9 Ways to Find Open Houses, And Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit

Open houses: The basics

Sellers host open houses to entice qualified buyers to walk through their house at a specific date and time — and, ideally, make an offer. They usually are held on weekends, but some sellers in hot markets might host an open house on a weeknight if there’s a lot of interest in the area.

Open houses and private home showings are two different ways to view a property. An open house is a scheduled event where the home is open to the public, allowing anyone to walk through at a set time. During an open house, you’ll be viewing the property alongside other potential buyers. The home is typically staged to look its best.

In contrast, a private home showing is a one-on-one appointment with a real estate agent, giving you more personal attention and a quieter, more focused viewing experience.

How do I find open houses?

The Internet is your friend.

The growing reliance on searching online is reshaping everyday life, and home-hunting is no exception. With a range of websites and apps at your fingertips, you can easily search for homes by location, explore virtual tours, and get a closer look at potential properties — helping you narrow down your options before ever stepping foot inside.

Joe Epifanio, a top-selling Naples, Florida, real estate broker associate for Royal Shell Real Estate with more than 28 years of experience, told us that for buyers, knowledge is power, and a great way to learn a lot about a property you are interested in online is to attend open houses.

Below are several ways in which you can use the powers of the Internet in your search.

1. Search the MLS

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the most accurate and comprehensive database of available homes. It’s a cooperative network where brokers share detailed information about their listings, allowing other brokers with qualified buyers to access up-to-date property data.

The MLS is an excellent starting point for your home search, offering the most reliable listings and often including details about upcoming open houses. To access MLS listings, you’ll need to work with a licensed real estate agent, who can provide you with exclusive access to this valuable resource and help guide you through the process.

2. Google

Just type “How do I find open houses near me?” into the search bar on Google or any web browser. Your computer typically will detect your location and provide a list of nearby open houses. If you’re using a new or different device, simply add the ZIP code where you’d like to search.

3. Instagram

Search #openhouse along with your city’s name on Instagram, and you’ll discover real estate listings featuring photos of homes that are hosting open houses. Depending on your location, you might find a handful or a variety of listings, but it’s definitely worth checking out for a quick overview of available properties.

4. Facebook

In the search bar, type “open houses [your city]” to find local open house groups. Many cities have dedicated groups where members post listings for upcoming open houses. Once you join a group, you can stay updated on new open houses as they’re shared, making it easy to track listings and get notified about properties that fit your criteria.

5. There’s an app for that

Several apps can simplify your house-hunting process, and US News has compiled a helpful list to guide you on your home-buying journey. Popular apps like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and Trulia offer extensive listings and user-friendly features, making it easy to find properties that meet your needs. For additional options, Homes.com, Movoto, and Rocket Homes provide more resources for discovering open houses. If you’re searching in New York City, StreetEasy is an excellent choice for both rentals and sales.

For even more variety, apps like Xome and Compass Real Estate can help you find the perfect home. Download the apps that work best for you and start exploring listings right from your phone.

6. Ask a top agent

Choosing a buyer’s agent is an essential part of the home-buying process, as the right agent will be a serious asset throughout every step of the purchasing process. A good agent will be able to help you navigate the competitive nature of the real estate market.

7. Look for signs

While online searching is all the rage, don’t forget that some things are still best done in real life. Many real estate agents still post “Open House” signs in front of properties, so take a drive around your neighborhood or desired area — you might just spot a hidden gem waiting for you to walk through its doors.

8. Check the local newspaper

While digital platforms have largely taken over, some real estate agents still use local newspapers to advertise open houses, especially in smaller communities where print media is more widely read. However, this is becoming less common as online listings are faster and more interactive. If you’re in an area where newspapers are still popular, it’s worth checking your local publication for open house ads. You may find some listings that aren’t yet online, though for more comprehensive options, digital platforms are often more up-to-date and reliable.

9. Visit local real estate offices

If you haven’t chosen a buyer’s agent, you can stop by local real estate offices in your target area and ask what open houses they have coming up.

You found open houses! Now, plan your day

Once you’ve pinpointed a few open houses, it’s time to plan your route. Aim to spend about 30 to 45 minutes in each home, depending on the crowd and how much you want to see. Consider the driving time between properties and try to limit yourself to no more than five open houses in one day to avoid feeling rushed.

Check the timing of each open house and make sure to map out when the first one starts and the last one ends. If you’re running short on time, refine your list:

• Can you eliminate any properties?
• Which homes don’t quite match your needs?
• Which listings have been on the market the longest and might be open to private showings later?
• What properties are you most excited to tour in person?

Once you have narrowed your focus and have your final choices for the day, make a list of the addresses. It’s helpful to give each house a nickname so you can keep them straight in your head.

For example:

• Green shutters: 123 Main Street, Smalltown, PA 19125
• Favorite Kitchen: 456 Second Street, Smalltown, PA 19125

Next, plot the addresses to create the most efficient route. You can do this easily with Google Maps. Just follow these instructions:

1. Open Google Maps
   You can use the app on your phone or visit maps.google.com on your computer.
2. Enter your starting point
   On the app, Google Maps automatically uses your current location as the starting point. If you’re on a computer, input your starting address.
3. Add your first destination
   Tap the blue “Directions” button (on the app) or click the “Directions” button on the website. Enter the address of your first stop.
4. Add additional stops
   1. On the app: Tap the three vertical dots at the top-right corner, then select “Add stop.”
   2. On the website: Click the “+” button below the destination field to add another stop.
5. You can continue to add up to 9 stops by repeating this process.
6. Rearrange your stops
   On both the app and website, you can drag the stops to reorder them by using the three horizontal lines next to each destination. You can also delete a stop by clicking the “X” icon next to it.
7. Review and start navigation
   Once your route is set, the app or website will show an overview of your trip. You’ll see estimated drive times and the total time for all stops.
   1. On the app: Tap “Done,” then tap “Start” to begin navigation.
   2. On the website: You can print your route or simply follow the directions on your device.

By using these steps, you’ll have an optimized route for your open house tours, whether you’re using a phone or a computer.

How to maximize your open house visits

Epifanio recommends taking a little time before heading out to jot down key questions about both the house and the neighborhood. Think about factors that matter most to you in a home, and don’t forget to inquire about the homeowners association, if applicable. This preparation can make a huge difference in narrowing down your options.

As you visit each home, take notes on its pros and cons. This helps you compare properties more effectively and make a clearer decision when reviewing multiple homes. Epifanio also suggests asking the open house host if it’s okay to take photos. This can be incredibly useful for refreshing your memory later, especially after touring several properties. With these tips, you’ll make the most of your open house visits and feel more confident in your home search.

Open houses can be a time-consuming part of the home-buying process, but with the right approach, you can make the most of your weekend without feeling overwhelmed. By preparing ahead of time — making lists, using apps, and planning your route — you’ll streamline your search and maximize your time spent exploring homes. Now it’s time to hit the road and start finding the perfect property. Happy house-hunting!

Header Image Source: (Francesca Tosolini / Unsplash)