The Role of Open Houses in a Competitive Market

17 December 2025

Ah, the open house—real estate's version of speed dating. Potential buyers waltz in, peek around, pretend they totally know what "crown molding" is, and then nod approvingly at the kitchen backsplash. Meanwhile, the seller is hoping that someone will fall so deeply in love with the home that they'll throw wads of cash at the listing price.

But do open houses actually work in today’s cutthroat real estate market, or are they just glorified Sunday afternoon socials with free cookies? Let’s pull back the curtain on this age-old tradition and see if it's still a game-changer or just a relic of a bygone era.

Do Open Houses Still Matter in 2024?

In a time when everything—including home shopping—can be done online, some might argue that open houses are about as necessary as a landline phone. After all, virtual tours, 3D walk-throughs, and professional photography make it easier than ever to browse listings from the comfort of your couch (preferably while wearing pajamas).

Yet, despite the rise of digital marketing, open houses remain a strategic tool for both buyers and sellers in a competitive market. Why? Because no number of staged listing photos can replace the feeling of physically stepping inside a home, considering the space, and mentally rearranging the furniture to fit your oversized sectional.

The Perks of Hosting an Open House

Sure, they require some effort—cleaning, decluttering, temporarily banishing your pets—but an open house can be a powerful way to sell a property. Here’s why:

1. Creates a Buzz and Sense of Urgency

Nothing motivates buyers like seeing other buyers swooning over the same property. Open houses create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) that can drive people to act fast. If a potential buyer sees multiple others showing interest, suddenly, that "maybe" turns into an "I need to make an offer before someone else does!"

2. Encourages Impulse Decisions

You know how you walk into Target for one thing and leave with ten? Open houses work the same way. Buyers may not have been entirely serious about purchasing—maybe they were "just browsing"—but stepping into the right home in person can trigger that irresistible urge to place an offer on the spot.

3. Gives Buyers a True Feel for the Home

Photos can be deceptive. A wide-angle lens can make a closet look like a grand ballroom, and lighting tricks can hide a multitude of sins. Open houses let buyers experience the actual space, test out the natural light, and see if the house "feels right"—because let’s be honest, gut feelings play a major role in real estate decisions.

4. Attracts the Nosy Neighbors (And That’s a Good Thing)

Yes, some attendees are just curious neighbors looking for decorating ideas. But guess what? Those same neighbors probably know someone who’s house-hunting. Nothing spreads a home’s availability better than word-of-mouth gossip from the lady two doors down.

5. Saves Time for Sellers

Instead of scheduling countless individual showings, an open house condenses the process. One afternoon of primping and prepping, and boom—multiple buyers walk through in a short time frame. That’s efficiency at its finest!

The Downsides of Open Houses (Because, Let’s Be Real)

Of course, open houses aren’t all sunshine and multiple offers. There are some drawbacks, and it wouldn’t be fair not to mention them.

1. Not Everyone Attending is a Serious Buyer

For every serious buyer, there's at least one person who just wanted something to do on a Sunday afternoon. Maybe they’re thinking about buying "someday," or maybe they just like snooping through other people’s homes. Either way, not every attendee is someone who will be signing a contract.

2. Security Concerns

Let’s be honest—inviting random strangers into your home isn't exactly comforting. While most visitors are legitimate buyers, there’s always a risk of opportunists who see an open house as a free pass to scope out valuables. This is why agents always advise homeowners to lock away anything of value (or at least hide your fine jewelry and that expensive espresso machine).

3. Can Feel Like a Lot of Effort for Little Return

There’s a chance that after all the cleaning, staging, and strategically placed scented candles, not a single solid offer comes from the open house. Some homes sell because of them; others, not so much. It’s a gamble, and whether it pays off depends on the market, the property, and the buyers who walk through the door.

How to Make an Open House Actually Work

Thinking about hosting an open house? Good. But don’t just throw up a sign and hope for the best. You need a game plan.

1. Stage Like Your Sale Depends on It (Because It Does)

A cluttered, messy home is about as inviting as a dentist appointment. If you want buyers to picture themselves living there, you’ll need to stage it right: neutral colors, minimal personal photos, mood lighting—the works.

2. Pick the Right Day and Time

Sunday afternoons are classic, but consider the market and your competition. If every open house in the area is Sunday at 2 PM, maybe shake things up with a Saturday morning event.

3. Market the Heck Out of It

An open house without marketing is like a party no one knows about. Use online listings, social media, neighborhood flyers—whatever it takes to get the word out. The more foot traffic, the better.

4. Provide Snacks (Because Food Works Wonders)

Want people to linger longer? Offer some refreshments. A strategically placed tray of cookies and coffee can make visitors feel more at home—and remind them that buying a house can come with perks like a great kitchen for baking.

5. Have an Agent Who Knows How to Work a Crowd

A good real estate agent doesn’t just open the door and wait. They engage buyers, highlight selling points, and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. If your agent has the personality of a brick wall, you might want to rethink the host.

The Verdict: Are Open Houses Worth It?

So, are open houses still relevant in today’s competitive market? Absolutely—when done right. They won’t sell every home, but they can play a crucial role in generating buzz, drawing serious buyers, and even sparking bidding wars.

Sure, online listings are great, but at the end of the day, buyers don’t just buy a house; they buy a feeling. And sometimes, the only way to get that feeling is by stepping through the front door in person.

So, if you’re selling a home, why not give that open house a shot? Worst-case scenario, at least you’ll have an excuse to deep clean your place and eat leftover cookies.