10 Tips for Touring Open Houses in San Francisco
One of the best ways to get a feel for the real estate market is by visiting open houses. I always love to tour with my clients when I can — but sometimes it makes sense for you to explore on your own, especially if you’re just getting started and want to compare neighborhoods, layouts, and price points.
When I can’t be right there in your ear, here are some of my top tips for making the most out of an open house tour:
1. Limit Yourself to 4–5 Properties Per Day
It’s tempting to try to see as many homes as possible, but after the fourth or fifth property, details start to blur together. Keep your schedule focused so you can give each home your full attention. We can always plan another tour day.
2. Take Photos, Videos, and Notes
When you see multiple homes in a single day, it’s easy to forget what stood out about each one. Snap photos or short videos (if allowed*) and jot down quick notes — especially for the properties you like. These small details make it much easier to compare homes later. *There are only rare exceptions where homes don’t allow photography – typically if the home is owner occupied and contains sensitive, valuable or private items. Check with the listing agent if you aren’t sure!
3. Don’t Force It
If you know right away a home isn’t for you, don’t feel like you need to justify its value or finish the full tour. Trust your instincts, and move on to the next property. Your energy is better spent focusing on homes you could realistically see yourself living in.
4. Location Is Everything
You can change a lot about a home — paint, flooring, fixtures — but you can’t change where it’s located. Spend time walking the neighborhood, driving to the nearest coffee shop or grocery store, or even mapping out your commute. Make sure the lifestyle around the home matches what you’re looking for.
5. Look Beyond the Staging
Most homes in San Francisco are staged, so try to visualize where your own furniture would go. On the flip side, don’t be discouraged if a home isn’t staged — sometimes all it needs is fresh paint, updated furniture, or a deep clean to feel brand new. Often, these unstaged homes can be a better deal.
6. Ask Questions (and Take Note of the Crowd)
The listing agent at an open house can share a lot of useful information about the property, recent upgrades, or how long it’s been on the market. Pay attention to how many people are touring too — busy open houses often signal competitive homes. If you’re interested in a property, I’ll dig deeper for you and provide all disclosures so you can make an informed decision.
7. Dress Comfortably (Flat Shoes!)
San Francisco open houses often mean multiple flights of stairs, steep driveways, or hilly walks between your car and the property. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Keep water and snacks in your car — staying energized will help you get the most out of the day.
8. Map Out Your Route
Open houses are often scheduled in the same window of time, so planning ahead is key. I recommend budgeting about 20 minutes per showing, plus driving time. I can help you map out the most efficient route so you can make it to every home on your list without feeling rushed.
9. Pay Attention to Natural Light
Every light in the house is usually turned on during an open house to show the home at its best. If natural light is important to you, try switching off a few lights to see how bright the space really feels. Also consider the weather the day of your showing: a foggy San Francisco morning will feel very different than a bright, sunny afternoon. If the home is in a fog-prone neighborhood, keep in mind it may not always be as bright as it looks on a sunny day.
10. Keep the Big Picture in Mind
Touring open houses is about more than just finding “the one.” It’s about understanding the market, learning what styles and neighborhoods resonate with you, and getting clarity on what feels worth your budget. The more homes you see, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to make an offer. Take note of all of your questions throughout the day and bring those back to your agent. I love having a debrief with my clients after a day of touring to understand how it shapes their list of wants and needs and impacts our search.
Final Thoughts
Touring open houses is one of the best ways to get comfortable with San Francisco real estate — and to discover what really matters to you in a home. Whether you’re just starting out or getting ready to buy, I’d love to help guide you through the process and make sure you’re asking the right questions.
Curious about upcoming open houses in San Francisco or want a customized tour list? Reach out — I’d be happy to help.
