Open houses have long been a staple of the real estate world, and for good reason. 92% of home buyers find them helpful when shopping for a home. For in-market buyers, open houses offer a convenient way to view properties. For sellers, they provide an opportunity to showcase their home to a larger pool of interested parties. 

While open houses are a great tactic for all involved in a real estate transaction, navigating them successfully does require preparation and strategy.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of open houses from both perspectives, providing tips to help you make the most of the experience.

An open house is a scheduled time when a property is available for prospective buyers to view it without the need for an appointment. Typically held on weekends, and with an agent on-site to answer questions and “host” the event, open houses provide potential buyers with a low-pressure environment to explore homes and get a feel for the property. For sellers, open houses are a chance to increase exposure and potentially attract multiple offers.

Open houses serve a dual purpose:

• For Buyers: They provide the opportunity to browse homes in a specific neighborhood, assess the competition and get a firsthand view of how the property looks compared to online listings.
• For Sellers: They attract a broad range of buyers, from serious contenders to casual browsers, and create a sense of urgency if multiple parties express interest at the same time.

1. Be Observant: Look beyond the staging and décor. Focus on the layout, the condition of key elements like the roof, windows and flooring, and note any potential repairs or renovations that may be necessary.
2. Ask the Right Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the listing agent specific questions. Inquire about the age of major systems (e.g., HVAC, roof), property taxes and if any recent improvements have been made. You might also ask if there are any offers on the table to help inform your decision-making.
3. Respect the Sellers’ Space: Be mindful of the homeowner’s personal belongings and privacy. Closely inspect the home, but don’t rummage through closets filled with clothing or garages containing the seller’s items.
4. Evaluate the Neighborhood: Take time to explore the surrounding area. Look for amenities like schools, parks, grocery stores and how well-maintained the neighborhood is.

1. Ensure the Home is Show-Ready: Open houses allow buyers to see the home in detail, and a well-maintained home will really shine. Prepare your space by doing a deep clean, decluttering, touching up any paint or scuff-marks and cleaning up landscaping so your home stands out.
2. Market the Open House: Your listing agent should have a plan to market the open house to maximize interest. From day-of signage to posting it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), engaging in social media promotion and more, ensure your agent has a marketing strategy.
3. Prepare for Feedback: Not every visitor will love your home, and that’s okay. Use open houses as an opportunity to collect feedback from potential buyers and make any necessary adjustments for future showings.
4. Be Strategic with Timing: Hosting an open house soon after your listing hits the market can help create momentum. A well-timed open house during a competitive market can encourage multiple offers and a quicker sale.

Open houses are beneficial to buyers and sellers alike. For buyers, they offer a convenient way to tour homes without scheduling private showings, making it easier to visit multiple properties in a single day without pressure. For sellers, open houses bring foot traffic that can lead to offers, especially if the home is competitively priced and well-presented. For both parties, open houses can provide insights into market conditions and help each side make the most of their transaction.