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.
Choosing the right time for an open house isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s a critical factor that impacts open house attendance, engagement, and ultimately, offers. Whether you're a new real estate agent or a seasoned pro looking to maximize impact, this complete guide will help you pick the best times to host an open house, backed by data and practical experience.
What Is the Best Time to Hold an Open House?
Timing matters more than most agents realize. The best open house times are based on buyer availability, lighting conditions, and local routines. Here’s a quick summary of what works best and why.
At a glance: The best time to hold an open house is Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM, when buyers are most available and homes show well in daylight. Other strong options include Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM, and Thursday evenings from 5 PM to 7 PM, particularly in urban or commuter-heavy areas. This is true for an epic mega open house as well as smaller open houses.
Best Days of the Week for an Open House
The day you choose can dramatically influence who shows up—and how serious they are. Traditionally, weekends have always performed well, but weekday evenings are becoming more popular in certain markets.
Sunday (1 PM – 4 PM): Most buyers are free from obligations, and there's ample daylight. This is the most common and effective time slot in nearly all U.S. markets.
Saturday (11 AM – 2 PM): A great option for early birds and families who want to get their home tours done before weekend errands or activities.
Thursday (5 PM – 7 PM): Particularly effective in urban markets where professionals are available to stop by after work.
A National Association of Realtors survey found that 53% of agents say Sunday afternoons bring in the highest volume of open house visitors.
Best Time of Day to Host an Open House
Time of day affects buyer energy, lighting quality, and competition with other weekend events. You want to find a window when people are alert, available, and your home looks its best.
Late Morning to Early Afternoon (11 AM – 2 PM): Offers the best natural light and fits well into most weekend schedules.
Early Evening (5 PM – 7 PM): Ideal for weeknight open houses in city environments or for showcasing sunset views and outdoor lighting.
Avoid early mornings and late nights: Buyers are either busy with their routines or too tired to seriously tour homes.
FastExpert found that open houses held between 11 AM and 3 PM or 5 PM and 7 PM have the highest attendance and engagement.
Best Time for an Open House on Saturday
Saturday open houses are gaining popularity, especially in markets with busy professionals or families who have packed Sundays. The best time slot typically falls between 11 AM and 2 PM, when foot traffic is highest and guests are more relaxed.
Why 11 AM to 2 PM Works Best on Saturdays
Late morning to early afternoon allows visitors to attend without sacrificing their entire day. It also avoids conflicts with kids’ sports schedules and evening plans.
Most buyers are free from weekday obligations by mid-morning.
Early start captures traffic before lunch fatigue sets in.
Ample daylight helps the home shine, especially in winter.
It positions you ahead of Sunday open houses, giving motivated buyers a first look.
Pro Tip: If you're in a family-focused neighborhood, time your Saturday open house around local events—like soccer games or farmer’s markets—for better turnout.
Best Time for an Open House on Sunday
Sunday remains the gold standard for open houses. According to industry surveys, the 1 PM to 4 PM time block consistently outperforms other windows, offering a perfect mix of convenience, lighting, and buyer availability.
Why 1 PM to 4 PM Is Ideal for Sundays
This slot hits the sweet spot: people are done with brunch, church, or errands, but not yet winding down for the week.
Buyers expect open houses during this timeframe.
Natural light is at its peak in most seasons.
It avoids early morning grogginess and late-day burnout.
It fits easily into weekend routines, boosting foot traffic.
Pro Tip: Promote your Sunday open house starting Friday to stay top-of-mind over the weekend. Tools like Showable help you schedule open houses and capture leads digitally.
Best Seasons for an Open House
Seasonality impacts both buyer urgency and curb appeal. While you can host an open house any time of year, some seasons give you a natural advantage in attracting foot traffic and making a great impression.
Spring (March–May): The top-performing season. Buyers are eager to move before summer, and blooming flowers enhance curb appeal.
Fall (September–November): A strong second, especially for buyers looking to close before the holidays or year-end.
Summer (June–August): Attendance varies due to vacations and heat. Focus on early or late hours when weather is more comfortable.
Winter (December–February): Can work for serious buyers but requires extra effort—like warm staging and more aggressive marketing.
Homes listed during the week of April 13–19 sell for 2.1% more and 6 days faster, according to Realtor.com’s seasonal analysis.
Times to Avoid for an Open House
Just as important as choosing the best time is avoiding the worst. Even a perfectly staged home can flop if shown at a time when no one shows up.
Major holidays: Avoid days like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or New Year’s when people are focused on family or travel.
Big local events: Sports games, festivals, and parades can divert attention away from your listing.
Extreme weather conditions: Rain, snow, or triple-digit heat will keep people at home.
Very early or very late hours: These often feel inconvenient or even suspicious to buyers.
According to Zillow Trends, open houses held during major holidays or extreme weather conditions draw 30% fewer visitors than normal weekends.
Best Times to Hold a Broker Caravan or Agent Tour
Broker caravans (also known as broker opens or agent tours) are crucial for getting your listing in front of local agents who may have active buyers. Unlike public open houses, the goal is agent exposure and professional feedback—not just foot traffic. Because you're targeting busy real estate professionals, timing is everything.
Here are the most effective time slots for broker caravans:
Midweek Mornings (Tuesday–Thursday, 10 AM – 12 PM): This is the gold standard in most markets. Agents are settled into the work week but not yet distracted by weekend showings.
Immediately After Office Meetings: Many brokerages hold their weekly meetings on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Scheduling your caravan right afterward can give you a built-in audience.
Avoid Fridays and Mondays:
These are typically used for wrapping up past business or preparing for weekend listings and showings.
According to Inman, Tuesday mornings are the most common time for broker tours in top-producing markets, as they allow agents to preview new listings before weekend traffic begins.
To boost attendance, always coordinate with your local MLS’s caravan schedule, and be sure to offer incentives like light refreshments, gift card raffles, or continuing education credit if applicable.
How to Maximize Open House Attendance
Even with the perfect time slot, your results depend on how well you promote and execute the event. Use these proven strategies to increase turnout and engagement.
Promote 3–5 days in advance: Use MLS, email, Instagram, Facebook, and text message reminders.
Tip: Agents using digital sign-in apps like Showable capture 3–5x more leads per open house compared to manual methods.
How Long Should an Open House Be?
Determining the optimal duration for an open house is crucial to maximize attendance and maintain buyer interest. Industry experts commonly recommend a timeframe of 2 to 3 hours, striking a balance between providing ample viewing time and creating a sense of urgency among potential buyers.
Some agents opt for longer sessions, extending up to 4 hours, to accommodate varying schedules and increase foot traffic. However, it's essential to consider that excessively long open houses may lead to diminished energy levels for hosts and potential waning interest from attendees.
Shorter open houses, around 2 hours, can create a bustling atmosphere, suggesting high demand and potentially prompting quicker decision-making from buyers. Ultimately, the ideal duration should align with the property's specifics, target audience, and local market dynamics.
Are Open Houses Worth It?
Open houses have long been a staple in real estate marketing, but their effectiveness can vary based on several factors.
Advantages:
Increased Exposure: Open houses can attract a broad audience, including unrepresented buyers and those just beginning their home search.
Immediate Feedback: They provide an opportunity to gather real-time reactions and suggestions from visitors, which can be invaluable for sellers.
Convenience: For buyers, open houses offer a low-pressure environment to explore properties without scheduling appointments.
Disadvantages:
Low Conversion Rates: Statistics indicate that only a small percentage of homes are sold directly through open houses. (US Realty Training)
Security Concerns: Allowing numerous strangers into a home can pose risks, including theft or property damage.
Attracting Non-Serious Buyers: Open houses may draw in individuals who are merely curious rather than genuinely interested in purchasing.
While open houses can be a valuable tool for increasing visibility and gathering feedback, their direct impact on sales may be limited. Sellers should weigh the pros and cons, considering their specific circumstances and consulting with their real estate agent to determine the best strategy.
Best Open House Times FAQ
What is the best day to host an open house?
Sunday afternoon between 1 PM and 4 PM is considered the best time to host an open house. This window consistently draws the highest buyer traffic in most U.S. markets.
What time of day is best for an open house?
Late morning to early afternoon (between 11 AM and 2 PM) is ideal. This time takes advantage of natural daylight and fits into most buyers’ weekend routines.
Are weekday open houses effective?
Yes, especially Thursday evenings from 5 PM to 7 PM. These are great for busy professionals who can’t attend weekend showings.
Can I host an open house on Saturday?
Absolutely. Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM is a strong option, particularly for early risers and families with weekend plans.
Do open houses work in the winter?
They can be effective, but you’ll need to market aggressively and make the home feel warm and inviting. Focus on serious, motivated buyers.
What are the worst times to host an open house?
Avoid early mornings, late nights, major holidays, and days with bad weather. These factors tend to lower turnout significantly.
Is it better to host an open house before or after a price drop?
Hosting just before a price adjustment can generate buzz, but open houses are especially effective after a drop when new buyers re-engage with the listing.
How far in advance should I promote my open house?
Start marketing 3–5 days before the event using your MLS, social media, email newsletters, and open house signs.
How long should an open house last?
Most successful open houses run for 2 to 3 hours. This gives buyers flexibility while creating a sense of urgency.
Do digital sign-in apps really help?
Yes. Agents who use digital sign-in tools like Showable capture 3–5x more leads and follow up faster, which often leads to higher conversion rates.
Conclusion: How to Choose the Best Time for Your Open House
When it comes to planning a successful open house, timing is one of the most strategic decisions you can make. By choosing the right day, time of day, and season, you significantly increase your chances of attracting qualified buyers and generating offers. Across most markets, Sunday between 1 PM and 4 PM remains the gold standard, but Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings offer powerful alternatives—especially when tailored to your target audience’s lifestyle.
Of course, perfect timing won’t matter without proper preparation and promotion. Use social media, email marketing, and digital sign-in tools like Showable to create buzz, capture leads, and follow up efficiently. And always consider your local conditions—weather, events, and buyer demographics—when deciding when to host.
The best open house times aren’t just about convenience. They’re about alignment: aligning your property with buyer availability, seasonal momentum, and smart marketing strategy. If you get that right, your open house will do far more than fill a calendar slot—it will move your listing closer to the closing table.
Sources
Best Day for Open Houses – NAR Survey "53% of agents say Sunday afternoons bring in the highest volume of open house visitors." Source:National Association of Realtors
Best Time of Day – FastExpert Study "Open houses between 11 AM – 3 PM or 5 PM – 7 PM have the highest attendance and engagement." Source:FastExpert
Best Season – Realtor.com Spring Listing Report "Homes listed during the week of April 13–19 sell for 2.1% more and 6 days faster." Source:Realtor.com via New York Post (2025)
Worst Times – Zillow Trend Data "Open houses held during major holidays or extreme weather conditions draw 30% fewer visitors." Source:Zillow
