open house tour

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The Open House

We at Northtree Real Estate (in partnership with Optix Dynamix Labs) are proud to present our new, state-of-the-art, open house simulator!  Come and take a quick tour of 15615 Hollow Oak Lane, a familiar and comfortable showcase home in one of our premier developments!

PLEASE NOTE: Some browsers have issues with WebGL. If you're experiencing issues please try a different browser or try downloading the standalone files below. 

NOTE FOR STREAMERS: A segment of this game will display your default system username. Please take this in to consideration when live streaming the game.

https://twitter.com/corpsepile

Click download now to get access to the following files:

Development log

• The Open House - New Listing! Mar 22, 2020

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Great house! Very spacious and lots of rooms, very MEATY!

This have all the goods and the autor haven't used expensive stuff, just the free or accessible things. You don't have to have huge budget for a game, just time, passion and talent.

Awesome game Had to Try it out myself!

Love this game so much!

this game is fire

this game is so silly i love it sm i screamed more times than i can count and made my dog sit with me so i woudlnt freak out (/pos) 10/10 the ending is also super silly and the little hidden things were really cool :D

uhhhh sir, why does the saw have blood on it?

oh, now there is bloody hair on the floor, great.

i got stuck in the debug mode. i couldn't find the last scan thing and then i went left of the front door and now it's glitching and i cant see anything

I would buy it ngl

mom pick me up im scared

10/10 aplico el miedo de todo adulto de querer comprar una casa para darse cuenta que le va a faltar plata

man i gotta re-read house of leaves now

Another amazing corpsepile game! I am such a jump scaredy cat so this one definitely checked all the boxes. Heres my playthrough if anyones interested!

Fun! I'll take it XD

I wasnt expecting that

its not clear at the start i was just wandering aimlessly w my screen all effed up :/

I don’t know what I expected but this game was really well done and built up the suspense so well!

I'd personally buy this house, minus the weird red paint on the floor. Though, I'm sure it's just a design choice.

Great house! Not sure about the neighborhood though, Not sure how save it would be for my cats.

The upbeat music at the end caught me off guard XD

that dude in the closet got me for sure

I'm NEVER Buying A House! - The Open House #theopenhouse #horrorgaming #itchio

The offer accepted screen got me good, brilliant work

This is brilliant

I really didn't expect it, it was excellent, The mechanics and the story are very cool, I enjoyed it very much.

GAMEPLAY PT-BR

The end actually caught me off guard but the game is pretty nice (tbh i did NOT want to go in the dark corner on the 2nd floor)

holy shit the lady in the closet in the laundry room scared me

L gyatt tbh

no its a joke go back to your pond >:(

The blood ritual room and non-euclidean corridors in the basement are a big plus; however, I am concerned about the animal problem with the bypedal red thing. In any case, how much for the house?

BLOOD RITUAL ROOM??!?!?!?!??! WHERE!??!?!?!??

Exploring the virtual open house tour felt like strolling through a dream! Every room was a perfect match, from cozy nooks to spacious living areas. It was like finding a treasure trove of home sweet home, with each step bringing me closer to my dream abode.

Nice game, good psychological horror experience. Congratulations!!

needs a skip button because this is the 5th time i played this AHHH

Ok game, I didn't understand debug mode. Wasn't really that scary. But fun to play. It did get annoying when you didn't know what you were supposed to do

SPOLIER KINDA, ASKING FOR HELP

where is the last object? i got the hair, saw, and scratch please help raaahhhh

there is blood in the guest bathroom sink but you have look to the right when you walk in

Psychological horror is the best because it really cant be cheap with the scares and still have quality, this game really proves that too, great original concept!

Pretty sure I had 6 in that "Master Bedroom" before, looks familiar lol

It's fine i guess, But not scary.

...did you actually play the game??

probably not lol

i was joking

i genuinely couldn't tell sorry 😭

Open Houses & Tours

Come out and learn about the new construction process, how to build your dream home from the ground up, gather design ideas and inspiration, and more! Take a tour through our model homes this weekend that will be professionally decorated by Choice Designs . These homes showcase beautiful design features and the quality craftsmanship that you will find in each of our new homes.

Upcoming Tours

We invite you to join us for the 2024 Spring New Home Extravaganza, where Granite Ridge Builders will showcase over 30 homes across 11 locations. This exciting event is spread over three weekends in a row - April 20-21, April 27-28, and May 4-5 from 1-5 PM. We are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to discover the exceptional quality and outstanding features of our homes and communities. It's the perfect way to explore and discover what we have to offer. We look forward to seeing you!

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What is an Open House? A Complete Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Reading Time: 9 minutes

Odds are, if you are a first-time homebuyer , you’ve probably heard the term “open house.” Especially since Covid-19 restrictions are relaxing throughout the country, more and more sellers are opting to host open houses again. But what is an open house? What are the pros and cons of an open house? Check out this guide below to learn all about open houses, whether you’re buying or selling a home , to figure out if hosting an open house is right for you.

What does “open house” mean in real estate?

Open houses are one of the many steps of the home buying or selling process and are a great opportunity for buyers to check out properties and for sellers to attract potential buyers and generate interest in their homes. They are public, informal events hosted by the real estate agent working with the home seller also called the listing agent. They are usually a couple of hours long and potential buyers can drop in to view the home at any time during the open house.

Get pre-approved and secure your dream home

When you first get to an open house, you will likely be greeted by the listing agent . They may ask you to sign in with your name, email, and possibly phone number. Then, you are free to look around the house, exploring all the different areas. There may be water or very light snacks. Almost always, the seller will not be at the open house as it may prevent potential buyers from being able to imagine themselves in the house.

After the open house, the listing agent may follow up with you to see if you liked the house using the information you provided on their sign-in sheet. If you are no longer interested in the home at that point, you can definitely say so. Or, if you want to set up a private tour or write an offer , you can do that too.

Open houses vs private home tours

Open houses are unique because the seller or listing agent can show the property to many people at the same time. And, as a potential buyer, you don’t have to set up an appointment to view the home. You can simply drop by during the hours of the open house. There may also be other real estate agents present. For private home tours, also referred to as private showings, the buyer sets up a one-on-one appointment with the listing agent meaning that you will be the only one viewing the property at that time. 

After attending an open house, you may want to see more of the home afterward. Or maybe you still have some questions about the property, and you aren’t positive about putting in an offer yet. In this case, you can set up a private showing with the listing agent, even if you have already attended an open house. This will give you more one-on-one time with the listing agent and the house, and it can allow you to better imagine yourself in the home without a bunch of other people around.

Open houses for first-time homebuyers

What you can expect as a homebuyer.

Open houses can get busy with foot traffic coming through the door, and there are some rules you should know before attending your first one. 

Come to an open house prepared

There are a number of etiquette guidelines when it comes to open houses. And if you are serious about buying a house , you want to make sure you are prepared to look like a great buyer for any home you visit. Make sure to know what to look for when touring homes , and come prepared to the open house with the following:

• Basic background info about the home
• A list of questions to ask the listing agent
• A tape measure if you want to make sure your furniture fits in the home
• A way to take notes, such as a notebook and pen or using a smartphone to take videos, pictures, and even your own commentary on each room

When you attend an open house, avoid bringing:

• Children, unless they are older and can help ask questions

The reason you don’t want to bring the above to an open house is that they may disrupt other visitors’ viewing of the home, distract you from seeing the home’s full potential, or even damage the home.

Open house etiquette

Some other rules you should follow when attending an open house are to change into booties if they are offered. Or, take your shoes off if the listing agent requests it. 

And, of course, respect the homeowners’ privacy. Don’t look in their medicine cabinet or their dresser. But, it is ok to open their pantry or towel closet to see what kind of storage the home offers.

In general, it’s best not to hold the listing agent hostage as you tour the home. Make sure they are available to chat with other people too. On the flip side, if you are interested in the home, make an effort to introduce yourself to the listing agent. And, of course, try to leave room for other people to tour the home. So, avoid blocking doorways and talking too loudly so that other people can experience the home too.

Following these basic rules will help your case as a buyer and will allow other people to picture themselves in the home as well.

Benefits and downsides of open houses

Especially for first-time homebuyers, there are tons of benefits to attending open houses. Sure, you can see specific houses you like in person to see if they’re “the one.” And, you can also create a list of must-haves, wants, and other things you care about in a home. For example, you may go to an open house where the home has tons of built-ins, and you may love it. Add “built-ins” to your want list for your future home. Or, maybe you find a home with eight-foot ceilings or small, cramped spaces that just don’t work for you — add them to your “no-go” list. 

There are a few downsides to open houses though. Sometimes, it’s difficult to view yourself in a home with lots of other people there, which is common at open houses. And, you may not get as much time with the listing agent as you would like to ask questions. One more downside is that open houses usually create lots of interest in a home. So, if you want to write an offer, you may have more competition after an open house.

Open houses for first-time home sellers

If you haven’t sold a home before, an open house can be intimidating. There is a good amount of work that goes into an open house. Read on to find out how to prepare your home for an open house and what the benefits and downsides are from the seller’s point of view.

How to prepare your home for an open house

Preparing your home for an open house can be a lot of work, but it can also drum up a lot of interest in your home. The goal of an open house is for prospective buyers to be able to see themselves in your home. 

Below is a checklist of tasks to prepare your home for sale you may want to consider doing before having an open house:

• Complete any repairs you may have been putting off
• Remove excess furniture
• Remove personal photos
• Remove children’s artwork and projects
• Remove pet accessories, dishes, and toys
• Hide valuables
• Add flowers throughout your home
• Make up beds in the home with fresh sheets
• Make sure there are no foul or moldy smells in your home
• Stage your home  

Additionally, it can be useful to add a special touch to your open house. Potential buyers may go to multiple open houses in one day. And at the end of the day, you want them to remember your house best. If you want to feature your gorgeous backyard, you could set up your barbecue and outdoor living space for potential buyers to show off the space. 

Your listing agent may also bring water or snacks to the open house, especially if the drinks or food are made by local businesses they want to highlight. However, offering these items to guests has become less common since Covid.

Lastly, you should make sure that you and your family members and pets have somewhere else to be for the entire duration of the open house.

Open houses allow people to get a feel for your home. And they can do it in a way that allows them to ask the listing agent questions without the pressure of having the listing agent hovering over them for the whole tour. This can lead to offers on your home. Plus, your agent only has to be at your home for a few hours instead of scheduling tons of individual home tours. And that means you only have to clean up your home once. 

There are some downsides to open houses though. Although it is extremely uncommon, some sellers worry that visitors will steal from or damage their home. If you are especially concerned about this, it’s best to have minimal objects in your home and ask your agent to monitor guests closely. 

Another downside is that some guests may not be qualified to buy your home. Or, maybe they are just curious neighbors who just want to see what the inside of your home looks like. Nevertheless, most people at your open house will be interested in buying. So, all the effort you put into tidying your home will almost certainly be worth it. 

When should you have an open house and for how long?

The best time for an open house is off-peak times when people are less likely to be working or attending their kids’ activities. Most real estate agents will host open houses on Saturdays and Sundays and on weekday evenings. Sunday afternoons are a particularly common time to host open houses. 

Most listing agents recommend having an open house shortly after your home hits the market, but later open houses can help generate interest too. You can also host an open house after a price decrease in order to find new people interested in your home.

You may wonder: how long is an open house? Most open houses are one hour to three hours long, depending on when they are. For example, evening open houses may only be an hour. Weekend open houses maybe three or even four hours long. Remember that your open house can only be as long as you and your family (and your pets) can stay out of the house and as long as your real estate agent’s schedule allows.

How to promote your open house

While some people may think that promoting open houses is more complicated nowadays, Covid has popularized new ways of promoting and offering open houses. For example, it is common for listing agents to live-stream an open house.  Live-streaming allows buyers to view the home in a new light, not just through photos. Listing agents can offer open houses over video conferencing apps such as Zoom as well, which means you can view a home even if you are out of town.

Other ways to promote your open house are to show videos or photos of your home via social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. You can of course show photos and videos of your own home. But your listing agent may be able to advertise your property via their social media accounts and their company’s social media accounts too in order to motivate buyers to place an offer.

What is a good turnout for an open house?

Because there are so many unique homes on the market, it is hard to say what a good turnout for an open house is. Sometimes, you may get fewer people at an open house if your home is at a particularly high price point. Or, you may get more people touring your home but they could just be curious neighbors, or people that are not serious buyers. Most listing agents aim to have about 10-20 people visit a home at an open house. But, the real way to see if an open house is a well-executed event is to see how many people submit offers or request individual tours afterward.

Do open houses actually help sell a home?

Although open houses can be a lot of work to put on, they are a great tool for sellers. And, they are an accessible, non-intimidating way for homebuyers to get to know the housing market . If you are considering attending or hosting an open house, chat with your real estate agent to see what they think and if they have any tips to offer. 

How to find open houses near you

There are plenty of ways to find open houses near you. You can ask your agent and your network if there are any upcoming open houses you should attend. You can also use Redfin to find tons of open houses near you. To do this, go to Redfin’s open houses near me page.

On the page, input your desired location of where you want to search for open houses.

Then, input your price range and click search.

From there, you will be taken to a map page with a list of all open houses happening within your search criteria. 

Redfin does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice . This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice from a licensed attorney, tax professional, or financial advisor.

Content Marketing Manager

Ryan is part of the Content Marketing team and enjoys writing about market trends and local insights. His dream home would be a large cape cod-style house by the beach.

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How to Go to An Open House: 12 Steps to Follow

• House Hunting
• Open Houses
• Published on March 2nd, 2023

Emily Eddy is a writer and art curator based in Chicago. Emily has been interested in real estate since a young age, as she grew up helping her mom with home renovations in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. Emily resides in a live-work loft in the Wicker Park neighborhood where she operates a "microcinema"; an apartment gallery specific to exhibiting experimental film. Emily and her cat, Clark Gable, spend their days writing, watching movies, gardening, and of course, binging HGTV.

Richard Haddad is the managing editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.

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At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict  editorial integrity in each of our posts.

Whether you’re actively shopping for a new home or just curious about what different neighborhoods have to offer, there’s no better way to start your research than by attending open houses. Open houses are excellent tools that serve many purposes: finding a house you’d like to buy, dipping your toes into the housing market to see what you like, or to understand what your money can get you in the area you are looking to buy.

Open houses are nothing to be scared of, and they can be excellent learning experiences, but if you’ve never gone to an open house before, you might be nervous! We’ll walk you through the process and teach you how to go to an open house like someone who does it every weekend.

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Step 1: Know why you’re going in (and be in alignment)

There are many reasons why someone might attend an open house, and it’s important for you to understand why you are going.

Define your open house mission:

• Did you just move to a new area and want to look at what’s available with hopes to buy eventually?
• Are you looking in an area where you don’t currently live to see what types of homes are in that market?
• Are you a current homeowner who wants to see what’s trendy on the sales market?
• Are you looking for your forever home (or your “for now” home)?
• Maybe you’re just looking at homes that are similar to yours to get new design inspiration.

All of these are totally acceptable reasons to attend an open house, but you’ll want to make sure you’re clear in your own mind about what you’re hoping to get out of your open house experience — and that friends, partners, or family members attending with you are aware of your intentions and on the same page with you.

Step 2: Talk to an agent first if you’re interested in buying

If your open house goal isn’t to buy soon, then there is no reason to involve an agent — but otherwise, an agent can give you valuable insight about different homes that you can’t get elsewhere, and also help you access open houses you wouldn’t be able to find on your own.

Agents are people, too, and often, they know each other. Tell your agent what open houses you are planning on attending, and in many cases, they will be able to tell the agent listing the open house to expect you. This will show the seller that you are serious about buying and that you already have an agent representing you.

If you plan in advance, your agent may be able to attend the open house with you, if that’s what you want. If you see an open house while taking a walk and decide to go spontaneously, it’s unlikely that your agent can drop everything and come — but let them know that you went anyway.

Top Portland, Maine, agent Holly Mitchell , who has 13 years of open house experience, says, “If you are already working with an agent, it’s always great to see if your agent can meet you at the open house. If they can’t, always tell them where you’re going — and be specific, because your agent can reach out to the listing agent.”

Mitchell adds that you can always sign the guestbook with your agent’s name instead of your own: “If a buyer wants to attend but they don’t want to have all their information out there to get emails or calls, it’s perfectly appropriate to sign your agent’s name. That way, the seller’s agent can follow up directly with your agent.”

Step 3: Get preapproved for a mortgage if you want to buy

This is another step that you can go ahead and skip if you are not looking to buy at the moment — but if you are, then getting preapproved for a mortgage while you are still in the process of attending open houses will ensure you’re only spending time touring homes that you can actually afford to buy.

If you do get preapproved for a mortgage, but you’re not totally sure what you want, it is a great idea to attend open houses that are within the price you are approved for to see what you will get for your money in the area (or areas) you are looking at.

Step 4: Decide how to organize your notes

No matter why you’re going to an open house, you probably want it to be a learning experience of some kind, and in order to remember what you learned, you’ll want to take notes.

There’s no doubt that the homes will start to all blur together if you don’t have a way to keep track of your experiences. Take notes, photos, and videos if you like, and be sure to highlight the specificities of the home that make it stand out.

Consider utilizing a house-hunting checklist or another way to document what you loved or didn’t love about each home — and which was which — to keep it all straight.

Step 5: Confer with experts about common red flags

When you are attending an open house, whether or not you are interested in buying right now, looking for potential damage will give you a greater understanding of the home’s price and help you know what red flags to look out for. Local real estate agents, home inspectors, and home contractors can help give you an inside scoop on common issues with homes in your area and their signs.

The big ones to check for typically include:

• Leaks under sinks, sticky windows and doors
• Cracks in ceilings and walls
• Water stains on walls and ceilings
• Evidence of mold or pests.

Research any common issues found in homes in the area that you are looking to buy, and find some folks who can educate you at a high level about how to find them. An experienced top agent is your best initial resource to spot red flags.

Step 6: Find the open houses you want to attend

Strolling through neighborhoods where you’re interested in finding open houses can make for a fun Saturday, but it’s not the most effective way of finding open houses in your area.

To find all the best open houses, you can look online at your local MLS (multiple listing service ), on real estate platforms, or posted on flyers or signs around town, especially at local real estate agencies.

Popular days are Saturdays and Sundays, so keep your weekend afternoons free if you are looking to attend several open houses.

Step 7: Plan your open house day

When you’ve got a list of houses that you’re excited to tour, you’ll need to plan your open house day.

Most open houses are only open for certain time windows, and if you want to hit several, you’ll need to plan which you’re attending first, and account for traffic and travel time, too.

Be sure to pay close attention to the time windows so you won’t be overbooking yourself and miss open houses that might just be the one!

Step 8: Be prepared to sign in

It is standard practice for open houses to require attendees to sign in. If you think about it, you’d probably want a record of any complete strangers who happened to have access to your house if the roles were reversed!

Many sign-in sheets will include fields for an email address, which you can withhold, but be ready to write down your real name and show an ID.

As we noted earlier, if you are interested in buying, you can also put down your agent’s name and email so the listing agent can get in contact with them.

Step 9: Know how to behave

There is a lot of literature out there about open house etiquette , so we’ll just cover the basics here.

• Don’t crowd other buyers, and don’t overcrowd or take up too much of the seller’s agent’s time.
• Don’t be a creep! Opening closets and doors to check out storage space is usually fine, but don’t start rummaging through drawers, papers, or personal items.
• Always ask before taking pictures, and follow house rules. Open house rules can include requests like taking off your shoes, wearing booties, or wearing a mask if asked.
• It’s common for agents to provide refreshments at an open house, but don’t expect to be fed, and don’t bring in outside food.
• Most importantly, consider how you would like people to act if you were hosting an open house, and be respectful of the seller’s wishes.

Step 10: Ask lots of questions

Agents are there to help, and even if you aren’t actively shopping, they typically don’t mind answering your questions , so ask away. After all, this house might be a great fit for someone you know.

Agents know details about the house that might not be visible even a thorough glance. Mitchell says, “Agents will have property disclosures, and they should have copies available at open houses that you can look at while you walk around the home to learn about it.”

This property disclosure ( which isn’t required in every state ) will have many details about the house, including information about the age of systems in the home, the condition of the roof, any known plumbing issues, and much more.

Get Your List of Open House Questions!

When you visit an open house, take this list of 60 questions with you so that you can decide if the home is a hit or a miss.

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Step 11: Don’t disclose too much about yourself!

If you are looking to buy, telling the listing agent at the open house your exact budget and why this is the perfect house for you is likely going to backfire if you get to the negotiating stage — so be polite but noncommittal about your opinions, and only talk in general price ranges, not specifics.

Unlike renting, where showings can feel competitive, buying requires a bit more of a poker face to get the right price. Also, don’t get stressed and start disclosing information about how keen you are to buy based on the number of attendees at an open house.

Remember, people go to open houses for all kinds of reasons, including just for fun. Rest assured that even a crowded open house might not get swamped with offers, though it does depend on the market.

Step 12: Wait until you leave to discuss the house with fellow attendees

You don’t want the agent to report back to the seller that you loved or hated the place, so wait until you’re in more private environments to debrief with your friends and fellow attendees. Go have a latté and mull over your pros and cons in private!

Whatever your open house needs currently are, don’t be afraid to head in. As long as you are respectful to the seller’s wishes and you stay mindful of the listing agent’s time, you’ll have a great opportunity to add to your home research. Partner with an experienced buyer’s agent as you explore the market. And you never know — you may end up closing on that home after the opening!

Header Image Source: (Sophie Nito / Unsplash)

Contributing Author

Richard Haddad

Managing Editor

Virtual tours are on the rise as people shop for homes without leaving theirs

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It’s pretty hard to have an open house at a time when it’s not safe for groups of people to congregate indoors.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has made virtual open houses and video showings more popular than ever. They’re a great tool for both buyers and sellers, especially in second home-heavy markets and locales with stringent restrictions about in-person gatherings.

But, they are a little different than seeing a property in real life, so it’s a good idea to be familiar with how they work if you’re looking to see a property virtually, or want to have your home listed that way.

What is a virtual open house?

In some ways, it’s similar to an in-person one. It happens at a scheduled time, and is meant to give prospective buyers an overview of the property.

Sue “Pinky” Benson, a Realtor and video marketing specialist with RE/MAX based in Naples, Florida, said these kinds of tours are usually less highly produced than a traditional marketing video.

“It’s not the prettiest video in the world. It’s not a well-edited video per se, but you’re showing them the property in real time,” she said.

Watching one of her virtual tours , she takes care to point out all the key features of a property, focusing on what makes it unique. She also notifies people throughout the stream about how to ask questions or get more information.

Benson hosts her virtual open houses live on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and also sometimes uploads copies of the videos to YouTube after the livestream ends. 

Posting the streams on multiple platforms means more eyes on a listing, and also allows prospective buyers to see the video even after the live portion ends, she said.

Another benefit to a live stream is that viewers can ask questions in real time by posting comments on the video. But, Benson said, just like in real life, interested buyers don’t always want to tip their hand by asking questions in a public forum. Many buyers prefer to send private messages instead.

“They’re worried, what if someone else sees that I’m interested in this property?”

Can I get a private virtual tour?

Yes. Many agents are going beyond just offering virtual open houses. Interested buyers should work with their agents to arrange private video viewings of properties if they can’t go out to see it themselves — or are uncomfortable doing so during a global health crisis.

These kinds of tours allow prospective buyers to see properties in detail, even if they can’t be there on-site. 

“When it comes to a buyer who is interested in that individual property, they want you to walk the property, they want to see what it looks like outside,” Benson said. These kinds of one-on-one virtual tours allow prospective buyers to examine a property as if they were there in real life.

Many of her recent sales started by video, “whether a virtual open house or a private video with my client to show them the property in real time,” Benson said. 

“We have had a huge uptick in the amount of clients, many have purchased straight from the video without seeing the property until they’re in the inspection period, or we’ve narrowed down the properties based on the video.”

What should buyers and sellers know?

Now more than ever, it’s important to make sure you find an agent who is equipped to show your property virtually if you’re selling, or show you properties over video if you’re buying.

“The pandemic has pushed the technology side of things,” Benson said. When finding an agent to work with, “you’ve got to ask them the technology questions. Are you doing videos?”

It could limit your prospective pool of buyers, or the number of properties you’ll be able to see, if you work with an agent who isn’t as comfortable with the tech.

Bottom line

Even before the pandemic, video tours and virtual open houses were on the rise. But they’ve become much more popular in the last few months. It’s important to be familiar with them yourself and find an agent who is comfortable with them as well if you’re about to enter the real estate market.

It’s very likely that real estate shopping will have a growing virtual component even after the pandemic subsides.

If you ever find yourself attending an open house, don’t be afraid to speak up. If the video is on a live streaming platform, use the comments section to ask the agent questions, or request things you want to see more of, or hear more about. Similarly, don’t be worried about asking for your own private video tour if your interest in a property is piqued. A one-on-one virtual showing can give you more control over what you’re seeing, and will allow you to ask questions and give feedback more freely, without the worry that other prospective buyers will be thinking of ways to outmaneuver you based on what you have to say.

Learn more:

• What’s it like to buy during a pandemic? These buyers know
• Inventory shortage intensifies, and California leads the way
• Bidding wars erupt as home inventory shrinks 

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14 Questions to Ask at an Open House

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Open houses are a valuable tool for home buyers. You can view a property in a low-pressure environment, and you can usually take as much time as you need.

One of the biggest perks is talking to the listing agent and going through your questions to ask at an open house.

You can find out about the sellers and their motivations for moving, and get vital information about the property that might not be on the listing.

• →   14 Questions To Ask When Looking at a House
• →   Open House Questions By Room
• →   Get the Full Scoop

14 Questions To Ask When Looking at a House

Whether you’re buying a house out of state or moving one neighborhood over, asking questions is critical at an open house, so come prepared. Research the home, the neighborhood, and know the listing details. This will help you form specific questions.

Be confident when talking to the seller’s agent, but don’t give too much information about your homebuying goals, finances, and house-hunting experience thus far. Those details are for your real estate agent to know and use in future negotiations.

Here are the questions you’ll want to ask while you’re at an open house:

1. Why is the house for sale?

It could be a new job opportunity, moving closer to friends or family, or making a profit. In some cases, the seller could be unhappy with the home.

Knowing the reasons why the homeowner is selling can give you a lot of information. It can point you toward potential pitfalls of the home and provide you with guidance when submitting your offer. If you know there’s a job opportunity looming, the seller could be pressed for time — and submitting a quick offer could help you get the home.

2. How long has the house been on the market?

Knowing how long a home has been on the market is critical when you’re considering an offer. A home that’s been on the market a long time could signify something wrong with the home or that the seller is unwilling to negotiate.

You can also expect to have more negotiating power if the house has been on the market longer than usual. Sellers are typically more receptive to a lower offer or willing to pay your closing costs if they’re having a hard time selling the home.

3. How many offers has the seller received?

It’s good to find out if the seller has had offers in the past, if they were rejected or fell through, and why that happened. This can give you an idea of how picky a seller is and how open to negotiations they are.

You also want to know if there are current offers on the table. If you know you’re bidding against other buyers, you’ll be able to put your best offer forward. If you’re not bidding against other buyers, a lower offer might be better received.

4. Are there any structural issues with the home?

Sellers are required to disclose any structural or code issues they know exist on the property, so be sure to request an official seller’s disclosure from the listing agent. This disclosure will point you toward more specific questions you want to cover.

5. Has the seller made any DIY renovations?

Ask the agent about any renovations that were done to the home, especially ones done by the homeowner. These are more likely to have issues down the road. Plus, they could create a code violation if they didn’t get the proper permits.

Ideally, any large renovations would have been done by a licensed professional. To be safe, you’ll always want to get a professional home inspection before closing on the home. They’ll let you know about existing issues and what needs to be repaired.

6. When was the home last updated?

You’ll want to get an idea of when the home’s major systems and features were updated — including the roof, siding, electrical system, heating and air conditioning, water heater, and more. This will give you a good grasp of what repairs and replacements you’ll be due for soon.

Your home inspection will help, too. Inspectors include notes about how old significant features are and what lifespan they have left.

7. What’s included with the home sale?

Sellers aren’t required to include anything that’s not attached to the home, so things like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers won’t always come with the property.

Ask about what the seller is including in the sale and what they’d be willing to include for the right price. Is it move-in ready , or will you need to buy appliances, blinds, curtains, and furniture? This will help you plan your move-in costs.

8. Is there an HOA?

Always ask if the home is attached to a homeowner’s association (HOA) . HOAs are common in suburban neighborhoods, and they come with rules, regulations, and fees for residents who live there.

If the home does have an HOA, ask for its name so you can read up on the organization’s policies. Also, ask what the monthly or annual dues are and any amenities those dues pay for.

9. What’s the neighborhood like?

Loving the home is just one part of the equation. You also want to love the community it’s located in. Ask the agent about the surrounding neighborhood — its amenities, the people who live there, and what businesses and services are in the area.

Also, ask about the neighbors and, if you have children or pets, ask about local playgrounds, trails, and dog parks.

Neighborhood events are another thing to consider. Are neighborhood get-togethers common? Are the streets busy at night? Are there parties on the weekends? Knowing the average age of residents can help you understand what types of activities you may see in the area. These are all excellent questions to keep in mind.

10. What’s the seller’s timeline?

Getting a feel for the seller’s timeline is always wise. Sellers who are ready to move quickly, or have already moved, are typically more open to negotiations. Sellers who are in no rush to sell tend to wait it out for the perfect offer.

11. What utilities does the home have, and what do they cost?

This is an essential question if you want an energy-efficient home .

Find out if the home uses natural gas, solar energy, electricity, or a combination. Ask about the heating and cooling systems and for an estimate of all monthly utility costs. This will be a big help in your budgeting.

12. When were the home’s major utilities last updated?

You should also know when utilities were last updated, like HVAC units, water heaters, and plumbing systems. Knowing this can help you anticipate repairs and what they may cost.

13. What amenities and locations are within walking distance?

Ask the agent if there are any parks, pools, walking trails, or other neighborhood amenities within walking distance. Get details and recommendations on nearby businesses that are important to you, like coffee shops, bars, restaurants, recreation centers, gyms, or hiking trails.

These will give you an idea of what your day-to-day life will look like in this neighborhood.

14. Can I see myself living here?

This is one you ask yourself while touring the home. Can you see yourself and your loved ones in the home? Would your furniture and decor match the aesthetics of the property? Do you get good phone reception in the house?

Think about updates you’d want to make if you bought the house. Decide if those projects are worth the time and if you have the budget for them.

Open House Questions By Room

More questions will come up as you tour the house. You’ll want to learn more about each room you enter, especially the ones you know you’ll spend a lot of time in.

Here are a few of the questions to consider asking as you enter each room:

Questions to ask in the living spaces

Living spaces include living rooms, dens, and bedrooms.

Ask the following in these areas:

• Have these rooms had any major renovations?
• When was the flooring last updated?
• When were the rooms last painted?
• Does the owner have the paint colors and brands on hand?
• What kind of windows are installed and how old are they?
• Do all outlets and light features work?
• Do you have the dimensions for these rooms available?

Questions to ask in the kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and you’ll spend quite a bit of time there. Be thorough with your evaluations in this space.

You should ask:

• When was the kitchen last renovated?
• Has the kitchen experienced any water or fire damage?
• What appliances are included in the home’s sale?
• How old are those appliances?
• Are the cabinets builder-grade or updated?

Questions to ask in the bathrooms

When touring the bathrooms, make sure everything works and check for leaks on the faucets and under the sink.

• Have there been any major renovations?
• When were the bathroom appliances last updated?
• How’s the water pressure in the bathrooms?
• Is there hard or soft water?
• Are there any drainage issues?
• Have there been any water leaks in the bathrooms?

Questions to ask in the basement

Basements are great additions to a home, but they can present unique issues.

Ask these questions if a home you’re considering has a basement:

• Is the basement finished?
• Have there been any major renovations to the space?
• Have you had any moisture or mold issues in the basement?
• What did the seller use the basement for?
• Does the basement have a sump pump and how old is it?

Get the Full Scoop

It’s essential to see the big picture when considering a home. The listing gives you a good idea of a home’s condition but only goes so far. Attend an open house, tour the home multiple times, and review questions to ask at an open house to learn as much about the property as you can. Our free first-time home buyer education course covers this topic and more.

If you’re serious about buying a house, have your mortgage pre-approval ready before you start house hunting. Your pre-approval is essential to getting your offer accepted .

Happy homebuying.

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       Open houses are a valuable tool for home buyers. You can view a property in a low-pressure environment, and you can usually take as much time as you need. One of the biggest perks is talking to the listing agent and going through your questions to ask at an open house. You can find out […]

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New York is Open!

Unlock the city.

Open House New York is a nonprofit organization that promotes unparalleled access to the city—to the places, people, projects, systems, and ideas that define New York and its future.

From the annual Open House New York Weekend festival to year-round programming like Urban Systems , Public Policy Talks , or Stacks , join us to take an inside look at how the city works.

“Forget the Mayor, Open House New York holds the keys to the city.”

"Private doors swing wide open for Open House New York."

"If you haven’t experienced OHNY Weekend yet, think of it as the NYC lover’s dream come true."

“New Yorkers by nature are curious, intellectually minded people. OHNY fosters a spirit of coming together for anyone who is interested in learning about the diversity of this city and its built environment." Karim R., Weekend Partner, Ismaili Jamatkhana Manhattan

"I love how OHNY Weekend brings out tons of folks who enjoy exploring New York. It’s like an annual convention of New York-loving nerds." Shiloh F., Shiloh In the City

"OHNY provides avenues for me to advocate for positivity in our civic life and to expand the service of all this place has to offer to everyone." Rachel J., Board Member

"Interning at OHNY pushed my boundaries, and I felt like a New Yorker for the first time." Kevin C., Former Intern

Annoucements

Open House New York appoints Kristin LaBuz as Executive Director

New york, april 4, 2024—the board of directors of open house new york (ohny) announced today that it has promoted kristin labuz to the role of executive director. part of the ohny team since 2018, labuz brings a decade of nonprofit leadership experience to this position. labuz is an urban planner by training and has worked to enrich the shared public life of cities, improve the built environment, and promote the power of design. previously serving as interim director, she assumed this permanent role on march 19, 2024., upcoming events.

Lower East Side Punk Walking Tour

May 9th, 2024, 6pm – 7pm.

Art Works: An Inside Look at Creating, Curating, and Conserving Public Art

May 22nd, 2024, 6pm – 8pm, 2024 ohny weekend, love new york so do we., general membership, open house new yorker.

Take part in a community of curious New Yorkers while enjoying members-only perks, like special events, discounts, and a preview of the OHNY Weekend lineup.

General Membership starts at $60/year (Individual) or $110 (Dual)

METROPOLITAN

Netflix for urbanists.

Connect with emerging professionals for city adventures and community building. Plus, enjoy the full range of General Membership perks.

Metropolitan Membership starts at $10/month or $120/year

OPEN COUNCIL

Leadership circle.

Join city leaders to explore the critical issues shaping New York while enjoying the kind of inside access that only Open House New York can provide.

Open Council starts at $1,000/year

Open House New York Members Sound Off: “I’m an Open House New Yorker because…”

“I want to be involved with and included in the places in my city that go unnoticed or are inaccessible.” Diana Z., Member

“I want to sneak into every building.” Marc N., Member

“Open House New York gives you a key to places you would never discover on your own.” Dan H., Member

"No guide will show you the many facets of New York City like OHNY does." Rafael E., Member

"OHNY continually shows me new ways to fall in love with New York City." Alan L., Member and Volunteer

"OHNY makes me feel invested and involved in the pulse and future of the City." Bree M., Bree M., Metropolitan Member

"Because OHNY provides access! And the citizens of New York deserve to peek inside as many buildings as possible. I believe in public architecture and essential facilities, and I also believe that these civic buildings should allow for some level of transparency. I am thrilled to have been able to both take advantage of and provide this transparency through OHNY weekend tours." Patrick M., Metropolitan Member

Get Involved

Volunteer with us.

Volunteers make our work possible! From special events to sunset boat tours to social media, we are seeking volunteers to support our mission.

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Open House Tours

VISIT ILAN-LAEL, A PLACE LIKE NO OTHER!

Visit James and Anne Hubbell’s acclaimed home and art studios near Julian, CA.

Walk winding paths and gardens in wonder as you explore the famous hubbell family home and studios. experience the world-renowned “boys’ house” where sunlight pours through stained glass and rivers of mosaic wind throughout. an engaging art and nature experience, our intimate docent-led tour covers the art and architecture of founder and artist james hubbell amidst the surrounding unspoiled natural beauty of the santa ysabel landscape. be inspired as nature and art truly dance together as one., small-group docent-led tours, mondays, fridays and saturdays friday may 10th and running through june 17th, 2024., located on 10 acres of oak woodlands near julian, california, the ilan-lael compound encompasses living quarters, studio and gallery spaces, gardens and a public building for the ilan-lael foundation. tours are a approximately 90 minutess and limited to small groups to enhance your experience. enjoy the on-site gallery and gift shop offering hubbell art, books, hand-crafted artisan items, and more. ilan-lael is located just over an hour from san diego and about 2 1/2 hours from los angeles. driving and parking directions will be emailed upon receipt of the tour purchase. tours are available again in the spring 2024 from may through june., reserve your tour.

Admission fees go entirely to support Ilan-Lael Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit dedicated to preserving the Hubbell property and its legacy of bringing art and nature to the community. We hope to see you there!  Reservations are required.

• Driving and parking directions will be emailed upon receipt of the tour purchase.

Can’t make a scheduled tour date? Private tours are available for groups of 10 or more. Please call our office for available dates and special group pricing, at 760-765-3427 or email us at [email protected]

Spring 2024 open house tour dates.

• 10AM & 1PM – Friday May 10th
• 10AM & 1PM – Saturday May 11th
• 10AM & 1PM – Monday May 13th
• 10AM & 1PM – Friday May 31st
• 10AM & 1PM – Saturday June 1st
• 10AM & 1PM – Monday June 3rd
• 10AM & 1PM – Friday June 7th
• 10AM & 1PM – Saturday June 8th
• 10AM & 1PM – Monday June 10th
• 10AM & 1PM – Friday June 14th
• 10AM & 1PM – Saturday June 15th
• 10AM & 1PM – Monday June 17th

$90/ person (minimum of 2 passengers per car, maximum 5)

Admission includes:

• 10% off gift shop purchases (except original artworks and workshops)
• One year of unlimited streaming access to the Hubbell Online Channel.

Joining us for a tour?

To ensure a pleasant experience, here’s what to expect….

• The terrain on the grounds is uneven with inclines.  Sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring your camera, photography is allowed, and you will want to take pictures!
• Sorry, pets are NOT allowed.
• There is a rest room on the property.
• There is limited seating available on the property.
• This tour is NOT recommended for those who have difficulty walking, or use a walker, cane, or wheelchair.
• There is NO SMOKING anywhere on the property.
• Water and light refreshments are available. For lunch, please visit on of the fine eateries in nearby Wynola or 5 miles down the road in Julian.

Shopping, dining and more!

We encourage you to visit the many unique shops in the area. please see a full listing of our community business partners directory, who we thank for their generous support of ilan-lael..

VISITING JULIAN:   Historic Julian is a mere five miles further east on Highway 78.

Want to buy Hubbell art?

Some artwork is available for sale at the Ilan-Lael property and new work is also available online at our Hubbell Gallery .  Please inquire if you see something of interest.  James is also represented by the Santa Ysabel Gallery.  Please stop by and ask to see more of James’ work including paintings, pen and ink, sculpture, and stained glass.

Santa Ysabel Art Gallery (the white cottage at the NE corner of the intersection of Highways 78 and 79 in Santa Ysabel). 30352 Hwy 78, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070

Admissions » Visit Campus » Open House

Our most robust visit option for students and their families. Open House allows you to build your own day to experience Cincinnati like a Bearcat! You can register for two Academic College Sessions and learn about a variety of different departments on campus.

Dates & Registration

Summer and fall open house registration will be available soon.

Registration for Open Houses will be available at the end of April.

Upcoming dates:

• June 7, 2024
• More dates coming soon!

Students will:

• Discover how to become a Bearcat through an overview of admissions
• Explore unique Cincinnati programs in special interest sessions to see how we support our Bearcats
• Attend two academic college sessions to hear from colleges about what their distinguished program has to offer
• Experience our beautiful campus through a walking tour with a current Cincinnati Bearcat
• Envision themselves as Bearcats by exploring a campus residence hall and eating in a dining hall
• Get a sense of student life at UC and explore various student services at our resource fair
• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Check-In
• 9:00 AM | Welcome & Admissions Presentation
• 10:00 AM; 11:00 AM | Up to Two Academic College Sessions
• 11:00 AM; 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM | Up to Three Special Interest Sessions
• 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Resource Fair
• 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Residence Hall Sneak Peek
• 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Campus Tours Running Every 30 Minutes

Academic Colleges and Programs

When you register for an Open House, you will have two Academic College Sessions to choose for your day. What programs are you interested in? To determine which academic college aligns with your academic interests, please refer to our program finder . 

Guest parking is available in many campus garages. When attending an Open House, our office will provide parking validation to all admission guests who park in a campus parking garage.

Before you arrive, please take a look at these resources to locate garages, parking availability, and where to walk once parked .

If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Office.

Hours: Monday - Friday // 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Email:  [email protected]  Phone: 513-556-1100 

Thanks for coming to Open House Chicago 2023

Thank you all for joining us and a huge thank you to all the sites, community partners, sponsors, and volunteers for your hard work and dedication to this event.  We couldn’t do it without you!

Let us know about your OHC 2023 experience, take our survey here . If you're interested in being a volunteer for OHC 2024, let us know here . 

See you next year for OHC 2024 on October 19-20! Make your experience even better,  members with the Chicago Architecture Center receive a priority access pass and skip the lines at sites during OHC weekend. Join now and enjoy the CAC's full slate of programs and tours all year.

Walt Disney House & Birthplace

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This is what a college town looks like..

When you think about an idyllic college town, you’re thinking of Newark: the shops, cafés and restaurants on Main Street centered around the University of Delaware campus. Visit us and see for yourself what life at UD is like. Stroll the brick pathways of The Green with our student tour guides, visit our cutting-edge labs, see a residence hall and spend an afternoon taking in the town. 

Use the directory below to navigate the page:, in-person campus tours, academic department tours, self-guided campus tours, live virtual sessions, contact a department, virtual tour, transfer open house, open house for admitted and prospective transfer students  , june 7, 2024, register now, discover the associate in arts program, aap open house for admitted and prospective students   april 9, 2024 – georgetown, april 25, 2024 – dover, april 29 & 30, 2024 – wilmington may 15, 2024 – virtual.

Group Tours

Admitted Student Tours

Transfer Student Tours

Academic department tours

Enhance your visit with a personal experience in one of our academic departments or colleges..

Lerner College of Business and Economics

Join UD’s Lerner College of Business and Economics in-person or virtually to discover how we can help you explore your interests and achieve your goals.

Hear from staff members and current students about the benefits of the Honors College. Students will talk about their courses, enrichment opportunities and experiences within the honors community.  

School of Music

Students interested in music are welcome to explore UD's School of Music in person or from the comfort of home! Schedule a visit with a music admissions representative to ask questions and see the School of Music facilities.

College of Health Sciences

Whether you want to take a look at the healthcare facilities on campus or hear about majors in the health sciences, or even get a tour specifically for students interested in nursing, we've got you covered. Click below to find out more.

Department of Art and Design

Learn more about majors in our Department of Art and Design while touring our facilities. 

Speak with staff and faculty in your major.

While the information session and tour offered by admissions will give you an overall look at campus and the opportunities available to the blue hen community, many students will still have questions about their desired major. some may want to speak to an academic advisor or faculty member. others may be curious about labs and research areas. contact the academic department below to find what opportunities they have to offer. , enhance your visit.

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Principals tour vla in open house.

TOUR — Edison Local High School Assistant Principal Josh Leasure, from left, Harrison Central Elementary Assistant Principal Donnie Madzia and Edison High School Principal Matt Morrison, listen to a presentation from Harry Vande Velde, owner of the Springboard series of modules during an open house tour of the Virtual Learning Academy. Brant Starkey, VLA staff member, observes from the back. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Visiting administrators from several school districts got a look at the latest tools available from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s Virtual Learning Academy during an open house and tour.

On March 7, the administrators were welcomed to the VLA office, located on the lower floor of the R. Larry George Training Annex building located near the JCESC headquarters on 2023 Sunset Blvd. This followed a principals’ collaborative meeting on the upper floor.

VLA Director Mark Masloski showed the visiting administrators several new courses and modules and let staff speak about the potential benefits to their students.

Brant Starkey, VLA staff member, spoke about a Current Events course, offered through the VLA’s partnership with PBS Learning Media and NewsDepth and aimed at encouraging teenage students to take a view of life beyond the immediate and present.

“This kind of forces them to see that there’s other things that are going on in the world,” he said, adding that the course is filed under social studies and includes quizzes and videos. “Every week there’s a new episode and we upload the questions and answers.”

Harry Vande Velde, owner of the Springboard series of modules, showed them the Play of the Day module. Vande Velde said the module is useful during homeroom or intervention periods and guides students through daily exercises about motivational quotes. The module includes biographies of the people who made the quotes, as well as ways the quotes can be applicable to goal setting.

“Administrators love to know that there’s options available for them to be proactive in their building to meet the needs of all students and faculty,” he said afterward.

Elizabeth Nelson, a graduate student from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and an intern with the VLA program, spoke about the use of gaming in education, pointing out the use of video games to spark critical thinking in students and encourage them to mediate on their emotions while playing. She said the exercises include designing their own character based on a personality test. Masloski said the program was funded through a socioemotional learning grant.

Noah Fuller, another graduate student from the university and a graduate placement with the VLA program, shared information about a conservation science course for grades nine through 12 to launch next school year. He said the elective course will focus on the North American model of wildlife management including hunting, fishing, trapping, boating and shooting sports.

“It covers how to do these activities and ways to responsibly do them in the context of the environment,” he said. “It also covers a lot of related skills.”

Masloski said a quarter credit can be earned on different activities like fishing and boating. He said options include virtual labs and offline activity labs.

“If it’s approved through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for the third Science credit, I think that benefits everybody,” he said.

Masloski said VLA has an abundance of accessible resources.

“Teachers can use as part of the curriculum or the curriculum itself,” he said.

He related some of the applications.

“All you guys have students that’s in VLA that’s not in your building for one reason or another. They’re using our courses,” he said. “I would look at VLA courses as a textbook, workbook, video guide, student guide for your teachers.”

Masloski said his staff are available to visit schools to assist in using VLA tools.

Harrison Central Elementary Assistant Principal Donnie Madzia commented afterward.

“It was very interesting. We’ve just got to make sure we get it out to our staff back at Harrison to be able to utilize this material. I think it’s a good thing, we just need to know a little more about it,” he said.

He said the current events module has potential. He added his district frequently works with the VLA and receives weekly informational e-mails.

“Each one of these things has a nice option our teachers could use up at Harrison,” he said.

Edison Local High School Assistant Principal Josh Leasure was impressed by the Play of the Day module.

“I think that would be really good for the kids,” he said. Leasure said he would also share some information about gaming courses with district staff.

He said the VLA has been a valuable resource.

“We use VLA for what we call direct supervision. In-school suspension,” he said.

Toronto Junior/Senior High School Principal Betsy Jones also was interested.

“We currently use VLA right now in our school mostly for credit recovery, but we do like some of the new offerings that they give our kids. I appreciate the current events and I appreciate the Play of the Day, so we might be looking into these things.”

The Virtual Learning Academy is an online curriculum provider offering more than 300 core and elective courses to students in grades K-12. VLA serves all students including those who are credit deficient, home bound, home schooled, etc. JCESC VLA can serve as a stand-alone program or implemented within already existing curriculum. To learn more about the JCESC Virtual Learning Academy, visit the website at jcesc.k12.oh.us/vla.aspx, contact VLA staff at [email protected] or call (740) 283-3347, extension 100.

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Steubenville spring cleanup continues

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Goncalves: Cleveland-Cliffs negotiating to bring transformer producer to Weirton

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Brooke County staff prepare for early voting

Starting at $2.99/week..

Taylorsville Utah Temple Public Open House

All are welcome, event information, address/parking
, temple open house introductory video, learn more about the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints, all our beliefs center on jesus christ. we celebrate his matchless life and his infinite grace, and we invite all to come unto him..

Latter-day Saint Temples

Latter-day Saint temples are a sacred place for Church members to visit and make sacred promises with God, like keep His commandments or marriage promises. Temples were used in biblical times.

Here's a look at the dozens of new sites to visit for Open House Chicago 2023

From walt disney’s birthplace to the chicago shakespeare theatre, this year's open house tour offers up plenty of the city's well-known and hidden gems, by kim jao • published october 13, 2023 • updated on october 13, 2023 at 6:16 pm.

This weekend, Chicago Open House is back to give visitors free behind-the-scenes tours of iconic Chicago landmarks. Over 40 sites have been added in this year’s two-day festival for returners and newcomers alike to explore. 

Chicago Open House has over 170 sites across more than 20 of the city's neighborhoods, featuring schools, churches, businesses and other architecturally notable buildings across the city’s history.

Watch NBC Chicago local news and weather for free 24/7

In addition to free access to these buildings, participants can take self-guided historical tours and engage in a variety of programs scheduled this weekend. 

Find a full map of this year’s sites here , or download the Chicago Architecture Center app available on iPhone and Android to curate your own itinerary and stay up to date.

Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.

These are some of the new sites you can explore this year:

The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre – 800 E. Grand Ave. (Navy Pier)

This iconic Chicago theater has cemented itself as a landmark of the city’s arts with 700 seats and more space in its yard built to hold as many as twenty productions and 650 performances each year. The theater is a Regional Tony Award recipient and features three dynamic theater spaces. Its most famous stage is the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater which has a design inspired by Shakespeare’s Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theatre. 

Minivan crashes into dugout at Woodstock baseball field after children inside mistakenly put car into drive while adjusting radio

Demolition at Spring Hill Mall expected to begin this summer

Walt Disney's birthplace home – 2156 N. Tripp Ave. (Hermosa)

Explore the birthplace of your favorite children’s movies by visiting the house where Walt Disney was born. Walt’s father, Elias Disney built the house and their family moved in early 1893. This is the first time the home will be open to the public so expect crowds on Saturday afternoon.

The Pullman National Historical Park – 610 E. 111th St. (Pullman)

This national park allows visitors to explore the history of one of the first planned industrial communities in the United States. The park houses historic buildings, many of which has a significant impact on the innovation of American railroad transportation, urban planning and design. 

Paul and Jean Harris Home – 10856 S. Longwood Dr. (Beverly)

Paul Harris was a Chicago attorney who formed the Rotary Club of Chicago in 1905 for diverse professionals to form meaningful friendships. Visitors can explore the place where Harris and his friends grew the Rotary movement that expanded to have over 5,600 clubs in 75 countries, with more than 259,000 members by the time he passed away in 1947. 

BUILD Headquarters – 5100 W. Harrison St. (Austin)

Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development (BUILD) is an organization centered on gang intervention, violence prevention and youth development that was founded in 1969. BUILD helps over 2,500 youth a year across their various programs. 

Artist on the Nine  – 737 E. 79th St. (Chatham)

This community space led by The Greater Chatham Initiative was converted from a vacant storefront into a gallery and studio focused on merging historic preservation with local community development. The space is currently occupied by three resident artists who Chicago Open House participants can visit to view their projects.  

Kimball Arts Center – 1757 N. Kimball Ave. (Humboldt Park)

This arts center has been home to a variety of local independent businesses for over 15 years. The venue also hosts events and space for artists and designers to lease. 

The Grand Ballroom – 6351 S. Cottage Grove Ave. (Hyde Park)

A historic landmark of the Jazz Age, the Grand Ballroom houses shops and a ballroom filled with elegant designs. Design details include the ballroom’s terracotta facade, an original 60-foot oak bar and Cinderella motifs. The venue is newly renovated and frequently hosts events. 

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Wisconsin's only sturgeon hatchery will host a spawning program and open house May 4 in Wild Rose

Attendees can also tour the original 1908 hatchery and explore the modern operation..

The Department of Natural Resources will host a spring open house May 4 at  Wild Rose Fish Hatchery Education Center  in Wild Rose, the only state hatchery that raises lake sturgeon.

The free event will give attendees a chance to celebrate the annual spring sturgeon spawn and learn more about Wisconsin’s oldest fish species, according to the agency.

The Wild Rose hatchery is a cool- and cold-water facility that raises brown and rainbow trout, coho and chinook salmon, Great Lakes spotted muskellunge, walleye and lake sturgeon. As such, it's one of three state hatcheries that produces both cool- and cold-water fish.

More: Outdoors calendar

To help attendees learn more about game fish and angling, the open house will include games and educational activities, including a learn-to-cast station, fish identification activities and the chance to “swim” upriver like sturgeon on their migratory journey to spawning areas.

Other hands-on activities include printing fish on tote bags, a fly-tying workshop, learning how to build a spinner and making a clay sturgeon.

Attendees can also tour the original 1908 hatchery and explore the modern operation. The Education Center will provide guided tours from DNR staff every 45 minutes, with the last tour departing at 2 p.m.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 4.

Wild Rose hatchery is located at N5871 State Road 22, Wild Rose.

2024 Bucks County Designer House features historic Hilltown farm. Tours start Sunday

The 48 th Bucks County Designer House & Gardens tour opens Sunday.

Presented by the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown, this year’s designer house features Sycamore Lane Farm, a historic 45-acre property in Hilltown where more than 30 local designers and landscapers were tasked with transforming the home.

The designer house is the largest fundraiser of the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown, which works to benefit Doylestown Health and "enhance the health and welfare of Central Bucks County and surrounding communities."

Owned by Scott and Gina Rubel, the home has been in the Rubel family for more than 60 years starting a generation earlier with Scott’s parents, Walter and Gayle.

Sycamore Lane Farm dates back to 1900 and carries a storied history, which includes being home to American illustrator John Falter, who is best known for designing and illustrating 129 Saturday Evening Post covers.  

Designers and landscapers transformed 35 design spaces and 14 landscape areas throughout the property. Public tours of the home and special events will take place from April 28 – May 26.

Advance tickets are available for $40 at buckscountydesignerhouse.org through April 27. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $45.

While touring the property, visitors are invited to shop for designer décor in a market set up inside the bank barn. In addition, an on-site café will offer light fare, including sandwiches and soup, as well as wine from Bishop Estate Winery and a signature ice cream from Owowcow Creamery specially crafted for the event.

For more information, visit: buckscountydesignerhouse.org .

Brunch in Bucks County: Craving brunch this weekend? Have your pick from one of these 27 Bucks County restaurants

Reporter Michele Haddon covers local news, small business, economic development, community revitalization, art and culture for The Intelligencer and Bucks County Courier Times at PhillyBurbs.com. Please considering supporting local journalism with a subscription.

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April 22, 2024 - Protests at Columbia and other schools escalate

Matt Egan, Alicia Wallace and Chandelis Duster

Democratic House members tour Columbia campus

From CNN's Chandelis Duster

Democratic Reps. Jared Moskowitz of Florida, Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, Dan Goldman of New York and Kathy Manning of North Carolina, who are all Jewish, spoke at a news conference Monday after touring Columbia University’s campus. 

"We saw it firsthand as we walked past the encampments on the university's main lawn full of protesters spewing incendiary antisemitic hate and vitriol. Many aren't even Columbia students I've been told. Their campaign of intimidation is sickening and shocking and as the White House said yesterday, ‘echoes the rhetoric of Hamas terrorists,'" Gottheimer said. 

He also criticized Columbia University leadership, saying, “toothless combinations from administrators aren't going to stop the anarchy we’re seeing.”

“The only way to do it is with deeds, not words,” Gottheimer said. “Colleges have a legal obligation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to provide students, including Jews and Muslims, a school environment free from discrimination and harassment based on race color or national origin. Yet just feet from here, Jewish students are being verbally and even physically assaulted.”

Gottheimer continued, “To the administrators of Columbia and beyond, here are our demands: Stop the double talk and start acting now. Discipline harassers, restore civility on this campus, encourage peaceful constructive dialogue.”

He also gave a message for students: “While the leadership of Columbia may be failing you, we will not. We will do everything in our power to keep you safe and do everything in Washington we can to make sure that you feel welcome at this university or any university across the United States of America. And Columbia University, if they don't follow through, will pay the price.”

Goldman said he was "encouraged" the Columbia University president issued guidelines about additional security, calling it a "very important first step" and criticized what is happening on campus.

"That is unacceptable for a university, that is unacceptable for an academic institution. There is no question that everyone has a First Amendment right to speak out in this country and that must be preserved," Goldman said. "But a university and all universities have an obligation to maintain the safety and security of their students from all backgrounds."

Manning said university leadership should "do more to keep Jewish students safe and to re-establish an atmosphere in which all students can learn, study and participate safely in campus life."

"Columbia must also move forward with its promised efforts to teach its students and its faculty about the nature and history and dangers of antisemitism. It must ensure that Columbia professors are not encouraging and spreading antisemitism," Manning said.

"I call on the US Department of Education and the US Department of Justice to work with the White House to ensure that all universities take steps necessary to keep Jewish students and faculty safe. I also call on Congress to enact legislation to implement the steps outlined in the US national strategy to counter antisemitism, to address the scourge of antisemitism which is a threat to the foundations of our democracy," she said.

President Joe Biden condemns antisemitism on campus

From CNN's Kevin Liptak

President Joe Biden decried antisemitic protests around college campuses Monday and said his administration was working to combat anti-Jewish hatred.

"I condemn the antisemitic protests, that’s why I’ve set up a program to deal with that," Biden said when questioned about the events at Columbia University in New York.

"I also condemn those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians," he said, without expanding upon what he meant.

Biden was speaking after an Earth Day event in Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Virginia.

When asked whether Columbia's president should resign, Biden appeared to mishear: "I didn’t know that. I'll have to find out more," he said.

Protesters gather outside NYU's Stern School of Business

From CNN's Elisabeth Buchwald

Roughly 200 pro-Palestine protesters have gathered outside New York University's Stern School of Business, with some pro-Israel protesters waving Israeli flags across the street. 

More than a dozen NYPD officers, as well as campus security, were at the site. Campus security have been seen asking for student identification to get onto the school campus from the sidewalk. A nearby encampment included about 10 tents.

Some of the protestors were heard chanting, “Intifada, intifada, globalize the intifada.”

Protesters were also reciting lines and singing songs from the Haggadah, the Jewish book used during Seder. A person who identified themselves as a Jewish student at NYU was leading some of the songs. 

"This morning, some 50 protesters began a demonstration on the plaza in front of the business school," NYU spokesperson John Beckman said in a statement. "This occurred without notice to the University. There are some additional picketers on the public sidewalk in front of the plaza."

Beckman added that access to the plaza has been closed and classes are carrying on.

"The University is committed to minimizing disruption to its academic mission; preventing escalation and violence; and precluding hate, harassment, or threats directed at any member of the NYU community," he said. 

"We are addressing this issue with urgency."

NYU is located in Greenwich Village in the borough of Manhattan.

The Jewish Theological Seminary chancellor on its partnership with Columbia

From CNN's Samantha Delouya

In a statement, the chancellor of The Jewish Theological Seminary, Shuly Rubin Schwartz, said she was "shocked and horrified" by the unfolding protests at Columbia University.

JTS, which is just blocks away from Columbia, has partnered with the university for more than half a century to offer a joint degree program through Columbia's List College, which combines a religious and liberal arts education.

"Ensuring the safety and well-being of the JTS community is always our top priority," said Schwartz, who said JTS has been in close communication with Columbia's public safety team, the NYPD, other Jewish organizations on campus and the university's administration.

Schwartz said the unrest on campus is rooted in a broader issue: "The breakdown of constructive discourse and the inability to understand and respect differing viewpoints."

"The morphing of what might be legitimate debate into the worst and most aggressive forms of antisemitic expression is horrifying for us as Jews and as Americans," she said. "It must be unequivocally condemned, and it is particularly antithetical to everything that our universities teach and foster."

Schwartz said she has had meetings with Columbia President Minouche Shafik over the past several months and the two have built "a relationship of trust, honesty, and open dialogue."

Rep. Jared Moskowitz: "This level of hatred would never be allowed on any college campus"

Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat, was one of several lawmakers who walked across Columbia University on Monday to stand in solidarity with Jewish students. 

“I should be with my family today for Passover. Instead, I’m here at Columbia University standing with Jewish students who are being harassed because of their Judaism,” Moskowitz, who is Jewish, said in a statement. 

“On the eve of Passover, I stand with the Jewish students and their families against the antisemitism displayed on campuses around the country. Every Jewish parent knows that, if this was any other minority group, this level of hatred would never be allowed on any college campus. If the President of Columbia wants to know what not to do, she should call the former Presidents of Harvard and UPenn."

US House Committee on Education & the Workforce to Columbia: "The time for talking is over."

From CNN's Robert Ilich

The US House Committee on Education & the Workforce, chaired by Republican North Carolina congresswoman Virginia Foxx, on Monday called on Columbia President Minouche Shafik to take immediate action to the protests in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Republican-led committee, which includes Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, called on Shafik to "order law enforcement to clear out the unlawful encampment of antisemitic protestors, as well as "expel the students involved," and "terminate the Columbia faculty involved."

The committee added: "The time for talking is over."

In a letter to Shafik , as well as Claire Shipman and David Greenwald, the co-chairs of the school's Board of Trustees, the committee wrote they were "gravely concerned by the ongoing chaos at Columbia University caused by the radical, unlawful Gaza Solidarity Encampment, which has now entered its fifth day. The encampment and related activities have created a severe and hostile environment for Jewish students at Columbia."

NY Governor: "Every student deserves to be safe"

From CNN's Robert Ilich, Taylor Romine

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul posted a video Monday from the Columbia campus in New York City, where she addressed safety concerns.

"This morning I went to Columbia University and convened City Hall, NYPD & Columbia’s President to discuss the need to fight antisemitism and protect public safety," Hochul posted on X , formerly known as Twitter. "The recent harassment and rhetoric is vile and abhorrent. Every student deserves to be safe."

Hochul said her "No. 1 responsibility (as governor) is to keep people safe and that's why we came up here today."

She said in her conversations she emphasized the need to protect public safety and provide security, but also protect people's right to peacefully assemble and have freedom of speech.  

“I was once a student protestor,” Hochul said. “But I’ve never seen a level of protest that is so person to person, and so visceral. And I’m calling on everyone – people need to find their humanity. Have the conversations, talk to each other, understand different points of view because that’s what college students should be doing.” 

Columbia reposted her post, and thanked the governor, “the First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, the NYPD, and the many government leaders who have reached out to offer their support.” 

Yale says "peaceful protest taking place"

From CNN's Raja Razek, Robert Ilich

A Yale University spokesperson confirmed to CNN on Monday that protests on the school's campus in New Haven, Connecticut, have been "peaceful." Yale said the school had given protestors multiple attempts to speak with university officials.

The school issued the following comments in a statement:

"Today, members of Yale’s police department isolated the (protest) area and asked protestors to show identification; some left voluntarily. When others did not comply after multiple requests, the Yale Police Department (YPD) issued summonses to 47 students, according to the most recent report from the chief of YPD. Students who were arrested also will be referred for Yale disciplinary action, which includes a range of sanctions, such as reprimand, probation, or suspension.

"The university made the decision to arrest those individuals who would not leave (Beinecke) Plaza with the safety and security of the entire Yale community in mind and to allow access to university facilities by all members of our community.

"Yesterday, President Peter Salovey sent a  message to the community , noting that the university would not tolerate behavior that interfered with university operations or threatened, harassed, or intimidated others."

Hedge fund billionaire backs Columbia’s president, blasts students protesting Israel as "f***ing crazy"

From CNN's Matt Egan

Hedge fund billionaire Leon Cooperman, a prominent Columbia University donor, is offering support for the Ivy League school’s embattled president even as he continues to blast students protesting against Israel.

“My view is that finally they are doing the right thing at the school …The administration is now responding properly,” Cooperman told CNN in a phone interview Monday. “The president is now saying the right things.”

Cooperman, the son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, doubled down on his recent criticism of student protestors.

“These kids are f***ing crazy. They don’t understand what they’re doing or what they’re talking about,” he told CNN.

In October, Cooperman  threatened to halt donations  to Columbia, a threat that he says prompted Columbia President Minouche Shafik to reach out to him.

During a phone call with Shafik, Cooperman said he told her: “Can you imagine anyone criticizing the United States after Pearl Harbor?”

Cooperman said he has decided to continue to donate money to Columbia University if the funds only go to supporting Columbia Business School, which he graduated from.

“She is doing what she has to do,” Cooperman said of Shafik.

However, Cooperman said the “kids” protesting against Israel at Columbia “are out of control” and “have to be controlled.”

Referring to people who are antisemitic, Cooperman said: “F*** them all.”

A group called the Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine posted a  statement  on social media on Monday saying the movement has been “peaceful” and expressing frustration with “media distractions focusing on inflammatory individuals who do not represent us.”

“We firmly reject any form of hate or bigotry,” the statement said.

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Explore Gothic revivalist architecture of the Green-Meldrim House and St John’s Church

May brings warmer weather and a special double tour to Savannah. Tucked into the tree-covered west side of Madison Square is St. John’s Church and the Green-Meldrim House. Both are independently open for tours, but on Wednesdays in May, visitors will be able to get a special tour of both.

The tour will guide people through both Gothic Revivalist buildings with special attention to the unique architectural details, the history, and the symbolism, followed by refreshments of cheese straws, Benne wafer cookies, lemon blueberry poundcake, and pimento cheese sandwiches.

This is a step in a new direction for the Green-Meldrim House. The historic home was purchased by St. John’s Church in 1943, and while it is used as a parish house and rectory, it was eventually opened as a house museum.

Jamie Credle, who is no stranger to Savannah’s historic house museums, having previously worked with the Davenport House, took over as executive director in July of last year. A few months later, the house museum reached nonprofit status, and Sherry Holtzclaw stepped up as president of the Keepers of Historic Green-Meldrim House.

“I'd say [the idea to start the nonprofit] came out of the vestry, which is the group that runs the church,” said Holtzclaw. “Seeing that our volunteer base was shrinking as people were getting older, more young people are working and don't have the time to volunteer, and it's a lot of upkeep to keep this house heated and cooled and in repair, as well as to lead tours, it was just getting to be a big job that we needed some help with.”

Holtzclaw said she has been a member of St. John’s for around 30 years and has volunteered at the house for approximately 20 years in various roles.

Both Holtzclaw and Credle are excited to expand resident and visitor appreciation of the Green-Meldrim House and St. John’s Church as well as what all the historic house museum can offer.

“It's an evolutionary process,” said Credle. “The Keepers have a wealth of understanding of collections and research, but I think that the whole point was to get in lockstep together with what we think the future can be.”

New docents will be leading the tours

After several months of recruiting and training new docents to build upon the core of docents, Credle said it was the perfect time to try a new tour.

“One of our goals for the year is to be open five days a week. We're open four now, but we also wanted to do something imaginative or different than your typical tour. A lot of people would love to see the church, and we've got our docents so this combo tour seemed like filling a need.”

Credle said she hopes the 75-minute tour will leave people with a new appreciation for Madison Square and gothic revival architecture.

“Though it seems sort of old to us, this was cutting-edge architecturally. We talk about mid-century modern in the 20th century. Well, this was mid-century modern in the 19th century. It was a stunning thing to see both this house and the church together, two different architects, two different functions for spaces, but a cutting-edge square here.”

“Plus, they were being built at the same time,” said Holtzclaw. “Charles Green [the original owner of the Green-Meldrim House] knew some of the people that were in on the planning of the church. So there probably was some interaction and collaboration when all this was happening.”

While the house is stunning from its bright pink exterior to the black, white, and wood-grained interior, Holtzclaw said the church is equally impressive.

“One of the first things you notice when you go in the church, besides the architecture and the steep ceiling, is the stained-glass windows and how beautiful they are. They’re very old. They're from 1886 and made in England. They feature prominently in the church. Also, up at the altar, there are some very interesting pieces up there. We'll talk about not only the architecture but some of the symbolism.”

It’s important to note that, for anyone with mobility issues, there is a ramp into the church, but there is no ramp or elevator in the Green-Meldrim House.

For those who fall in love with the tours and want to help in the future, Credle said they are looking for more docents, front-door greeters, and gift shop volunteers. The museum also has a youth guide program.

“We're training teenagers this summer to be tour guides. It’s a wonderful skill. It could be after their daytime job if they have that.”

Anyone interested need only reach out to the museum through its website.

Tours are each Wednesday in May starting on the first and ending on the 29th. There will be two tours each afternoon at 1 and 2:30 p.m. except on May 8th at 2 and 4 p.m. Entry is $25 per person and will need to be purchased prior to the event at GreenMeldrimHouse.org.

More new things are on the way for the Green-Meldrim House. Credle said the museum is also planning for new tours and a lecture series in the fall. It will be interesting to see the evolution of the museum with the Keepers of Historic Green-Meldrim House and the museum’s new executive director at the helm.

If You Go >>

What: Green-Meldrim House and St. John’s Church combo tours

When: May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29

Where: 14 W. Macon St.

Tickets: $25

Info: GreenMeldrimHouse.org