How to prepare for an open house as a buyer or seller + Open houses at new development condos

By Cait Etherington | From Get To Know Thursday, July 6, 2023

This Brooklyn condo looks great on paper, but visiting the open house will give the whole picture. (Lexington Brooklyn, #201 - The Corcoran Group)

After a brief hiatus during the first year of the pandemic, in-person open houses are back and, from all accounts, here to stay. Unsurprisingly, the most serious buyers and agents always prefer to visit a property in person. This article breaks down how buyers and sellers can prepare for an open house and why preparation matters.

The new open house etiquette

How to Prepare for an Open House as a Buyer

To start, it is important for buyers to understand that an open house isn’t a home inspection. The inspection comes later, usually only after you’ve put in an offer, and will likely be carried out by a certified inspector and not yourself. But if an open house isn’t time to start looking for mold under the bathroom sink, what should you be doing at an open house?

First and foremost, the open house is a chance to see a property in person and think about whether or not it might work for you and your family. Given that other potential buyers will likely be present, this may not be an ideal time to pull out your measuring tape to determine if your favorite sofa will fit in the living room. That said, you can use the open house to get a general feel for the property, the building, and the neighborhood. It is also your first chance to take note of other important factors:

Size: Does the apartment feel big enough to accommodate you, your family, your belongings, and lifestyle?
Storage: Is there adequate closet space and/or in-building storage?
Condition: Is the apartment in good condition? Will you need to repair or replace the floors or do a gut renovation to the kitchen or bathroom?
Appliances: Are the appliances in good condition, or will they likely need to be replaced before or soon after moving in?
Views and light: Can you live with the views and amount of light?
Access: Is it a walkup or elevator building? If it's the latter, is the elevator in working condition and being inspected on a regular basis?
Building condition and amenities: Is the building in good repair? Are there amenities (e.g., a shared laundry room, gym, or bike or storage room)? If so, are these amenities being kept in clean and working condition?

Beyond offering an opportunity for you to check out the property, open houses are also a chance for sellers —or more likely, their agents — to check you out. You don’t need to show up in your best outfit, but particularly in New York City where co-op and condo boards are often scrupulous in their vetting of potential buyers, it is a good idea to show up looking like a serious potential buyer. In fact, especially in a seller’s market, the buyer’s agent may be vetting potential buyers over the course of the open house and thinking about which buyers are most likely to get through the board screening process. In the end, if a seller has three potential offers in a similar price range, the agent may advise that they go with an offer put in by the buyer most likely to meet the board’s immediate approval.

How to Prepare for an Open House as a Seller

If you’re selling a home, open-house preparation is one of the most important parts of the process. While every listing agent has his or her own to-do list, a few items are on nearly everyone’s list:

Declutter: The cleaner the canvas, the better the open house will be. If necessary, put most of your belongings in storage. This can be difficult if you have small children, or if you’re an avid collector, but at an open house, no one wants to trip over a child’s Lego set or be distracted by a vast collection of esoteric objects.
Depersonalize: On a related note, buyers want to see themselves in the home; if the first thing they see when they walk in is a wall of family photographs, they may struggle to imagine themselves in the space. For this reason, as a rule of thumb, take yourself and your cute kids and grandkids out of the picture. Given that people may be photographing the space, this is also a good security measure.
Repair: If you’ve been neglecting the small crack in your porcelain sink, your loose doorknob, sticky closet door, or chipping paint, now is the time to hire a repair person to come in and attend to these obvious repairs.
Deep clean: No matter how good you are at cleaning, pre-open house cleaning is not a do-it-yourself project. Hire a professional cleaner with experience doing pre-open house or move-out cleans to do a top-to-bottom clean, making sure they cover everything from the dust on the top of your refrigerator to the crumbs under the couch.
Board the pets: You may love your dog, cat, rat, or parrot, but potential buyers may not share your love of animals (at least not your love of your animal). If possible, find a temporary home for your pet.
Get out of town: Most potential buyers prefer to attend open houses when the owners aren’t present; trust your agent to represent you and your home.

When to Skip the Open House as a Buyer or Seller

In most cases, it is highly unadvisable to skip the open house, especially as a buyer. In a seller’s market, however, agents may sometimes advise putting in an offer without viewing a property in person to ensure another buyer doesn’t put in an offer first.

On the seller side, an open house can be a blessing or a curse. If you have a property that is likely to show well and can be easily staged without a huge investment, the open house is nearly always a good idea as it is likely to generate more interest and potentially lead to multiple offers. If, by contrast, the property is in ill repair, cluttered, and can’t easily be staged for an open house, listing agents will often advise that the seller skip the open house and promote the listing using other means.

The Oslo, #3R
$599,000

East Harlem | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 630 ft²
Open House: Sunday, July 9, morning

The Oslo, #3R (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Unit 3R is a 630-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with a balcony off the living room. The open kitchen offers plenty of storage for essentials, and is equipped with a Bertazzoni cooktop, and Blomberg appliance package. The bedroom, which can easily accommodate a king-sized bed set, also contains a generous closet. The bathroom is spacious with a deep soaking tub from Emory & Bond, highlighted by honeycomb tiling and rain shower head. A suspended vanity is placed under the anti-fog, LED mirror that lights up with a touch. The hallway contains additional storage, including a closet for a washer/dryer. See floor plan and full details here.

The 153 Chauncey, #2B
$599,000

Bedford-Stuyvesant | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 710 ft²
Open House: Sunday, July 9, afternoon

The 153 Chauncey, #2B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Residence 2B is a 710-square-foot three-bedroom and one-bathroom, offering incredible value for the space and the quality. Modern elements and bold, industrial finishes complement each other to establish a contemporary and neutral design. The kitchen includes custom designed cabinetry with soft closing hinges and tracks, premium natural stone countertop, and a Samsung appliance package. The bathroom features white subway wall tiles, custom vanities, wood paneled ceilings, and industrial design elements, harmonizing traditional and modern elements. J-51 tax abatement set to expire in tax year 2030/31. See floor plan and full details here.

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Apex Condominiums, #9C
$750,000

Harlem | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 833 ft²
Open House: Sunday, July 9, afternoon

Apex Condominiums, #9C (Compass)

From the Listing: Perfect opportunity to own this spacious one bedroom, one bathroom condo with plenty of modern amenities and stylish finishes. The oversized windows with bright western exposure enhance the expansiveness of the combined living and dining areas with enough space for a home office. The open-concept L-shaped kitchen boasts full-size stainless steel appliances, a dishwasher, and durable Caesarstone countertops with ample room for meal prep and entertaining. The spacious bedroom comes with a deep closet, and the luxurious bathroom is outfitted with dual marble vanities, a deep soaking tub, Grohe polished chrome fixtures, and sleek porcelain tiles. The unit has a Bosch in-unit washer/dryer, central heating/cooling, and elegant wood flooring. 421a tax abatement until 2027. See floor plan and full details here.

Lexington Brooklyn, #201
$1,050,000

Bedford-Stuyvesant | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 894 ft²
Open House: Sunday, July 9, afternoon

Lexington Brooklyn, #201 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Apartment 201 is a split two-bedroom, two-bath with a private balcony overlooking Lexington Avenue. Flooded with sunlight all day long through oversized Pella windows, each residence boasts 7-inch-wide-plank light oak flooring in a natural finish, solid core doors, and luxurious brushed brass hardware throughout. Enjoy impressive chef's kitchens finished with custom matte lacquer cabinetry in pale gray with contrasting wood grain details, honed Calacatta Monet countertops and backsplashes, handmade Virginia Sin ceramic pendant lighting, and a collection of best-in-class Bertazzoni appliances including gas ranges. The primary bath features marble-clad shower, custom floating oak vanity that offers ample storage in addition to large medicine cabinet, and wall-mounted toilet with handheld bidet. See floor plan and full details here.

The Benny, #7D
$1,100,000

Prospect Lefferts Gardens | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,033 ft²
Open House: Sunday, July 9, morning

The Benny, #7D (Real New York)

From the Listing: Be the first to live in this beautiful double exposure, floor-through south and north facing two-bedroom, two-bathroom home! This residence is outfitted in modern, natural finishes: white oak hardwood floors run throughout, while matte white cabinetry and polished white quartz kitchen countertops create a light, airy feel. In the bathroom, white subway tiles and Moen fixtures present a pristine finish. Convenient modern appliances include Beko refrigerator, Whirlpool dishwasher, and in-unit Whirlpool washer and dryer machine. See floor plan and full details here.

The Conover, #3D
$1,150,000

Red Hook | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 870 ft²
Open House: Sunday, July 9, morning

The Conover, #3D (Compass)

From the Listing: Residence 3D boasts a beautifully spacious and open layout, offering a west-facing one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment that is bathed in natural sunlight. The open floor plan creates a sense of freedom and flexibility, allowing you to create the perfect living space to suit your lifestyle. The kitchen is thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of the modern home chef, with a large island and heat-resistant quartz countertops that are perfect for cooking up a storm. The Madera white oak 7-inch wide-plank floors add a touch of warmth and elegance to the space, while the exposed concrete 11-foot ceilings create a unique and edgy vibe that is sure to impress. See floor plan and full details here.

Eleven Hancock, #501
$1,195,000

Harlem | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,001 ft²
Open House: Sunday, July 9, afternoon

Eleven Hancock, #501 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This exquisite two-bedroom, two-bath home offers a comprehensive floorplan inclusive of a luxurious 16' primary bedroom with a double vanity and a dressing alcove. From the 10' chef's kitchen with a floating breakfast bar, this homeowner will enjoy views of Upper Manhattan from the beautiful extra-large windows as well as an abundance of streaming light all day long. Every surface and fitting at Eleven Hancock was selected for its refined design and matchless quality. See floor plan and full details here.

Skyline Tower, #3010
$1,241,872

Long Island City | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 678 ft²
Open Houses: Saturday, July 8, morning | Sunday, July 9, morning

Skyline Tower, #3010 (Modern Spaces)

From the Listing: Welcome to Skyline Tower, the tallest condominium building in Queens. This south-facing one bedroom is a generously-sized residence highlighted by gorgeous space with abundant natural light that pours in through the two oversized windows. You'll be captivated by the distinctive European white oak engineered wood flooring throughout, the spacious living room, large bedroom, and contemporary L shaped kitchen, which is well suited for both everyday living and new culinary experiences. The chef-inspired kitchen is composed with cabinetry finished with sand ash veneer and extreme matte laminate, a Viatra quartz slab countertop and backsplash, top-of-the-line Bosch appliance package that includes an outside venting range hood, and Monogram microwave. See floor plan and full details here.

VU New York, #26D
$1,625,000

Murray Hill | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 622 ft²
Open House: Sunday, July 9, afternoon

VU New York, #26D (Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing LLC)

From the Listing: Residence 26D is a corner 1-bed, 1-bath home that is immersed in natural light and showcases a panorama view sweeping from the Chrysler Building to the Empire State Building and beyond. This thoughtfully designed residence, with both north and west exposures, features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and an easily furnished layout. Appointed in a sophisticated and light palette of natural materials such as marble, bleached oak, and white lacquer, outfitted with Miele appliances, the kitchen is a chef's dream. The spacious primary bathroom feels like a tranquil spa getaway with walls clad in oversized soft white marble tiles and an intricate mosaic floor pattern comprising of three different marbles. See floor plan and full details here.

Gracie Green, #2B
$1,699,000

Yorkville | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,147 ft²
Open House: Sunday, July 9, afternoon

Gracie Green, #2B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Residence 2B is a corner 2-bed, 2-bath and a gorgeous private terrace. The excellently designed layout is flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling French casement inswing windows - paired with high ceilings, and solid white oak flooring throughout. The open layout makes entertaining stress-free with ample space for living and dining with a substantial terrace off of the kitchen. The beautifully crafted kitchen features natural Montclair Danby marble across the countertops and oversized island, white lacquer cabinetry, outfitted with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf gas range, and Miele dishwasher, built for a chef. The home is seamlessly pre-wired to integrate with a home automation system to suit your lifestyle, whether it be motorized shades, speakers, or temperature control with the incorporated Mitsubishi heating and cooling system. The residence also features a Bosch washer/dryer located in the foyer of the secondary bedrooms. See floor plan and full details here.

324 West 108th Street, #22
$1,950,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,207 ft²
Open House: Sunday, July 9, morning

324 West 108th Street, #22 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Residence 22 is a meticulously conceived 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence comprising over 1,305 interior square feet, offering an attention to detail rarely found in a historic condominium conversion. A formal entry gallery opens to a dramatic great room, punctuated by three sets of French doors that open out into Juliet balconies, overlooking a bucolic street creating a truly seamless indoor and outdoor living space. In the bedroom wing, a spacious primary suite offers a spa-level primary bathroom, walk-in closet, and additional Juliet balcony. The additional bedroom offers a well-proportioned space with superb light and a functional closet. A private laundry room located in this residence completes this exceptional home. See floor plan and full details here.

1289 Lexington Avenue, #4A
$2,495,000

Carnegie Hill | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,526 ft²
Open House: Sunday, July 9, afternoon

1289 Lexington Avenue, #4A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Apartment 4A is a sprawling 1,526' two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home with soaring ceilings and extraordinarily large windows, allowing western light to fill the apartment. The primary bedroom suite includes a large walk-in closet and marble bath. The kitchen features a marble island, custom walnut cabinetry and Gaggenau appliances, including gas cooktop with vented hoods. Each home includes a four-pipe heating and cooling system with Nest controls and private laundry with a vented dryer. See floor plan and full details here.

No. 33 Park Row, #14B
$2,810,000

Financial District | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,348 ft²
Open House: Saturday, July 8, afternoon

No. 33 Park Row, #14B (Compass)

From the Listing: Residence 14B features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, gracious proportions of 1,348 square feet and a private elevator vestibule. The interiors feature stunning 11-foot-high ceilings and wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking City Hall Park. The open-plan kitchen was designed with furniture-quality custom white oak cabinetry and sculptural honed tundra gray marble island with waterfall edges. The primary bathroom recalls an ancient European spa, reimagined for contemporary sensibilities. See floor plan and full details here.

Maverick, #2C
$3,195,000

Chelsea | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,120 ft²
Open Houses: Saturday, July 8, morning | Sunday, July 9, morning

Maverick, #2C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Immaculately designed, this split two-bedroom, two-and-one-half-bathroom residence with northeastern exposures boasts an oversized 890-square-foot private terrace, with oversized tilt-and-turn windows, and seven-inch-wide white European oak flooring throughout. Adjacent to the entry, the jewel box powder room is sleekly styled with honed Misty Black granite stone walls and floors, venetian plaster walls and rubbed bronze accents. The open kitchen boasts a fully integrated Miele appliance package including a dishwasher and wine fridge. The primary wing showcases two large closets as you make your way to the serene en-suite bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

Madison House, #51A
$5,400,000

Murray Hill | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,651 ft²
Open Houses: Saturday, July 8, morning | Sunday, July 9, morning

Madison House, #51A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This 1,651 square foot two-bedroom, two and a half-bath residence featuring 14-foot 6-inch ceiling heights opens into an elegant entry foyer, leading to a living and dining room encased with 10-foot tall windows with north and west views. Gachot-designed custom rift-cut cabinetry accentuates the open kitchen, with a honed Calacatta Borghini marble waterfall island and backsplash. A private vestibule with a gracious walk-in-closet separates the living area from the primary bedroom suite, creating a sense of privacy. The en suite primary bath offers honed Bianco Dolomiti marble on the walls as well as floors, which are heated, with a custom Gachot-designed vanity and mirror. See floor plan and full details here.

101 West 14th Street, #PH1B
$6,500,000

Chelsea | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,851 ft²
Open House: Sunday, July 9, afternoon

101 West 14th Street, #PH1B (Compass)

From the Listing: Experience the elegance of this masterfully-crafted three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom luxury home at the stunning new development, 101 West 14th Street! The exquisite 1,851 square-foot residence exudes elegance and is bathed in natural light, featuring a gracious open floor plan for easy living/entertaining and a large private terrace for outdoor pleasure. On the main upper level, a spacious open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen with eastern exposure offer the perfect backdrop for lounging and hosting. The lower level presents the bedroom retreat, offering generous dual closets and a spa-like en-suite full bath clad in Bleu de Savoie honed marble, with a floating vanity, byzantine white marble counters, and backsplash, a Toto toilet, and custom glass shower with wall-mounted head plus hand spray. See floor plan and full details here.

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Contributing Writer Cait Etherington Cait Etherington has over twenty years of experience working as a journalist and communications consultant. Her articles and reviews have been published in newspapers and magazines across the United States and internationally. An experienced financial writer, Cait is committed to exposing the human side of stories about contemporary business, banking and workplace relations. She also enjoys writing about trends, lifestyles and real estate in New York City where she lives with her family in a cozy apartment on the twentieth floor of a Manhattan high rise.

Read Full Bio | Contact Cait Etherington

This is your member's center

In this article:

The new open house etiquette

How to Prepare for an Open House as a Buyer

How to Prepare for an Open House as a Seller

When to Skip the Open House as a Buyer or Seller

The Oslo, #3R
$599,000

The 153 Chauncey, #2B
$599,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Apex Condominiums, #9C
$750,000

Lexington Brooklyn, #201
$1,050,000

The Benny, #7D
$1,100,000

The Conover, #3D
$1,150,000

Eleven Hancock, #501
$1,195,000

Skyline Tower, #3010
$1,241,872

VU New York, #26D
$1,625,000

Gracie Green, #2B
$1,699,000

324 West 108th Street, #22
$1,950,000

1289 Lexington Avenue, #4A
$2,495,000

No. 33 Park Row, #14B
$2,810,000

Maverick, #2C
$3,195,000

Madison House, #51A
$5,400,000

101 West 14th Street, #PH1B
$6,500,000

This is your member's center

In this article:

How to Prepare for an Open House as a Buyer

How to Prepare for an Open House as a Seller

When to Skip the Open House as a Buyer or Seller

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Select which properties are of interest to you:

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