Are Open Houses Worth It? When One Might Make Sense

Moderate market boosts open house demand

Existing-home sales rose in September 2025, and prices continue to climb, showing that buyers remain active and homes are still in demand. At the same time, inventory is growing, giving buyers more options and making it harder for any single listing to grab attention.

Open houses are the perfect way for sellers to stand out in this environment — they let buyers experience the home in person, highlight features that photos can’t, and create a sense of urgency that can lead to quicker offers. In a market with rising sales, steady price growth, and expanding inventory, hosting an open house is an effective strategy to capture buyer interest and maximize your chances of a competitive sale.

When are open houses worth it?

Open houses aren’t just a routine step in selling a home. They can be a powerful tool when used strategically. While not every listing benefits equally, there are key situations where hosting one can make a real difference in attracting buyers and generating competitive offers.

When the market cools

In a slowing market, buyer interest may be lower, and homes can sit longer on the market. Hosting an open house gives both online shoppers and buyers working with agents a chance to see the property in person, build a connection, and get a clearer sense of the home. This direct interaction can generate renewed interest and, especially when inventory is limited, may encourage quicker offers from serious buyers.

When your house has unique features

If your home has unique features like a mother-in-law suite or if you live in a high-demand area with desirable amenities like trendy local shops and easy access to popular attractions, an open house can showcase these advantages. Similarly, properties with rare features such as RV parking or a waterfront view can also benefit from the added visibility.

When targeting first-time or casual buyers

Some buyers are just starting their search and may not schedule private showings yet. Open houses give them a low-pressure way to see the property, which can turn casual browsers into serious prospects.

When seeking quick feedback on pricing or staging

Sometimes it’s unclear how buyers perceive your home until they see it in person. An open house provides immediate feedback that can guide adjustments to price, presentation, or marketing strategy, improving your chances of a sale.

When would it be best to skip open houses? If you’re selling a luxury home in an exclusive neighborhood, showings by appointment are generally a safer and more effective choice, as they provide privacy and minimize the risk of theft. An open house may not align with the property’s high-end nature, as it could attract unqualified or even undesirable visitors.

Additionally, Pittman advises against hosting open houses for homes located in high-crime areas, as these events potentially can expose the property to unnecessary risk​. Tailoring your strategy to the property’s location and market can help ensure a secure and efficient sale.

Open house perks

While an open house may not always lead to an immediate sale, it offers several benefits. The preparation for the event allows your home to shine in listing photos and during private showings, creating a lasting impression on potential buyers.

If inventory is low in your area, the increased competition from buyers who have previously lost out in bidding wars can result in quicker, higher offers to avoid missing out again. Additionally, hosting an open house can be less disruptive than arranging multiple individual showings, offering a more efficient way to attract serious interest​.

>>Learn more: Wondering why some open house visitors don’t make offers? Use our Buyer Fear Finder widget to uncover what’s holding buyers back and adjust your strategy to turn interest into serious offers.

Open house pitfalls

Only 4% of buyers find the home they purchase from an open house sign, compared to 51% who discover their dream house online or 29% through an agent. So your listing agent is more likely to pick up leads for new clients than a buyer for your home. This highlights one of the main disadvantages of open houses: they often generate little direct buyer traffic and may not lead to a sale.

Plan for success

If you’ve decided an open house is worth it, read on for strategies to ensure your event succeeds.

Host it on weekends

Hold your open house on the weekend, particularly the first weekend after listing your property, to create a sense of urgency. Sundays usually work best, but during football season, opt for Saturday so you won’t compete with the big game.

Hype your open house

Marketing is the key to a successful open house. A top agent will advertise the date, time, and location of your open house along with photos and descriptions of your property on the multiple listing service (MLS), a digital platform used by real estate brokers and agents.

Promote your open house effectively and cost-efficiently by starting at least two to three weeks in advance on social media. This lead time allows your posts to accumulate shares, tags, and likes, helping to generate maximum buzz and reach a broader audience.

Engaging visuals, relevant hashtags, and compelling calls to action will further boost your visibility and encourage interaction. Make sure to be visible on these online platforms:

Don’t forget flyers and signage

While digital marketing is essential, don’t underestimate the power of physical signage to draw in potential buyers. Unless restricted by your homeowner’s association (HOA) or local regulations, aim to place 10 to 15 open house signs in key spots in your neighborhood, including major intersections and your front lawn, to boost visibility. Additionally, distribute flyers at local supermarkets, shops, and community centers, using public bulletin boards to spread the word.

And don’t worry if curious neighbors stop by. This can actually work to your advantage. A few days before your open house, consider personally inviting them or giving them a call. Neighbors often know people interested in moving to the area, and they can be great ambassadors for your property.

The median distance people move is about 30 to 50 miles. You never know when nearby residents might be looking to upsize to a larger home in the same school district. Additionally, your neighbors could have friends or relatives eager to move into the area, making them valuable connections to spread the word about your open house.

Take these steps to prepare

Your open house can backfire if you don’t put in the effort to prepare properly. 

“You have to do the prep work to get the top price,” Pittman says. This means cleaning, decluttering, and handling minor fixes to ensure your home makes a strong impression. Without proper preparation, an open house could leave a negative impact on potential buyers, as visible maintenance issues or a messy space can give them leverage to make lower offers.

Approach your open house with the same attention to detail as you would for private showings. Once it’s over, you’ll be ready for any scheduled tours that follow. Take these preparation steps seriously to maximize your home’s appeal and increase the chances of receiving favorable offers.

• Depersonalize to make your home feel less like your space: This allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Take down family photos, pack away items you don’t use daily, and donate belongings you haven’t needed in years. This not only creates a more spacious and inviting environment, making your home appear larger, but it also gives you a head start on packing for your eventual move.
• Make your home sparkle with a thorough deep cleaning: Pay attention to every detail, from scrubbing floors to dusting hidden spots where cobwebs and dirt often accumulate. Investing in a professional deep cleaning service, which costs around $300 on average, could be well worth it, saving you significant time and ensuring your home is in top shape for prospective buyers.
• Clean the exterior: Power wash your siding, windows, gutters, and outdoor surfaces like the porch and deck. Clean your windows inside and out, and if the screens are in poor condition, consider removing and storing them for the next owner. For mold on vinyl siding, use a hose-attachable mold removal spray to reach high areas easily. Lastly, tidy your yard by clearing clutter, debris, and dead leaves. Think of it as a simple outdoor refresh. 
• Stage your house: Buyers can visualize the house better as their future home by adding and rearranging furniture and modifying decor. Ask if your real estate agent offers complimentary staging or recommendations for a professional service that costs $1,500 to $4,000.

Tips to make the most of your open house

Hosting an open house can be a powerful way to showcase your home and attract serious buyers. These tips will help you make the most of the event, ensuring your property leaves a lasting impression:

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Open houses are worth it to maximize exposure and price

Pittman has observed deals fall apart when buyers relied solely on virtual tours, only to find the home didn’t meet expectations in person. Because most buyers want to experience a property firsthand before making an offer, hosting an open house is a strategic way to showcase your home. While it may not result in an immediate sale, open houses increase exposure, attract more foot traffic, and can help you sell faster and at a higher price.

A skilled real estate agent can advise whether an open house is right for your market and guide you in preparing and promoting it effectively. Connect with top agents through HomeLight’s Agent Matching platform to maximize your home’s visibility and achieve a smarter, more successful sale.

Header Image Source: (Adam Winger / Unsplash)