Buyer Showing Etiquette: Do’s & Dont’s!

By Gwen Daubenmeyer

Gwen Daubenmeyer is the founder of our team. She brings an unwavering commitment to her clients and a get-it-done attitude. Gwen is unapologetically competitive. Marketing and negotiation are her Olympic events; if she could medal, she would. While winning is her “what,” her clients are her “why.”

Selling your home can feel awkward, especially when you see strangers walk through your rooms, eyeing your stuff. However, the big question is “do they have the right to touch everything?” There are certain things that prospective buyers can and cannot touch when visiting your home for a quick tour. Today I’ll share them with you.

Buyers have the right to examine fixtures. When a buyer comes to see your home, they can check out anything that’s included in the sale. This means kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, linen closets, storage areas, and appliances. If it’s attached to the home and part of the deal, they’re free to examine it.

Personal and excluded properties are off-limits. This includes anything you plan to take with you: bedroom furniture, clothing, collections, or even electronics like your sound system. These items aren’t part of the sale and should not be touched. You might think this should be obvious but I’ve seen buyers ignore this. This can lead to some uncomfortable situations.

I once had clients with a beautiful farmhouse full of family heirlooms. They worked hard to make it welcoming for potential buyers. After a showing, they came home to a shocking sight.

Their hand-stitched quilt, which had been proudly displayed over an antique chair, was on the floor. The chair had also been dragged across the room and used as a step stool to access the attic. To make matters worse, the attic wasn’t even properly inspected – just left in a mess with debris all over. My clients were furious, and rightly so because their heirloom was disrespected.

The buyer’s agent needs to step up. The agent is there to ensure boundaries are respected. When buyers get too curious and touch personal property, it’s the agent’s job to step in and stop them.

Respect is key for a smooth sale, and knowing what buyers can and can’t touch will help avoid any issues. Buyers should only focus on what’s part of the sale, like inspecting the floor plan or checking out the backyard. Access to things like attics should only happen after the offer is accepted and inspections are officially scheduled.

If you’re a seller, make sure your home is ready for showings, but keep your personal items secure. If you’re a buyer, be mindful of boundaries and focus on the house itself, not the personal items that aren’t part of the deal. If you have any questions or need more information about home showings, feel free to call or text me at 248-850-2575.