The Best Times To Hold An Open House In Real Estate: A Complete Guide

In this article, we'll dive into the best times to host an open house, considering seasonal trends, day of the week, time of day, and local market dynamics. When done right, it can generate buzz, spark bidding wars, and even lead to quick offers. But success hinges not just on how the event is staged — timing plays a crucial role. Choosing the right time and day can significantly influence turnout and, ultimately, the sale.

Written by Seth Cox

Apr 19, 2025 / Open Houses

Best Day of the Week for an Open House

✅ Sunday: The Classic Choice

Sunday afternoons, typically between 1 PM and 4 PM, have long been the gold standard for open houses. Here’s why:

Most people have Sundays off.
Church services and morning errands are usually done by early afternoon.
Buyers have more time to explore multiple homes in one day.

🟨 Saturday: A Close Second

Saturday open houses are gaining popularity, especially in fast-paced markets. A Saturday between 11 AM and 2 PM can work well to capture early birds before weekend plans take over.

💡 Pro Tip: Try both days if you're in a competitive market. Hosting on Saturday and Sunday can double exposure.

Best Time of Day for an Open House

☀️ Midday to Early Afternoon (11 AM – 3 PM). This is the sweet spot. It allows:

Plenty of natural light to brighten up the home.
Time for visitors to attend without rushing.
Room for flexibility in people’s weekend plans.

Best Time of Year to Host an Open House

🌸 Spring: Peak Season

Spring is widely regarded as the best season to sell homes. The weather is pleasant, gardens are in bloom, and families are planning moves before the new school year. March through May is ideal, with high buyer activity and less seasonal disruption.

☀️ Summer: Still Strong, But Watch the Heat

Early summer (June) can be busy, but once vacations and scorching weather hit in July and August, traffic may dip.

🚫 Avoid major holiday weekends like the 4th of July.

🍂 Fall: A Narrow Window

September and early October can be great, especially in areas with beautiful autumn scenery. However, activity tends to taper off by mid-November.

❄️ Winter: Challenging but Not Impossible

Open houses in winter, especially around the holidays, usually see less foot traffic. But serious buyers are still out there, and with less competition, your open house could stand out.

Consider Your Local Market

Different markets have different rhythms. Tailor your open house schedule to local trends and buyer behavior. For example:

In urban areas, weekday twilight open houses (e.g., Thursday 5–7 PM) can work well for young professionals.
In hot climates, earlier open houses may attract more people before it gets too warm.
In vacation or second-home markets, weekends and holiday breaks may be prime time.

Avoid These Times

Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and major national holidays tend to have low turnout.
Big local events: Check for parades, marathons, or local festivals that could hinder access or attention.
Bad weather: Rain, snowstorms, and extreme heat or cold can dramatically affect attendance.

Bonus Tips to Maximize Open House Attendance

Advertise strategically: Use social media, local listing sites, email, and neighborhood signs.
Create a welcoming vibe: Clean thoroughly, light scented candles, play soft music, and offer refreshments.
Provide takeaways: Printed brochures, listing sheets, and contact info for easy follow-up.
Follow up: Engage with every visitor to gather feedback and gauge interest.

Final Thoughts

Timing isn’t everything — but in real estate, it sure helps. Hosting your open house at the right time of day, week, and year can dramatically increase traffic and improve your chances of finding the right buyer. Whether you’re a real estate agent or a seller navigating the process solo, use this guide to plan smart and show your home in its best light.