How to read a home open like a pro

This is your guide to acing a home open, with quick checks you can do in as little as 10 minutes.

A home open can feel like a blur. You’re trying to take everything in, people are moving through rooms, and it’s easy to leave without really knowing what you’ve just seen.

This is your guide to acing a home open, with quick checks you can do in as little as 10 minutes, questions to ask the agent, and signs that tell you whether to move on or dig a little deeper.

1. First two minutes: Check the basics

Before you get caught up in styling, start with the fundamentals:
Street appeal and location: What’s the street like, what’s the traffic noise like, and how close are you to shops, parks and schools?
Orientation: Where is the sun coming from? Natural light can make a big difference to comfort and power bills.
Layout: Does the floorplan make sense for how you live? Bedrooms near living areas might not suit shift workers or families with young kids.

If any of these are a deal breaker, you’ve saved yourself time straight away.

2. Next five minutes: Scan for the big-ticket items

Now it’s time for the stuff that costs real money to fix:

Walls and ceilings: Look for cracks, stains or signs of moisture. A small mark isn’t always a problem, but it can signal bigger issues.
Floors: Are they level? Do they feel spongy or uneven?
Windows and doors: Do they open and close properly? Any signs of swelling, sticking or gaps that might suggest movement.
Bathroom and laundry: Check the corners, around the shower and under the vanity for swelling or mould.
Kitchen: Open a few cupboards, check for water damage under the sink, and look at the condition of appliances.

You’re not looking for perfection. You’re looking for patterns that suggest ongoing maintenance issues.

3. Final three minutes: Think about livability

This is where you decide if the home works for you day to day:
Storage: Is there enough? Linen cupboards and pantry space matter more than people expect.
Ventilation: Do rooms feel stuffy? Are there windows in key areas?
Noise: Stand still for 20 seconds in the living room and main bedroom. Can you hear neighbours, traffic or barking dogs?
Outdoor space: Is it usable, private, and easy to maintain?

Questions worth asking the real estate agent

Your REIWA member agent should be able to answer these clearly:

What interest has there been so far, any offers?
Are there known issues or recent repairs?
What are the outgoings, including strata fees if relevant?
What’s included in the sale (dishwasher, blinds, outdoor furniture etc.)?

A home open is only the first step. Your goal is to quickly work out whether it’s worth coming back for a second look, organising a building inspection, or doing more research.

Save yourself some time with Interactive maps on reiwa.com. This exclusive feature gives you a detailed view of your property and suburb. You can see block dimensions, suburb boundaries, zoning, flood and bushfire areas, and even nearby schools, cafés and restaurants. There’s also a journey planner so buyers can check travel times.