Open Houses in Bellingham This Weekend

Updated every Thursday by yours truly!

Button will direct you compass.com — a Compass Collection showcasing Open Houses in Bellingham.

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A funny thing I’ve noticed in my line of work, is less and less folks know how to attend Open Houses! Open Houses are amazing little events real estate agents put on to help their sellers sell their home by making it open and available to the public to visit!

These windows of openness to homes for sale usually last about 2-hours and can range in start times. Bellingham has open houses every weekend year-round.

If you’re in town and something is on the market but doesn’t have an open house you can contact the listing agent or another agent (like me, heyo!) and we can assist in getting your foot in the door to see if it’s the house you’d like. But that’s a called a “showing” and we’re talking about Open Houses! So here we go!

FAQ Guide To Open Houses in Bellingham

Can Anyone Attend an Open House?

Yes! Open Houses are open to the public, no invitation or real estate agent required!

Do I have to register or sign in?

No. You don’t have to sign in. The real estate agent hosting the open house might invite attendees to sign in with a name and contact info so they can follow up and it is standard etiquette. Sometimes agents request people sign in and sign out so they know who is on the property but you don’t have to give out your contact information.

Do I need to sign a Buyer’s Agency Agreement to Attend?

Nope. Starting August 2024, buyers working with an agent must sign a buyer agency agreement before private tours. But for attending a public open house, no agreement is needed.

Should I bring my own real estate agent (if I have one)?

You can, but it’s not required. Most agents will encourage you, if you are shopping to attend open houses solo so you can see more homes as getting into homes can be tricky over the weekend if they are blocked off for open houses or other private showings.

Open House Etiquette

Attending Open Houses can be really fun, but it is VERY important to be mindful as you cruise through, it is someone’s home after all! Even if it is staged, vacant, etc. you never know who else is at the house, one of your fellow guests could be a friend of the owners and if you love the house you don’t want to jeopardize your chance if you put in an offer.

What basic etiquette should I follow?

• Be mindful of what you say to others, ring cameras, and the listing agent.

  • If you love this house, don’t talk about knocking out walls, repainting, the decor, how you would live in it. Do all that debriefing once you’re in the car.

• Arrive on time and keep visits reasonably brief (typical duration: 1–1.5 hours).

• Remove shoes or use booties if requested.

• Stay in open rooms only; do not open closed doors or touch personal items.

• Respect rules such as photo/video restrictions, hand sanitizer, etc.

• Don’t bring unsupervised children or pets.

How should I interact with the listing agent?

• Be polite and friendly — The agent is just doing their job.

• But don’t reveal too much: avoid showing your eagerness or deadlines—stay neutral (playing your poker face).

• Ask key questions that only the listing agent would know!

What questions are helpful to ask?

• Why is the seller moving?

• Has the property had any major renovation, pest, fire, or water damage?

• Is there an inspection report or seller’s disclosure available?

• How long has the house been on the market and are there any offers yet?

• What’s the timeline the seller is targeting?

Most questions can be anwered or discovered by asking your own buyer’s agent. That’s their job, to help you learn about homes that are of interest to you. They might not know why someone is selling, but they are more than happy to connect with the listing agent (the one representing the seller) to find out for you. Your Buyer’s Agent has your best interest at heart and will do what they can to get you the best value of the home.

What should I observe myself?

• Note the neighborhood and home layout.

• Check quality of finishes and look for signs of needed repairs (e.g. staining, cracks, moisture).

• Keep track by taking notes/photos (if allowed) for comparison later.

• Be aware of your own buyer’s fatigue, if you visit more then two Open Houses in one day you’re going to mix them all up and get overwhelmed.