Denver Open House Etiquette: 9 Expert Tips for Buyers in a Competitive Market
Make a great impression, gain insights, and maximize your open house experience with these expert tips
The Schossow Group - February 12, 2025
Ever wondered what to look for and how to prepare when attending an open house?
Attending an open house in Denver's competitive market is an exciting milestone in the home-buying process, offering the opportunity to explore potential homes, experience different neighborhoods, and picture your future space. Similar to any social event, Denver open houses call for proper etiquette to create a respectful and enjoyable experience for both buyers and sellers.
The Schossow Group at Compass is a leading real estate team specializing in Denver, Colorado’s luxury market. We're committed to guiding you through every step of your real estate journey, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience.
Mountain views are at a premium in Colorado, such as the stunning landscape surrounding 7868 Cicero Court, a beautiful modern masterpiece listed by The Schossow Group. When attending an open house, pay close attention to sun exposure, views, and recent updates.
Before You Attend an Open House:
A buyer's agent is your essential partner in home-buying preparation, especially when it comes to open houses. Although you don't need to be with your agent to attend most open houses, they can help you locate upcoming open houses, potentially access off-market properties, and provide crucial insights into neighborhood dynamics and market values. Home in sought-after neighborhoods such as Ravenna, BackCountry, and Highlands Ranch often draw significant interest. To be competitive in these areas, securing mortgage pre-approval before your home search is crucial - and your buyer's agent can guide you through this process. In fact, pre-search preparation is just one of over 50 ways an experienced buyer's agent can support you before, during, and after your transaction.
9 tips to live by when attending a Denver open house…
1. Be Respectful of the Home
Remember, an open house is still someone’s home, whether it’s owner-occupied or staged for showings. Be mindful of your surroundings, wipe your feet at the door, avoid touching personal belongings, and follow any instructions left by the agent or seller. Some homes may require you to remove your shoes (hint: we recommend slip-on shoes!), avoid certain areas, or refrain from taking photos. Always respect any posted guidelines and check with the agent if you're unsure about anything. While assessing storage is important, refrain from opening dresser drawers, medicine cabinets, or personal items and avoid using bathrooms.
2. Sign In and Greet the Agent
Many open houses have a sign-in sheet or digital check-in. This helps the listing agent keep track of attendees and allows them to follow up with helpful information. Take a moment to introduce yourself, let them know if you’re working with a buyer’s agent, and inquire about permission to take photographs.
3. Ask Questions, But Be Mindful
An open house is a great opportunity to ask questions about the property, neighborhood, or market conditions. However, avoid interrogating the agent with excessive inquiries. If you’re seriously interested, consider scheduling a private showing for a more in-depth discussion.
Appropriate questions for an open house could include:
- How old are major systems? (HVAC, water heater, roof)
- Have there been recent upgrades or repairs?
- Are there any upcoming special assessments? (if HOA applies)
- Who is responsible for snow removal?
- What are the typical utility costs? (Especially relevant for older Denver homes)
- Has the basement ever had water issues?
This home sold in 2024 by The Schossow Group at 1222 Starglow Place in Highlands Ranch's BackCountry neighborhood went under contract after just one day on the market, proving that premium homes that are marketed properly don't last long on the market.
4. Avoid Negative Comments
Even if the home isn’t to your taste, keep your opinions to yourself while inside. Many open house visitors may not be actively looking to buy but are coming simply to see a home in the neighborhood, get a feel for the market or out of curiosity. Criticizing the home’s décor, layout, or condition—especially in earshot of others—may be offensive to the seller or agent.
5. Don’t Overstay Your Welcome
Tour the home at a comfortable pace, but be considerate of other buyers and the agent’s time. Open houses can attract many buyers, and the agent wants to engage with multiple visitors. If you're serious about the property, don't share your interest openly at the open house but rather follow up for a private showing.
6. Keep Kids and Pets in Check
If you’re bringing children, ensure they remain supervised and don’t run around the home. Pets should be left at home unless the event specifically allows them which is rare.
7. Pay Attention to Critical Features
When attending an open house in Denver, there are several critical features that deserve your focused attention:
- Start by noting any mountain views - which are always at a premium in Colorado - as these can significantly impact a property's value and your daily living experience. Pay close attention to the home's sun exposure, particularly crucial in Denver's climate, where proper sun orientation can aid in natural snow and ice melt during winter months.
- Given that basements are common in Denver homes, carefully inspect the basement condition for signs of water damage, proper finishing, and overall maintenance. While examining the property, look for any signs of foundation issues, such as cracks in walls or uneven floors.
- Finally, take note of any recent updates or renovations, as these can indicate both the home's current condition and potential future maintenance needs. Understanding these key elements will help you make an informed decision about the property's value and suitability for your needs.
8. Hold Off on Discussing Your Offer
If you’re interested in making an offer, discuss it privately with your agent after you leave the open house. Talking numbers in front of the listing agent or other buyers can put you at a disadvantage. As soon as you leave the property, take detailed notes about your impressions, concerns, and observations while they're still fresh in your mind. Document specific features that stood out, potential renovation needs, and any questions that arose during your visit. Pay particular attention to items that could impact your offer, such as the condition of major systems or necessary updates.
9. Follow Up If Interested
If you're interested in a property, notify your real estate agent promptly—Denver's market moves fast, and top homes can receive offers within hours. Your agent can schedule a prompt second private showing, allowing for a more thorough inspection before crafting your offer. During this follow-up visit, bring a checklist of specific items to examine more closely and consider visiting at a different time of day to observe lighting, traffic patterns, and neighborhood activity.
Following these etiquette tips will help you make a great impression, gather key insights, and maximize your open house experience. Remember that in Denver's competitive market, being decisive and well-prepared can make the difference between securing your desired home and missing an opportunity.
If you are thinking about your next home purchase in the Denver area, The Schossow Group is dedicated to providing unparalleled service and expertise to help you navigate the complexities of the real estate market, achieve your homeownership dreams, and secure your financial future.
Learn more about our team here or search all Colorado homes for sale.
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