Published 16 September 2026 · By Jatin Dua, Broker of Record, RE/MAX Quantum Realty
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At an open house, look past staging: check for water stains, musty smells and cracks, window and door condition, the age of the furnace, roof and water heater, electrical panel, water pressure, and natural light and noise. For condos, ask about fees, the reserve fund and special assessments. Ask how long it has been listed, whether there is an offer date, and what is included. Then verify with an inspection.
Room-by-room checklist
| Area | Check |
|---|---|
| Basement | Water stains, efflorescence, musty smell, ceiling height, sump pump |
| Kitchen and baths | Water pressure, leaks under sinks, soft floors, ventilation |
| Windows and doors | Condensation between panes, drafts, rot |
| Walls and ceilings | Cracks, fresh patches that may hide damage |
| Systems | Furnace, air conditioner, water heater and roof age |
| Electrical | Panel type and capacity, visible old wiring |
| Outside | Grading away from the house, gutters, driveway, lot slope |
Questions to ask the listing agent
- How long has it been listed, and has the price changed?
- Is there an offer date, or offers anytime?
- Are there inspection reports or disclosures available?
- What is included and excluded?
- Why are the sellers moving, and what closing date do they want?
Condo extras
- Monthly fees and what they include.
- Reserve fund status and any special assessments.
- Parking, locker and pet rules.
- Is the status certificate available?
See what to look for in a status certificate.
Know your budget before you fall in love
Use the calculator before touring.
Free tool — what can you actually afford here?
After the open house
- Drive the area at rush hour and at night.
- Pull sold comparables with your agent.
- Decide your conditions. See what conditions to put in an offer.
I am Jatin Dua, Broker of Record at RE/MAX Quantum Realty, helping buyers across Toronto and the GTA evaluate homes beyond the staging.
The takeaway
Use open houses to look past staging: water, cracks, windows, systems and electrical for houses, plus fees and reserve funds for condos. Ask about listing history, offer dates and inclusions, then confirm with an inspection and sold comparables before offering.
Talk it through with me
Saw a home you like?
Send the listing. I will send sold comparables and what to check before offering.
I will come back to you personally, usually the same day. If it is urgent, call or text 833-330-1925.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for at an open house?
Signs of water damage, cracks, window condition, system ages, electrical panel, water pressure, light and noise, plus fees and reserve fund for condos.
What should I ask at an open house?
How long it has been listed, price changes, offer date, available inspections or disclosures, inclusions and the seller’s preferred closing.
Should I sign in at an open house?
It is common, but you do not have to share more than you are comfortable with. If you have an agent, mention it.
Can I bring my own agent to an open house?
Yes. Your agent can attend or book a private showing.
Is an open house enough to make an offer?
Usually you should also get comparables and an inspection or inspection condition.
What are red flags at an open house?
Musty smells, fresh patches on ceilings, strong air fresheners, and water staining in the basement.
Sources
- RECO — information for buyers and sellers — consumer guidance on buying and selling, deposits and representation. Accessed 16 September 2026.
- Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) — public register of registrants, registration categories and disciplinary decisions. Accessed 16 September 2026.
Related reading
- Do open houses still work?
- Home inspection condition
- How much to offer
- Bungalow inspection checklist
About the author — Jatin Dua, Toronto and GTA real estate broker
I am Jatin Dua, Broker of Record and co-founder of RE/MAX Quantum Realty Inc., Brokerage, Unit 101, 799 The Queensway, Etobicoke. I work with buyers and sellers across Toronto and the GTA, with deep local knowledge of the west end. Four-plus years of active GTA transactions and over $100 million in sales volume. Every market figure here comes from TRREB’s published tables and every rule from RECO or Ontario legislation, so you can check all of it without asking me.
Reach me at connect@jatindua.com or 833-330-1925, or book a call.