An open house is a proven way to attract buyers, but it isn’t one-size-fits-all. Let’s look at when it pays off and when it might not.
Do open houses still work, or are they just a Sunday afternoon tradition that’s lost its edge? The truth is, what worked ten years ago doesn’t always move the needle today. But that doesn’t mean open houses are outdated. When they’re done strategically, they can still be one of the smartest parts of your selling plan. Let’s break down how open houses fit into today’s market.
The reality about open houses. Over the years, I’ve seen open houses do everything from spark bidding wars to attract nothing but curious neighbors and zero offers. They’re not a magic bullet, but a tool whose value depends on how and when you use it. Some homes benefit from that extra exposure, while others get more traction through private showings or digital marketing.
When open houses still make sense. Open houses work best when the goal is exposure, not an instant sale. They’re great for new listings, homes that need some buzz, or properties in busy areas competing with similar ones. One of their biggest advantages is that they draw in uncommitted buyers who aren’t yet working with an agent, giving them a comfortable, low-pressure way to see your home.
“Open houses work best when the goal is exposure, not an instant sale.”
How to make open houses actually work. The real results happen when an open house is part of a bigger launch strategy, and not just a one-off weekend event. To get traction, you need to market early and everywhere. It could be on MLS, social media, email, and community pages for at least three to five days before the open house. You also need to create a digital experience via live videos or Instagram stories. Basically, you should treat your open house like an event, and not just an address.
Beyond that, make it personal. Welcome guests, tell the story of the home, and help them imagine what life could look like there. One of my favorite strategies is to host a neighbors-only preview before the main open house, which builds word-of-mouth buzz that can lead to serious buyer interest.
When to skip the open house. Sometimes, an open house just isn’t the best use of your time or energy. If your home is already getting plenty of private showings, or you’re in a gated or low-traffic area, it probably won’t add much value. The same goes for homes priced above the median for the area, or listings where privacy and security are concerns. In markets where serious buyers are already scheduling private showings, an open house might simply not move the needle.
At the end of the day, just doing open houses isn’t the goal. The real goal is to get offers. The right open house, done well, can be a powerful marketing tool, while the wrong one can waste time. Every home and market is different, so your strategy should match your situation.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know whether an open house would actually help your home, I’d be happy to give you an honest opinion based on your neighborhood and current market conditions.
I can also walk you through my Open House Everyday system, which captures the steady buyer traffic of a traditional open house without the setup, stress, and inconvenience of wasted weekends. You can reach me at (602) 502-6468 or send an email to bret@rngaz.com. Let’s chat about what would work best for your home.
