The Burnaby Open House Guide: For Buyers and Sellers

What an open house is really for

An open house is a set window – usually a weekend afternoon – when a home is open for anyone to walk through without booking a private showing. For buyers, it’s a low-pressure way to compare homes and neighbourhoods quickly. For sellers, it’s a chance to show the home at its best to several people at once. Worth knowing: open houses are as much about generating interest and feedback as they are about producing a same-day buyer – most Burnaby homes still sell through the MLS and agent showings, not off the open house alone.

For buyers: how to work an open house

It’s easy to be swept up by fresh paint and a good smell. The buyers who choose well look past the staging and read the home itself. Give yourself a slow, unhurried walk-through and pay attention to the things that are expensive or impossible to change.

Five things to check every time

• The bones. Look for water stains on ceilings and under sinks, cracks beyond normal settling, uneven or sloping floors, and windows or doors that stick.
• Systems and age. Note the age and condition of the roof, furnace or heat pump, hot water tank, and electrical panel – these are the big-ticket replacements.
• Layout and light. Does the floor plan actually work for you? Which way does it face, and how much natural light comes in? Staging leaves; the layout stays.
• Smells and sounds. Trust your nose for damp or musty air, and your ears for road, SkyTrain or neighbour noise.
• The neighbourhood. Step outside and look around – the commute, transit, parks, schools and the feel of the street are part of what you’re buying.

Smart questions to ask the host

• How long has the home been on the market, and have there been any offers?
• Why are the sellers moving, and how flexible is their timing?
• What’s included in the sale, and are there any recent upgrades or repairs?
• For a condo or townhome: what are the strata fees, and are any special assessments planned?

For condos and townhomes: read the strata documents

In a strata property, the documents matter as much as the unit. Before you get serious, review the strata meeting minutes, the depreciation report, and the financial statements and contingency fund. They reveal planned repairs, special assessments, the building’s health and the bylaws – including any pet or rental restrictions. An open house is a good moment to ask how to get copies.

For sellers: how to host one that helps

A strong open house makes buyers feel at home the moment they walk in. Most of the work happens before anyone arrives.

Prepare the home

• Declutter and depersonalize. Pack away extra furniture, countertop clutter and personal photos so buyers can picture themselves there.
• Deep clean. Floors, windows, kitchen and bathrooms should sparkle – clean reads as well-maintained.
• Let the light in. Open blinds, turn on lamps, and aim for bright, even lighting throughout.
• Handle the small stuff. Fix the dripping tap, the sticky door, the burnt-out bulb – little flaws make buyers wonder about big ones.
• Mind the first impression. Tidy the entry and, for houses, the curb – it sets the tone before anyone steps inside.

Timing and expectations

Weekend afternoons draw the most traffic in Burnaby. Talk with your agent about pricing and timing, since a home that’s priced right and shows well in its first couple of weeks tends to attract the most attention. And keep perspective: the goal of an open house is momentum and feedback – interest, second showings, and offers that follow – not necessarily a signature that same afternoon.

Etiquette and safety for everyone

A few simple courtesies keep an open house pleasant and safe: remove your shoes or use the covers provided, ask before opening closets or private spaces, keep an eye on children, and sign in when asked – it’s how the agent follows up and keeps the home secure. Sellers are generally best off not being present, letting buyers speak and imagine freely.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my own Realtor to attend an open house?

No – open houses are open to the public, so you can walk through on your own. Just remember the host represents the seller. Having your own Realtor means someone is looking out for your interests, helping you read the home and the strata documents, and advising you if you decide to make an offer.

What should I not say at an open house as a buyer?

Avoid revealing your maximum budget, exactly how much you love the home, or how urgently you need to move. Those details can reduce your leverage in a negotiation. It’s fine to ask questions and take notes – just keep your own position to yourself.

Are open houses worth it for sellers in Burnaby?

They can be a useful part of the plan. Open houses create exposure, gather buyer feedback and can spark private showings and offers – but most sales still come through the MLS and agent networks. Think of an open house as one tool among several, most effective when the home is well presented and priced right.

How do I get the strata documents for a condo I saw?

Ask the hosting agent how to obtain the strata minutes, depreciation report and financials – your own Realtor can also request them. Review these before making an offer, since they reveal the building’s finances, any upcoming special assessments, and the bylaws that will affect your daily life.

General guidance for buyers and sellers in Burnaby and Greater Vancouver, current at the time of writing. It is not legal or financial advice. Strata documents, building conditions and market timing vary by property – review the specific documents and, where needed, seek professional advice before making an offer or listing your home.