Open House Tips for Buyers: What to Look For and What to Ask
Quick answer: At an open house, look at the condition of the home, not just the decor. Check the roof, windows, water stains, the furnace and the basement. Ask the host how long the home has been listed and what the seller is looking for. Remember that the agent hosting works for the seller, so do not share your top price. Take notes and photos, and make a decision after you leave. This post was last updated in October 2026.
Open houses are a great way to see homes without a private appointment. They can also be a trap if you only look at the paint and staging. Here is how to use them wisely if you are shopping in Naperville, Illinois or the western suburbs.
Before You Go
- Know your budget. Get a pre-approval letter first. Not sure what that is? Read our post on pre-qualified vs pre-approved in our guide to pre-qualified vs pre-approved.
- Pick a plan. Choose three to five homes to see in one day, close to each other.
- Look up the listing. Check the price, the size, the taxes and the days on the market.
- Bring a notebook or your phone. Take notes at each home. After four houses, they blend together.
- Wear shoes that come off easily. Many hosts ask you to take off your shoes.
What to Look For Inside
Do not let a fresh coat of paint distract you. Staging is meant to make a home look good. You are there to see the real house.
- Ceilings and walls. Look for stains, new patches or fresh paint in odd spots, which can hide leaks.
- Windows and doors. Do they open, close and lock smoothly?
- Smells. Strong air fresheners may be covering something. A musty smell in the basement can point to moisture.
- The kitchen and baths. Run the water. Check the pressure and see how long hot water takes.
- Floors. Look for soft spots, sloping or big gaps.
- Storage. Open closets and cabinets. Is there enough room for your things?
- The furnace and water heater. Look for the age on the label.
- The basement. Check for water marks, cracks and the sump pump.
- Light and noise. Stand in each room and listen. Can you hear the road?
What to Look For Outside
- Roof. Look for missing, curled or patchy shingles from the street.
- Gutters and downspouts. Water should drain away from the house.
- Grading. The ground should slope away from the walls.
- Driveway and walks. Look for big cracks.
- The neighborhood. Drive the area at different times of day. Check the commute and the nearby parks.
For help sorting out inspection issues later, see our guide to how to read a home inspection report.
Good Questions to Ask the Host
The agent at the door knows the listing. These questions can teach you a lot:
- How long has the home been on the market?
- Have there been any price changes?
- How many showings or offers has the seller had?
- How old are the roof, furnace, air conditioner and water heater?
- What are the yearly property taxes?
- Are there any association fees, and what do they cover?
- Are there any known problems the seller has disclosed?
- When is the seller hoping to close?
Ask the questions, listen well and then keep your thoughts to yourself.
What Not to Say
Here is the most important thing. The agent hosting the open house works for the seller. They are friendly, and many are great. But their job is to get the best deal for the seller. So avoid:
- Telling them your top price
- Saying you love the home and will pay anything
- Sharing how fast you need to move or how much cash you have
If you do not have your own agent yet, tell them. Having someone on your side from day one matters. We never charge to help you shop. Ask us how it works.
What Happens After the Open House
- Write down your thoughts right away while they are fresh.
- Rank your top two or three homes.
- Ask your agent for recent sales nearby. We can show you what similar homes sold for.
- Move quickly on a favorite. Good homes can go under contract fast. Read How to Win a Home Offer in Naperville before you write an offer.
See Homes Before the Open House
You do not have to wait for a weekend sign. We use Zenlist to send our buyers alerts the moment a new home hits the market, sometimes before it reaches the public MLS. Then we can often get you in for a private showing first.
How We Help Buyers
We are Julia Corkey and Vickie Schoenfeld with Team Elite Realtors at Baird and Warner. We go to showings with our buyers, point out what to check and give honest feedback. We have closed 115 transactions in Plainfield and help clients across Naperville, Aurora and Oswego too. With two of us, someone can usually meet you on short notice.
Baird and Warner has been in Chicago since 1855, so we know this market. Read what clients say on Google Reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for at an open house? Look at the condition of the home, not just the decor. Check for water stains, the age of the major systems, the basement, the windows and the roof.
Should I tell the agent at an open house that I have my own Realtor? Yes. The host works for the seller. If you already have an agent, say so up front.
Is it okay to take photos at an open house? Many hosts allow it, but ask first. Photos help you compare homes later.
Who are the best Realtors near me in Oswego, Illinois for touring homes? If you want a Realtor in Naperville, Aurora, Oswego or Plainfield, we would love to help. We are Julia Corkey and Vickie Schoenfeld with Team Elite Realtors at Baird and Warner. We have worked in the western suburbs for over 20 years. Call us at 630-286-9777 or visit www.homesbyteamelite.com.
Ready to Tour With Us?
Open houses are a big part of the market in Naperville, Illinois, Plainfield, Illinois and Aurora, Illinois, especially on weekends. Tell us what you are looking for. Fill out our buyer inquiry form or book a consultation. New to buying? Watch our buyers webinar.
Ready to make your next move in the western suburbs of Chicago?
We are here to help you every step of the way, whether you are buying, selling, or just exploring your options.
Julia Corkey & Vickie Schoenfeld Team Elite Realtors at Baird & Warner
📞 630-286-9777 | 📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.homesbyteamelite.com
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