Buyer Resource Center › The Home Search › 5 Dos and Don'ts on Property Tours
How you act during a showing can affect your chances with the seller. Many homes now have security cameras, and sellers notice who respects their home. These simple dos and don'ts will help you make a good impression, protect your negotiating position, and get the most out of every tour.
5 Dos and Don'ts
Do Get Pre-Approved First
Many listing agents want to see a pre-approval before scheduling a showing, and you'll be ready to act fast if you find the right home. It also keeps your search focused on homes you can actually buy.
Don't Talk Numbers Inside the Home
Assume you're being recorded. Many homes have doorbell cameras or indoor security systems. Save comments about price, your budget, or how much you love the house for after you leave.
Do Take Notes and Ask Before Taking Photos
After a few showings, homes start to blur together. Take notes on what you liked and didn't, and ask your agent whether photos or video are okay before you start snapping.
Don't Bring a Crowd
Keep your group small, supervise kids closely, and leave pets at home. Sellers appreciate buyers who treat their home with care, and fewer distractions help you focus.
Do Respect the Seller's Home
Remove shoes or use booties if asked, don't use the bathroom without permission, don't open personal drawers, and leave everything as you found it. Never post photos of someone's home online.
The bottom line: Treat every showing like a first impression. Be prepared, be respectful, keep your opinions quiet until you're outside, and take good notes. Then we'll talk through what you saw and decide whether it's worth a second look or an offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sellers record me during a showing?
Many homes have security cameras, so it's safest to assume you could be on video. Laws about recording conversations vary, but the best practice is simple: don't discuss price or strategy inside the home.
Is it okay to take photos during a showing?
Ask your agent first. Many sellers are fine with photos for your personal reference, but never post them online without permission.
Should I bring my kids to a showing?
It's fine if needed, but keep them close and supervised. Many buyers do first tours without kids and bring the family back for a second showing.
How many homes should I tour in one day?
Usually four to six is plenty. After that, homes start to blur together. Taking notes and photos helps you remember each one.
Do I need to be pre-approved to tour homes?
It's strongly recommended, and some listing agents require it. It also helps you focus on homes in your price range and act fast when you find the right one.
Can I tour homes remotely if I'm relocating?
Yes. Live video tours are a great option for military families who are PCSing or deployed. Your agent can walk the home, answer questions, and point out details on camera.
Keep Reading
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Read more ›The Two House Test
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Read more ›Your First Meeting with a Buyer's Agent
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Meet Your Veteran Realtor
Troy Doty, Principal Broker
Troy Doty is a Principal Broker with Northwest Realty Source in Portland, with 25 years in real estate and over 1,000 homes sold across the Portland metro and SW Washington. As a Marine Corps veteran, Troy has a true passion for helping Portland veterans and active duty military families buy and sell homes, whether you're PCSing in, transitioning out, buying your first home, investing in a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, or right sizing later in life.
Schedule a Call or Video Meeting ➜ More About Troy ➜ Free Veteran Buyer E-BookPrefer to call or email? 503.997.4169 · troy@nwrealtysource.com
Troy Doty, Principal Broker, Northwest Realty Source. Licensed in Oregon and Washington. ABR®, MRP, and SRES® are credentials of the National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliates. CIAS™ is a designation of U.S. Realty Training. Content adapted in part from ABR® consumer resources. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice.
