What is an Open House and How Does It Work?

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or thinking about selling your property, you’ve likely heard the term “open house.” But what exactly does that mean? 

If you’re looking for your dream home in Pittsburg, PA or selling your house in Wichita, KS hoping to attract interest, understanding how open houses work can help you make the most of the process.

What does “open house” mean? 

An open house is a scheduled period of time when a home for sale is open to the public for viewing. Typically hosted by a real estate agent, these events allow potential buyers to view the property, ask questions, and get a better feel for the home without the need for a private scheduled showing. 

Sellers often use open houses to generate interest, while buyers use them to explore homes in person at their own pace.

Open houses vs private home tours

Open houses are a convenient way for sellers or listing agents to show a home to multiple people at once, no appointment needed. As a buyer, you can simply stop by during the scheduled hours. Other agents may also be present to answer questions.

In contrast, a private showing is a one-on-one appointment with the listing agent, allowing you to tour the home without other visitors. If you’ve already been to an open house but want a closer look or have more questions, you can still schedule a private showing. It’s a great way to spend more focused time in the space and picture yourself living there.

How does an open house work? 

During an open house, a listing agent will greet visitors at the door and may offer a flyer or brochure with details about the property. Buyers are free to tour the home, take their time in each room, and ask questions along the way. Some agents may collect visitor information or offer refreshments to create a comfortable atmosphere.

The home is usually staged and thoroughly cleaned ahead of time to help it look its best. Sellers are typically not present so buyers can explore without feeling rushed or watched.

After the open house, the listing agent may follow up with you to see if you liked the house using the information you provided on their sign-in sheet. If you are no longer interested in the home at that point, you can definitely say so. Or, if you want to set up a private tour or write an offer, you can do that too.

Pros and cons of holding an open house

Before deciding to schedule one, it helps to weigh the potential benefits against the possible drawbacks. Understanding both sides can help you make a more informed decision about whether an open house aligns with your overall selling strategy.

Pros of an open house

• More exposure: Allows a large number of people to view your home over a short period of time.  
• Convenience for buyers: Appreciation for being able to tour homes freely without scheduling multiple private showings. 
• Creates competition: Seeing other interested buyers create a sense of urgency, motivating faster offers. 
• Great for first impressions: A well-presented open house highlights the home’s best features in person, more powerful than photos alone. 

Cons of an open house

• Unserious buyers: Not all who attend open houses are serious, some are just browsing, curious neighbors, or people gathering ideas. 
• Security concerns: Having strangers walk through your home requires trust and preparation to protect your belongings. 
• May not lead to offers: While open houses can generate interest, they do not always result in immediate offers. 
• Effort and preparation required: Cleaning, staging, and preparing your home for an open house takes time and energy that all sellers may or may not have. 

How can you prepare for an open house?

Whether you’re planning to attend an open house or host one, a little preparation can go a long way. Buyers want to make the most of their time while touring a property, and sellers want to create the best first impression possible. Here is how both sides can get ready.

As a buyer

• Do your research first: Before attending, review the home’s online listing so you know the basics—price, size, number of bedrooms, and any standout features. This helps you come prepared with specific questions.

• Map out your day: If you plan to visit multiple open houses, organize your schedule and plan your route. Give yourself enough time to walk through each home without rushing.

• Bring a checklist: Have a simple checklist with things to look for, like natural light, storage space, condition of appliances, and overall layout. This can help you compare homes later.

• Be ready to ask questions: Think about what matters most to you, such as the age of the roof, recent upgrades, or HOA fees and then ask questions at the open house during your visit.

• Take notes or photos: If you’re visiting more than one home, it can be easy to forget details. Jot down your impressions or snap a few photos (with permission) to help you remember what stood out.

As a seller

• Clean from top to bottom: A spotless home makes a big impression. Clean every room thoroughly, paying close attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and floors. Don’t forget the windows and light fixtures.

• Declutter and depersonalize: Remove personal items like family photos, paperwork, and anything that might distract buyers. The goal is to create a clean, neutral space that helps buyers imagine themselves living there.

• Make minor repairs: Fix things like leaky faucets, squeaky doors, chipped paint, or loose handles. Small issues can give buyers the impression the home hasn’t been maintained.

• Stage the home thoughtfully: You do not need to hire a professional stager, but adding fresh flowers, neutral decor, and cozy touches like throw pillows or soft lighting can go a long way.

• Create curb appeal: The exterior is the first thing buyers see, so make sure it is welcoming. Mow the lawn, sweep walkways, add a doormat, and tidy up any outdoor spaces.

• Leave during the event: Buyers will feel more comfortable exploring your home and sharing their thoughts if you are not there. Let your agent handle the event so visitors can walk through freely.

>>Read: Preparing for an Open House

Do open houses help sell a home? 

Open houses can help sell a home, but they are not guaranteed to lead to offers. Their success often depends on the local real estate market, how well the home is priced, and how effectively the event is marketed.

In active housing markets, open houses can create buzz and bring in multiple buyers quickly. They also offer an easy way for agents to gather feedback from potential buyers, which can help sellers adjust their pricing or marketing strategies. Even if no immediate offers come from the open house itself, it can still be a valuable tool for exposure and networking.

Ultimately, an open house is just one part of a larger marketing strategy that should include online listings, staging your home, professional photos, and targeted outreach.

How can you find open houses? 

If you are house hunting and want to explore open houses in your area, there are several easy ways to find them:

• Online real estate platforms: Redfin allows you to search for homes and filter results to show upcoming open houses. You can also navigate to Redfin’s open houses near me page.
• Your real estate agent: Agents often have access to the latest open house schedules and can recommend homes that fit your needs.
• Local listings and signs: Many agents advertise open houses through signs, local newspapers, or community bulletin boards.
• Social media: Agents and brokerages frequently post about upcoming open houses on platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

Attending open houses can help you get a better sense of what is available in your price range and what features matter most to you in a future home.

FAQs: What is an open house?

Do I need an agent to attend an open house? 

No, anyone can attend an open house without having an agent, although bringing one along can be helpful if you are ready to make an offer. 

Can I make an offer at an open house? 

Yes, if you are interested, you can let the listing agent know or have your own agent submit an offer afterward. 

Are open houses only for serious buyers? 

Not necessarily, open houses attract people at all stages such as those who are just exploring. 

How long does an open house usually last? 

Most open houses last between two and four hours on weekends but times can vary by agent and location. 

When should I have an open house? 

The best time for an open house is off-peak times when people are less likely to be at work or attending events. Most open houses are scheduled on Saturdays, Sundays, and weekday evenings.

What is proper etiquette at an open house?

Be polite and greet the agent when you arrive. Sign in if asked and avoid touching personal items or opening off-limits areas. Keep conversations quiet and save questions for the agent. If you are interested in the home, let them know respectfully.