Most people think of open houses as a way to tour homes; but what if they were also one of the smartest ways to find the right agent to represent you?
Whether you're just starting to think about buying or selling, or you're already pre-approved and ready to go, the real estate agent you choose can make or break your experience. And while online reviews and social media can give you a glimpse, there's no substitute for meeting agents face-to-face in their element.
Here’s why attending open houses can be one of the best strategies to vet—and connect with—your future real estate agent.
1. You See the Agent in Action
An open house is a live demonstration of an agent’s professionalism, market knowledge, and communication style.
- Are they welcoming and engaged, or distracted and transactional?
- Can they speak intelligently about the property, the neighborhood, and the local market?
- Are they prepared with property flyers, recent comps, and lender recommendations?
You’re not just shopping for a house, you’re interviewing for a trusted advisor. And this is your front-row seat.
2. You Can Ask Low-Pressure Questions
Unlike a scheduled buyer consult or listing appointment, open houses offer a casual environment where you can ask about the market, the homebuying process, or even their experience, all without feeling committed.
- “How long have you been in real estate?”
- “What areas do you specialize in?”
- “Do you typically work with buyers/sellers in my price range?”
You’re under no obligation—but you’ll walk away with clarity on who you might want to work with when the time comes.
3. It’s a Great Way to Gauge Local Expertise
Strong agents know their territory. At a good open house, an agent should be able to speak confidently about:
- Recent sales and price trends
- School districts and lifestyle amenities
- Market dynamics like inventory levels and buyer demand
If they can’t speak to the street, the block, or the comps, you’ll know they’re not the local expert you need.
4. You Can Evaluate Chemistry in Person
Let’s face it: buying or selling a home is emotional and high-stakes. You want an agent you trust, feel comfortable with, and enjoy working with.
An open house lets you quickly assess:
- Do they listen well?
- Are they patient, clear, and approachable?
- Do they seem genuinely interested in helping—or just pushing a sale?
These soft skills are hard to evaluate through a website or online review.
5. You Might Discover a Better Fit Than Who You Found Online
Sometimes the right agent isn’t the one with the flashiest Instagram or the most Zillow reviews—it’s the one you meet at an open house who gets your needs, understands your market, and has the right negotiation style for your goals.
Attending open houses gives you access to agents working in the exact neighborhoods you’re interested in—and that’s a huge head start.
Final Thoughts
An open house isn’t just a window into a home—it’s a window into how your future agent operates. If you're in the early stages of your real estate journey, attending open houses is one of the smartest (and easiest) ways to build a shortlist of agents to consider.
Looking for open houses this weekend or curious which agents are best in your target neighborhood? Reach out, we’ll connect you with upcoming events and help you make confident decisions at every step.