16 Open House Etiquette Mistakes in Hawaii

If you’re serious about buying a home, how you behave at an open house matters. Sellers and agents are always watching.

But some Hawaiians walk in with muddy shoes, loud opinions, and zero awareness of how they’re coming across.

These are the rude behaviors that make real estate agents cringe and sellers take notes for all the wrong reasons.

Making Loud, Negative Comments About the Home

Honest opinions are part of house hunting, but there’s a right time and place to share them. Saying rude things loudly while walking through a home can hurt the seller’s chances—and your own.

You never know who’s listening. Sometimes the agent is reporting back. Other times, a family member is nearby.

Saying things like “this place is a dump” or “who chose this paint color?” doesn’t help anyone.

Keep your thoughts quiet or save them for the car ride home.

Taking Photos Without Permission

It might seem harmless to snap a few pictures with your phone, but many sellers don’t want strangers photographing their home.

Some listings already have photos online. Others include private items or security systems that sellers prefer to keep off-camera.

Before you take out your phone, ask the real estate agent if it’s okay.

Respect goes a long way, especially when someone else’s home is involved.

Opening Drawers and Cabinets That Are Clearly Marked Private

Yes, we’re all curious. But there’s a line between looking and snooping. Open houses aren’t a green light to dig through personal belongings.

Sellers often label drawers or cabinets that they don’t want touched. Ignoring those signs is disrespectful.

You don’t need to check inside every nightstand or kitchen drawer to get a feel for the home.

Stick to closets, storage areas, and visible spaces. If it’s taped shut or marked private, leave it alone.

Showing Up Without Wiping Your Feet

Walking into someone’s home with dirty shoes is never polite. Yet it happens all the time at open houses.

Whether it’s raining outside or you’ve been trekking through mulch, not wiping your feet leaves a mess behind.

Some people ignore the doormat. Others don’t notice the polite sign asking visitors to remove their shoes.

A clean home makes a strong impression. Don’t be the one who tracks dirt across the carpet.

Bringing Kids Without Supervision

Open houses aren’t built for playtime. But some visitors let their kids run wild, touch furniture, or explore rooms without asking.

It’s distracting for other guests and frustrating for agents trying to keep the space tidy.

Even if a home is empty, it’s still a professional setting. Kids should stay close and be reminded to look, not touch.

Bringing them is fine. Letting them treat it like a playground isn’t.

Eating or Drinking Inside the Home

It might be tempting to carry in a coffee or snack while house hunting, especially if you’re on the go. But food and drinks can easily lead to spills.

Crumbs on the carpet or a water ring on the counter might seem small to you, but they’re a big deal to sellers.

Some open houses offer light refreshments, but even then, it’s best to keep those in the designated area.

Unless you’re invited to eat inside, it’s better to leave food in the car.

Treating the Agent Like a Tour Guide

Real estate agents are there to answer questions and share details, but they’re not there to entertain you.

Some guests ask off-topic questions or dominate the agent’s time with personal stories that have nothing to do with the home.

Others try to negotiate right there on the spot without knowing anything about the market.

Be polite, stay focused, and save deeper conversations for when you’re seriously interested.

Overstaying After the Scheduled Time

Open houses are often timed events. Whether it’s thirty minutes or three hours, they’re planned with other guests in mind.

Some people wander slowly or linger in one room long after the scheduled end. This makes it awkward for agents and other buyers.

You don’t want to rush, but you also don’t want to wear out your welcome.

If you’re interested, ask to schedule a private showing instead of lingering too long.

Using the Bathroom Without Asking

Most open houses include working bathrooms, but that doesn’t mean you should treat them like public restrooms.

Some homes may have plumbing shut off, or the bathrooms might be staged for looks only.

Using the toilet without asking can lead to embarrassing situations for everyone.

If it’s urgent, politely ask the agent first. They’ll let you know what’s okay.

Rummaging Through Closets Like You Own the Place

Closet space is important, but that doesn’t give visitors a free pass to dig through personal items.

Some people push clothes aside, move boxes, or peek into bins that don’t belong to them.

A quick glance is fine, but treating the space like a department store isn’t.

Remember, someone still lives there… or did until very recently.

Showing Up Too Early or Too Late

An open house has a clear start and end time, but some guests ignore it. Arriving too early can catch the seller or agent off guard while they’re still preparing.

Showing up right before closing is just as frustrating. It puts pressure on everyone to stay longer than planned.

Being respectful of the schedule helps the event run smoothly and shows you value other people’s time.

Stick to the window listed on the flyer or website. It matters more than you think.

Treating the Furniture Like It’s Yours

Even in a staged home, the furniture is not an invitation to get comfortable. Some guests sit down without asking or even lie across beds and couches.

This may seem harmless, but it can come across as careless or disrespectful.

You’re there to see the space, not to test the mattress or kick your feet up.

Look, walk, and observe. But leave the lounging for after you move in.

Ignoring the Sign-In Sheet

Most open houses have a sign-in sheet at the front door. It helps agents keep track of visitors and follow up if needed.

Some people skip it, give fake names, or scribble something unreadable just to avoid a call later.

But skipping it can seem rude or ungrateful, especially if the event was promoted and prepared for.

It’s a small courtesy that makes a big difference. Just write your name and move on.

Treating It Like a Social Event

Open houses are public, but they’re not parties. Still, some people bring friends, chat loudly, or use the space to catch up on personal gossip.

This creates distractions for others who are trying to focus and take in the details of the home.

It also makes it harder for the agent to keep track of who’s serious and who’s just tagging along.

If you bring someone, keep the conversation quiet and focused on the house.

Leaving Trash or Personal Items Behind

After walking through an open house, some guests leave behind coffee cups, used tissues, or even marketing flyers from other homes.

It only takes a few of these to make the home look messy or uncared for.

Agents often clean between groups, but they shouldn’t have to clean up after every visitor.

Bring everything out with you, just like you would if you were a guest in someone’s living room.

Making Personal Calls While Touring the Home

Some guests take phone calls mid-tour, speaking loudly as they walk from room to room. This distracts other visitors and shows a lack of awareness.

It also makes it hard for agents to communicate or answer questions. Not to mention, it can seem disrespectful to the space.

If a call is urgent, step outside to take it. Otherwise, silence your phone and focus on the tour.

An open house isn’t the place for multitasking.