A Guide to Open Houses in Dallas: What to Expect

By Steven | Refind Realty

When you're buying a home in Dallas, open houses can be one of the most helpful tools in your search. I walk my clients through these events all the time, and I can tell you — the best buyers are prepared buyers. Whether you're just browsing or ready to make an offer, here's everything you need to know before walking through that front door.

Why Open Houses Still Matter in 2025

Even with online listings and 3D tours, nothing replaces walking through a home in person. You get a sense of space, layout, and flow that photos can’t capture. Open houses let you see how a home feels and give you a chance to ask questions directly.

Some advantages of attending:

• No appointment needed

• You can explore multiple homes in one afternoon

• Great way to get a feel for neighborhoods

• Opportunity to meet agents and gauge interest from other buyers

What to Expect When You Arrive

Most open houses in Dallas take place on Saturdays and Sundays, usually between 12pm and 4pm. When you arrive, here's what typically happens:

• Sign-in Sheet: You’ll be asked to sign in, either on paper or digitally.

• Listing Info: Agents often provide brochures or spec sheets.

• Casual Tour: You’re welcome to walk through on your own unless it’s a guided showing.

I always recommend being polite, keeping your group small, and leaving pets at home.

Questions to Ask During an Open House

Open houses are a great time to ask smart, non-pushy questions. These are the ones I tell my clients to focus on:

• Why is the seller moving?

• Have there been any recent price drops?

• How long has it been on the market?

• Are there any offers already?

• What’s included in the sale?

If you’re serious, I’ll follow up for deeper info like inspection history or HOA documents.

What Agents Are Looking For (And What They’re Not)

Remember, the listing agent works for the seller. But you’re not just a passive guest. Open houses are your chance to make an impression if you're a serious buyer.

Here’s what helps:

• Be courteous and professional

• Don’t criticize the home out loud

• Show genuine interest if it’s a good fit

And don’t feel pressured to give feedback if you’re just browsing. I tell my clients, it’s okay to walk away with a quiet “thank you” and follow up later.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not all open houses leave a great impression. Keep an eye out for signs of deeper issues:

• Strong air fresheners masking odors

• Doors or windows that stick

• Foundation cracks or uneven floors

• Incomplete disclosures

If anything seems off, we’ll dig in. You’re not buying a brochure — you’re buying what’s behind the walls.

How to Make the Most of It

Here’s how I tell buyers to prep before open house weekend:

• Map out 2 to 4 homes per day

• Wear slip-off shoes (many homes ask you to remove them)

• Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down thoughts

• Snap a few reference photos (ask the agent first)

• Compare notes at the end of the day

If you're ready to get serious, let me know in advance and I’ll preview homes for you or join you at the most promising ones.

Ready to Start Touring?

I keep a live list of upcoming open houses and new listings across Dallas-Fort Worth. You can browse right from your phone with the Lone Star App. It’s the easiest way to explore homes, track open houses, and contact me directly.

👉 Download the Lone Star App here: https://lonestarliving.hsidx.com/@sthomas
You're Always Home With Refind Realty.

FAQs

Do I need to be pre-approved to attend an open house?
No, but if you’re serious, I recommend getting pre-approved first. It gives you a leg up in competitive markets.

Can I bring my kids to an open house?
Yes, but be mindful of noise and safety. Some homes may have fragile items or stairs.

What should I wear to an open house?
Dress casually but respectfully. You may be walking through occupied homes.

Is it okay to take photos or videos inside?
Always ask the agent first. Most are fine with photos, but not all allow videos.

Do I have to talk to the listing agent?
No. You can let them know you’re working with an agent — me — and just looking.

Can I make an offer after an open house?
Absolutely. If you fall in love with a home, we can move quickly to submit an offer.

Final Thoughts from Steven

Open houses are more than just weekend browsing. They can be a big step in your homebuying journey — if you walk in prepared. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to help you find the right home in the right neighborhood.

Let’s tour some open houses together — or better yet, get you into something off-market.

👉 Download the Lone Star App here: https://lonestarliving.hsidx.com/@sthomas
You're Always Home With Refind Realty.