Do Open Houses Still Work In 2025?

Are open houses still worth your time in 2025? This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and best strategies for making open houses work in today’s digital-first real estate market.

Written by Seth Cox

Apr 28, 2025 / Open House Strategy

The real estate industry has changed dramatically in recent years—virtual tours, online listings, and social media now dominate how buyers find homes. So it’s fair to ask: do open houses still work? The short answer is yes, but their role has shifted. Today, open houses are less about immediate sales and more about strategic exposure, lead generation, and creating momentum.

If you’re a real estate agent wondering whether open houses are worth your time, this guide breaks down the pros, cons, and best practices for making them effective in today’s market. Whether you’re working in a hot seller’s market or trying to spark interest in a slower one, understanding how open houses fit into a modern real estate strategy is key.

Let’s take a closer look at what still makes them valuable—and when they might fall flat.

Advantages of Hosting an Open House

While open houses may not directly sell every home, they still play a strategic role in modern real estate. When marketed effectively, they create energy around a listing and offer in-person experiences that digital platforms can’t replicate. From lead generation to emotional connection, here’s what makes open houses worth considering.

Increased exposure and awareness

An open house can boost visibility for a new listing and drive more traffic than a private showing schedule alone. Neighbors, casual browsers, and serious buyers all have an easy way to walk through the home. This increases your chances of finding the right buyer—or someone who knows one.

Brings in buyers who may not have scheduled a private showing
Generates local buzz and word-of-mouth referrals
Showcases the home to neighbors who may know interested friends or family
Gives your listing a second chance to stand out after being online for a while

Convenience for buyers

Today’s buyers often have packed schedules, especially those relocating from out of town. Open houses make it easy for them to stop by on their terms without coordinating with their agent. This flexibility often leads to higher attendance and better engagement.

No appointments needed—just walk in
Easier for multiple buyers in one household to attend together
Removes pressure from one-on-one showings
Allows buyers to quickly compare homes if attending multiple open houses that day

Firsthand experience of the home

No amount of photos or virtual tours can replicate the feeling of walking through a home. Buyers can experience natural light, room flow, and neighborhood ambiance. These sensory details often make or break a decision.

Helps buyers connect emotionally to the space
Reveals how the layout functions in real life
Allows them to notice things like noise, smells, or curb appeal
Gives them a better sense of how their furniture or lifestyle would fit

Instant feedback for sellers and agents

Open houses provide a valuable opportunity to gather feedback from attendees in real time. What they love—and what they don’t—can inform how you market the home moving forward. Even subtle cues can help you reposition the listing more effectively.

Learn what buyers think about the price, layout, or staging
Uncover objections before they become deal-breakers
Use comments to adjust your marketing strategy
Reaffirm what features stand out to real buyers

Lead generation and networking

Not every attendee is ready to buy today—but many could become future clients. Open houses give agents a chance to build relationships in a casual setting. They’re also a great way to meet neighbors who may be thinking of selling soon.

Capture contact info using a sign-in sheet or digital app
Start casual conversations that build trust
Identify buyers who are not yet working with an agent
Expand your local sphere of influence with neighbors and visitors

Creates a sense of urgency

When buyers see others touring the same property, it can spark urgency and fear of missing out. This social proof helps move serious buyers from interest to action. It also positions the listing as desirable and competitive.

Encourages faster decision-making
Can lead to multiple offers or bidding wars
Makes the property feel “in demand”
Reduces hesitation in motivated buyers

Drawbacks and Limitations of Open Houses

Open houses aren’t always the magic bullet sellers hope for. While they offer exposure and networking opportunities, they also come with challenges that agents need to consider. From unqualified visitors to homeowner inconvenience, here are some potential downsides.

Low conversion rate

It’s rare for a home to sell directly as a result of an open house alone. Most serious buyers schedule private showings, and open house attendees may just be browsing. That’s why open houses should be viewed more as a lead generation tool than a closing strategy.

Most attendees are in the early stages of the buying process
Offers rarely come in the same day as the event
Results can be inconsistent depending on market conditions
Sellers may have unrealistic expectations if not coached properly

Unqualified visitors and “lookie-loos”

Open houses often attract curious neighbors, people exploring the market, or those who aren’t financially ready to buy. These visitors can eat up your time and attention, distracting from serious leads. While they’re not always a waste, they do require a strategic approach.

Not everyone walking through is a legitimate prospect
Can lead to awkward conversations or time-wasting small talk
Some visitors just want design inspiration
Harder to prioritize follow-up without solid qualification

Security and privacy concerns

Opening a home to the public comes with risks. Personal items may be vulnerable, and sensitive areas of the home can be accessed without proper oversight. It’s critical to take safety precautions before inviting strangers in.

Risk of theft, especially in easily accessible drawers or medicine cabinets
Potential for damage, especially in high-traffic areas
Security systems or valuables may be exposed
Some homeowners feel uncomfortable with unknown visitors

Inconvenience for sellers

Staging and preparing a home for an open house takes time, energy, and often, repeated effort. Sellers also need to leave the home for hours, often with pets or children in tow. When multiple open houses are needed, it can become a frustrating routine.

Requires deep cleaning, decluttering, and staging
Sellers must vacate the home—sometimes on short notice
Frequent open houses can disrupt daily life
Feedback may not always justify the effort

How Open Houses Fit into a Real Estate Strategy

How Open Houses Fit into Today’s Real Estate Strategy

Open houses aren’t meant to replace digital marketing—they’re meant to enhance it. In today’s market, the most successful listings use open houses as one part of a broader strategy that includes online exposure and automated follow-up. When positioned correctly, they can still move the needle.

A complement to digital marketing

Open houses work best when they’re promoted through digital channels, not just yard signs. Social media posts, email blasts, and listing sites help drive traffic and ensure serious buyers know when to attend. Pairing in-person events with online reach multiplies your visibility.

Use Instagram and Facebook to generate buzz
Include the open house in your MLS listing and syndicate it
Promote the event through your CRM or email newsletter
Use digital flyers or short-form videos to showcase highlights
List on your site and optimize for “open house near me” searches

Best suited for certain types of properties

Open houses are especially effective for homes that photograph well or offer unique features. They’re also helpful for listings in walkable neighborhoods where casual traffic is likely. In high-demand areas, they can drive urgency and competition among buyers.

Great for visually appealing or staged homes
Helpful when the layout or vibe doesn’t translate well online
Ideal in high-traffic or urban areas
Effective for newly listed properties that need early momentum
Works well for properties priced to sell

Useful in slower or buyer’s markets

In markets with longer days on market or hesitant buyers, open houses help keep listings active. Even if turnout is light, the event signals that the listing is still in play. They can also attract new interest from buyers who’ve been sitting on the sidelines.

Keeps the listing visible without a price drop
Encourages buyers to take a second look
Useful when buyer traffic has slowed
Helps agents gather new feedback to adjust strategy
Reinforces your marketing efforts with visible activity

Tips to Make Your Open House Worth It

Open houses aren’t effective by default—they’re effective when done strategically. From preparation to follow-up, every step should be designed to maximize turnout and capture leads. These tips will help you host open houses that drive real results, not just foot traffic.

Promote heavily online

Getting people in the door starts long before the open house itself. Use your online presence to build anticipation and remind followers about the event. The more exposure you generate ahead of time, the better your turnout will be.

Create an Instagram post and story the week before
Use a Facebook event or post with the date, time, and address
Include the open house in your email newsletter
Share a short video walkthrough or teaser clip
List the event on Showable and your website

Stage and prepare the property

A well-staged home photographs better, shows better, and feels more inviting. Even minor tweaks can significantly impact how buyers perceive the space. The goal is to help visitors picture themselves living there—without distractions.

Declutter counters, closets, and personal items
Deep clean every surface, including windows and baseboards
Add fresh flowers or greenery to soften the space
Use neutral scents or candles (but avoid anything overpowering)
Light the home naturally and open the blinds

Use a digital sign-in app

Capturing contact information is one of the main reasons to host an open house. A digital sign-in tool makes the process smooth, professional, and more likely to result in usable leads. Bonus: You can automate follow-up immediately after the event.

Use an app like Showable to collect names and emails
Ask for basic info without being invasive
Offer a digital brochure or incentive for signing in
Integrate with your CRM for automated follow-up
Review responses afterward to prioritize your outreach

Offer value to visitors

People are more likely to remember your open house—and respond to follow-up—if you offer something memorable. It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate, just thoughtful and welcoming. Aim to create a pleasant, low-pressure experience.

Provide light refreshments or snacks
Offer printed materials with home details and area highlights
Set up a kids’ activity area if the home is family-oriented
Be available to answer questions without hovering
Smile, greet everyone, and let them explore at their own pace

So, Do Open Houses Still Work?

Open houses aren’t a silver bullet—but they’re far from obsolete. When approached with intention and paired with smart marketing, they remain a powerful tool for generating interest, building relationships, and setting listings apart. The key is to treat them as part of a larger strategy—not a standalone tactic.

Final thoughts for real estate agents

If your open houses have felt ineffective in the past, it’s likely due to a lack of planning, promotion, or follow-up. Simply unlocking the door and waiting for buyers to appear is no longer enough. But with the right approach, an open house can create the spark that leads to real offers—and long-term leads.

Use open houses to build your sphere, not just sell the home
Promote them across all your digital channels
Focus on creating an experience, not just a tour
Always capture contact info and follow up the same day
Combine with Showable to automate the entire process

FAQs About Open Houses in Today’s Market

Still wondering if open houses are worth the effort? Below are answers to some of the most common questions agents ask when deciding how to fit open houses into their strategy. These quick insights can help you fine-tune your approach and get better results.

How many homes sell directly from an open house?

Only a small percentage of homes sell as a direct result of an open house. Most offers still come through scheduled private showings. Open houses are better viewed as a lead generation and marketing tool.

Are open houses still worth it in a seller’s market?

Yes—open houses can still drive urgency and attract multiple offers, especially in high-demand areas. They also help agents connect with unrepresented buyers and potential sellers. Even in fast-moving markets, they add value when done well.

What’s the best day and time to host an open house?

Sundays from 1 to 4 PM are the industry standard, but your market may vary. Twilight open houses during the week can work well in commuter-heavy areas. The most important factor is strong promotion beforehand.

How can I make my open house stand out?

Focus on creating a great experience—clean, staged, and welcoming. Add small touches like music, refreshments, and signage. Most importantly, follow up quickly with every attendee.

Should I use an open house sign-in app like Showable?

Yes—apps like Showable make it easy to collect lead info and automate follow-up. They’re faster, more professional, and more effective than paper sign-in sheets. Digital tools also help you track results and sync with your CRM.