What Buyers and Sellers Should Know About Open Houses

Introduction

Whether you're buying or selling, open houses can be a powerful tool—or a complete waste of time—depending on how you approach them.

For buyers, an open house is more than just a walk-through. It’s your chance to gather intel, read between the lines, and compare homes in real time. For sellers, it’s a critical moment to create buzz, drive urgency, and leave a lasting impression.

So, what should you actually know about open houses before stepping through that door—or opening yours to the public? Let’s break it down.

What Is an Open House?

An open house is a scheduled window of time—typically 1–3 hours—where a home is available for anyone to walk through without an appointment. The listing agent is usually present, and the goal is to attract serious buyers and casual browsers alike.

Why Sellers Host Open Houses

Open houses serve two main purposes:

1. Generate exposure for your home in a low-pressure setting
   
   
2. Attract buyers who haven’t yet committed to an agent or showing
   
   

Think of it as the showroom floor of your property—it’s your chance to turn curious browsers into real buyers.

Benefits of an Open House for Sellers

• Increased foot traffic in a short window
  
  
• Creates urgency and perceived demand
  
  
• Can lead to multiple offers if timed strategically
  
  
• Allows for unfiltered feedback from potential buyers
  
  
• Helps surface unrepresented buyers your agent can work with directly
  
  

Risks and Limitations for Sellers

• Not everyone walking through is serious—some are just nosy
  
  
• Security concerns (hide valuables, secure medications)
  
  
• Some homes don’t show well unless perfectly staged
  
  
• Can feel like low ROI in certain markets
  
  

Pro tip: Your open house needs to be marketed hard—it’s not just about putting a sign on the lawn.

What Makes a Successful Open House?

• Professional staging and deep cleaning
  
  
• Strategic scheduling (weekends, nice weather, right after listing hits MLS)
  
  
• Marketing across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, MLS, Realtor.ca, email blasts)
  
  
• Printed feature sheets and financing info available
  
  
• An experienced agent who engages visitors and collects feedback
  
  

Do Open Houses Actually Sell Homes?

Not always—but that’s not the only goal. Open houses:

• Increase exposure
  
  
• Generate buzz
  
  
• Give fence-sitters a push
  
  
• Help uncover serious interest faster
  
  

Even if no offer comes that day, open houses often accelerate the momentum of your sale.

What Buyers Should Look for at Open Houses

• Layout and flow: Does it feel right in person vs online?
  
  
• Smells, sounds, lighting: Things you can’t capture in photos
  
  
• Signs of upkeep: Check baseboards, windows, appliances
  
  
• Neighbourhood traffic and noise: Walk the area before/after
  
  
• Crowd reaction: Are others interested or critical?
  
  

And most importantly—take notes. You’ll forget details fast when touring multiple homes.

Questions Buyers Should Ask at an Open House

• Why are the sellers moving?
  
  
• How long has the home been listed?
  
  
• Have there been any offers?
  
  
• What’s the seller’s ideal possession timeline?
  
  
• Are there any known issues or past repairs?
  
  

This is your chance to gather intel directly from the listing agent—don’t waste it.

How to Behave at an Open House (Buyers)

• Sign in—agents need to track traffic
  
  
• Don’t snoop through private drawers, closets are fine
  
  
• Be respectful of other attendees
  
  
• Keep comments quiet (the house might have cameras)
  
  
• Don’t bash the home—you never know who’s listening
  
  

Remember, first impressions go both ways. If you’re interested, you want to leave a positive impression with the agent too.

How to Prepare for an Open House (Sellers)

• Declutter and depersonalize every room
  
  
• Deep clean: floors, windows, counters, and especially bathrooms
  
  
• Stage your home to show purpose for every room
  
  
• Leave the property during the event—buyers need space to explore
  
  
• Set the mood: open blinds, turn on lights, play light music, and make it smell great
  
  

Are Open Houses Safe?

Most are uneventful—but it’s smart to take precautions:

Sellers:

• Lock away valuables, jewelry, and personal documents
  
  
• Use a sign-in sheet or app to track visitors
  
  
• Work with an agent who’s present the entire time
  
  

Buyers:

• Never go alone to a vacant home
  
  
• Stay aware—especially in rural or private showings
  
  

Who Typically Shows Up to Open Houses?

• Active buyers looking for a home now
  
  
• Curious neighbours and future sellers
  
  
• First-time buyers doing research
  
  
• Agents scouting for clients
  
  
• Window shoppers testing the market
  
  

Every visitor offers an opportunity—to sell your home or gather real feedback.

Do Open Houses Work in Every Market?

Not always. They tend to work best when:

• The market is balanced or buyer-friendly
  
  
• The home is priced right and shows well
  
  
• There’s limited inventory and high interest
  
  

In ultra-hot markets, open houses may not matter as much. In slow markets, they can revive attention.

Final Thoughts: Know What You’re Walking Into

Open houses aren’t magic—but when done right, they’re powerful.

For sellers, it’s your one shot to wow a crowd.
For buyers, it’s your chance to scout smart, ask questions, and move faster when the right one hits.

Whether you’re opening the door or walking through one, understanding the strategy behind open houses gives you the edge.

FAQs

1. Do I need an agent to attend an open house as a buyer?
   No. Open houses are open to the public. But having an agent means you can follow up properly if you’re interested.
2. Do open houses lead to better offers?
   Not always, but they can trigger urgency—especially if multiple buyers are circling.
3. Should I host an open house if my home isn’t staged?
   Only if it still shows well. Otherwise, wait until it’s cleaned, decluttered, and photo-ready.
4. How long should an open house last?
   Typically 1.5 to 3 hours. Longer isn't always better—the first hour often gets the most traffic.