realty One Group

(27)

It isn’t rude to go to an open house just to browse, as long as you’re respectful. Open houses are open to the public, and agents know not everyone who comes through the door will be a serious buyer. Many people attend just to get design ideas, compare homes in the area, or think about future plans. The reason some agents may seem frustrated is that their main goal at an open house is to meet potential buyers and sellers, so when they realize a visitor isn’t in the market, they may feel their time isn’t leading to new business. That’s not about you being rude, it’s just the reality of their job.

Recommendation: If you like browsing, keep doing it—just be upfront and courteous with the agent.
Next step: When you attend, you can simply say you’re a neighbor looking for ideas. Most agents will appreciate your honesty and still welcome you.
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Novice
4 Answers
Frosy Trapezountios

Real Broker LLC

No, it is not considered rude to attend an open house just to browse. Open houses are designed to attract potential buyers, neighbors, and even the casually curious. Realtors often welcome anyone through the door because it increases exposure for the property.

Why It’s Acceptable

Marketing tool: Sellers and agents host open houses to get as many eyes on the property as possible. Even if you’re just browsing, you might know someone who’s looking.

Learning opportunity: Many future buyers visit open houses before they’re ready to purchase, just to get a feel for layouts, prices, and neighborhoods.

Networking: Realtors often meet future clients at open houses, so your attendance is usually viewed positively.

Etiquette Tips When Browsing

Be honest. If asked, let the agent know you’re just looking or not yet ready to buy.

Respect the home. Don’t touch personal items or open closed doors without permission.

Keep it brief. Take a quick tour, ask questions if you have them, and thank the agent on the way out.
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Novice
3 Answers
Manny Barrios

LPT Realty LLC

(73)

Browsing open houses is not only okay, it’s expected. Some agents might get discouraged if they see more “lookers” than “buyers,” but that’s about their own expectations, not your behavior. As long as you’re polite and transparent (which it sounds like you are), you’re absolutely welcome.
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Novice
1 Answer
Victoria and Michael Duever

Keller Williams Johnson City

(51)

Definitely NOT a no-no. I welcome people to come to my open houses. I agree with Julianne be open and honest, especially if there are other "buyers" in the house we should focus on. Many times we are bored and love some company. And you may talk to someone at work or church that is looking for a home you can tell them about that home! Feel free to take a card or flyer just in case!!
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Novice
1 Answer
Dennis Hartley

Compass

(56)

I am primarily a listing agent in Redondo Beach, CA and hold many open houses. At least one per weekend, if not two. At least half of the people who stop by are neighbors so you're not alone. If you came to my open house, quickly said that you were a neighbor and "just curious" I would not be offended at all. You've said you don't monopolize the agent's time so that's appreciated also. After all, the agent's motivation is to sell the house or meet other viable customers. Don't feel bad, you are not alone in being a "nosey neighbor."
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Semi-Pro
75 Answers
Amanda Courtney

REP Realty Group

(8)

Not at all. Open houses are designed to welcome potential buyers, neighbors, and even those just exploring the market. It is perfectly acceptable to browse as long as you are respectful of the property and the hosting agent. If you are working with a Realtor®, it is always good etiquette to mention that when you sign in. Attending open houses can be a great way to learn more about neighborhoods and pricing trends in your area.
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Rising Star
11 Answers
Carole Tyne

HomeSmart

(68)

It’s not rude to attend an open house just to browse — many people do it to get ideas, learn about the market, or simply enjoy looking at homes. Open houses are designed to welcome visitors, so your curiosity is perfectly normal. That said, some agents may feel concerned if they sense a lot of traffic without interest, because they’re focused on finding qualified buyers for the listing. As long as you’re respectful, don’t disrupt the showing, and are honest if asked about your intentions, browsing is fine. It’s part of the process for many buyers and homeowners alike. Andwho knows maybe you have a friend that the house would be prefect for...
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Novice
3 Answers
Michele Kubiak

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

(50)

No. People do it at my open houses . I welcome it because they could later run into someone who needs a house just like that

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