Buyer Etiquette No One Talks About
(And Why It Could Cost You the House)
Let me tell you something most buyers don’t realize…
You can have the strongest offer.
You can have solid financing.
You can even have the best intentions.
And still lose the house.
Not because of price.
Not because of conditions.
But because of how you behaved during the showing.
I have personally seen sellers reject excellent offers because a buyer acted careless, disrespectful, or entitled while walking through their home.
Buying a home is emotional for everyone involved — and how you show up matters more than most people think.
If your agent is too polite to say it, I’m not.
Here’s the buyer etiquette no one talks about.
1. Be Pre-Qualified Before You Start Looking
Do not book showings “just to see what’s out there.”
If you are touring homes, you should be financially prepared to write an offer if the right property appears.
Sellers are rearranging their lives for you. Respect that by being a serious, ready-to-go buyer.
2. Be On Time. And Do Not Be a No-Show.
I can’t believe this needs to be said — but it does.
When you book a showing:
• Be on time
• Do not cancel last minute
• Do not simply not show up
A seller typically goes through extraordinary effort to prepare:
Deep cleaning (not regular cleaning — deep cleaning)
Packing up pets
Hiding litter boxes and dog beds
Clearing counters
Making the home smell fresh
Getting kids out of the house
Leaving for hours
After your showing, they return and reset everything — often multiple times in one day.
You aren’t just touring a house.
You are temporarily stepping into someone else’s life that they had to dismantle for you.
Respect that.
3. Furniture Is Off Limits
You are buying the house — not their belongings.
It is completely appropriate to:
• Open kitchen cabinets
• Check pantry space
• Look inside closets
• Test drawers built into cabinetry
It is not appropriate to:
• Open personal furniture drawers
• Go through nightstands
• Open dressers
That is invasive and unnecessary.
4. Children & Pets: Be Responsible
Bringing children? That’s understandable — but they must be supervised at all times.
Do not allow:
• Jumping on furniture
• Running freely through the home
• Touching personal items
If something valuable is broken, it can be devastating for a seller.
If possible, consider:
• Having someone watch the kids
• Bringing another adult who can supervise while you focus on the home
If traveling with a dog:
• Clean up after them
• Do not leave waste on someone’s property
If a cat is loose in the home:
• Be mindful not to let it outside
5. Leave the Home As You Found It (Realtor Responsibility)
For agents especially:
• If lights were on — leave them on
• If lights were off — turn them off
• Lock all doors
• Ensure security
Leave the property as you found it — or better.
6. Ask Before Taking Photos or Video
Some homes contain:
• Sensitive documents
• Personal information
• Tenant belongings
Always ask permission before recording or photographing.
This is especially important in tenanted properties.
7. Bathroom Use — Use Discretion
Generally, bathroom use is acceptable if necessary — but:
• Confirm water is on
• Leave it spotless
• Wipe any water splashes
• Do not treat it casually
Courtesy matters.
8. Shoes Off (Unless Told Otherwise)
Unless instructed differently or the home is under renovation:
Shoes off.
Always.
9. Be Careful What You Say
In today’s world:
• Cameras are common
• Audio recording devices are easy to install
Do not criticize:
• The home
• The décor
• The family
• Personal photos
Even if you don’t see cameras — assume they may exist.
10. If the Seller Is Home — Be Respectful
Sometimes sellers remain in the home.
Even if you are strategizing your offer, do not insult or criticize the property within earshot.
Disrespect does not strengthen your negotiating position.
It weakens it.
Trust me.
11. Farm & Homestead Properties — Extra Rules Apply
If touring acreage, farms, or homesteads:
• Do not pet livestock
• Do not feed animals
• Close every gate behind you
• Stay where instructed
These properties are working environments — not petting zoos.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, but it’s also one of the most emotional for the seller. How you conduct yourself during a showing can absolutely influence whether your offer is accepted — even if it’s strong.
Show up prepared.
Show up respectful.
Show up serious.
Happy house hunting.
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Diana Klejne Personal Real Estate Corporation
Stonehaus Realty Corp
604-789-8202
DianaKlejne@Gmail.co
