Published December 3, 2025

What to Look For When Attending an Open House

Written by Jacob Milton

What to Look For When Attending an Open House header image.

Open houses can be exciting, but they might also feel overwhelming, especially for Minnesota home buyers who want to make confident, informed choices. Here’s a quick guide to help you spot what really matters during your tour.

1. Overall Condition

Look beyond the staging and focus on the home’s true health. Pay attention to:

• Cracks, stains, or patchwork on walls and ceilings

• Unusual odors masked by candles or air fresheners

• Uneven floors, sloping stairways, or settling issues

• Outdated electrical panels, plumbing fixtures, or water spots

Pro Tip: Fresh paint and new flooring can hide structural or moisture problems—stay observant.

2. Exterior & Structural Integrity

The outside often reveals the biggest (and priciest) concerns.

• Roof age and shingle condition

• Window seals, drafts, or fogging between panes

• Siding damage or signs of rot

• Foundation cracks, shifting, or pooling water around the home

These areas are major cost centers, so take notes and ask follow-up questions.

3. Layout & Functional Space

Make sure the home actually works for how you live.

• Number and size of bedrooms

• Kitchen flow and connectivity to living areas

• Storage options (closets, pantry, garage, shed)

• Number of garage stalls and overall usability of the space

• Yard size and functionality

If the layout doesn’t support your lifestyle, it’s difficult—and expensive—to change.

4. Light, Ventilation & Noise

A comfortable home goes beyond square footage.

• Natural light in main living areas

• Airflow from windows and vents

• Direction the home faces / sun exposure

• Noise levels from traffic, neighbors, or nearby businesses

These factors significantly impact long-term enjoyment but are easy to overlook.

5. Neighborhood & Location Check

Where the home sits is often just as important as the home itself.

• Street parking availability

• Traffic patterns and noise levels

• Proximity to schools, parks, transit, and amenities

• Condition of nearby homes and overall curb appeal

• Commute convenience and how the location fits your lifestyle

6. Ask the Right Questions

Use the open house as an information-gathering opportunity.

• How long has it been on the market?

• Why are the sellers moving?

• Any offers so far?

• Age of home, roof, furnace, AC, water heater, windows?

• Are there any known defects or recent repairs?

• What are the HOA fees, rules, or restrictions (if applicable)?

Final Thoughts

Attending an open house is your chance to assess value, condition, and lifestyle fit. With these tips, you’ll tour with confidence and spot both opportunities and red flags in the Minnesota real estate market.

Find your Minnesota home here.