For decades, sellers have been told that hosting an open house is the key to getting their property sold. Agents put up balloons, bake cookies, and invite the neighborhood in for a weekend walkthrough. But here’s the truth: open houses don’t sell homes.
If your home has been sitting on the market without offers, it’s not because you didn’t host enough open houses. The problem almost always comes down to pricing, presentation, or timing.
Do Open Houses Really Sell Homes?
Most homeowners assume an open house will attract the right buyer. In reality, according to the National Association of Realtors, less than 1% of homes actually sell directly because of an open house.
Here’s why: serious buyers have already done their research online. By the time they walk through your front door, they’ve likely decided if your home is a fit—or ruled it out—based on photos, price, and location.
So, who comes to open houses?
- Neighbors curious about the property.
- Window shoppers who aren’t pre-approved.
- Buyers’ agents looking to pick up new clients.
While open houses may bring traffic, they rarely bring offers.
The Hidden Liability of Open Houses
Beyond being ineffective, open houses can also carry real risks for homeowners:
- Accidents: With strangers walking through your home, slips, falls, or other injuries can occur—and liability may fall on you as the homeowner.
- Theft: Open houses are a target for thieves scouting valuables, prescription drugs, or even garage door openers.
- Security Concerns: Not every person who enters is a serious buyer. You’re inviting unknown individuals to wander through your personal space.
In short: an open house can expose you to unnecessary risks without providing much real benefit toward selling your home.
The Power of the First Weekend
The most important moment in selling your home isn’t the Sunday open house—it’s the first weekend on the market.
That’s when your listing is fresh, your price is competitive, and buyers are paying the most attention. If your home isn’t priced right from the start, buyers scroll past it online and move on. And once a listing sits too long, it grows stale. Even a small price reduction later can’t erase that first impression.
Why Homes Sit on the Market
If your home isn’t selling, it’s usually because of one of these reasons:
- Overpricing compared to recent sales.
- Poor presentation—dark photos, clutter, or no staging.
- Bad timing during a slower seasonal window.
- Lack of adjustments after early buyer feedback.
An open house won’t fix these issues—it only exposes them.
What To Do Instead
If you want your home sold—not just shown—focus on what really matters:
✅ Price it right the first time based on local comps, not emotion.
✅ Launch with impact—professional photography, compelling listing copy, and digital marketing across MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, and beyond.
✅ Leverage your golden window during the first 7–10 days on market.
✅ Work with a local expert who knows how to position your home competitively.
Let’s Get Your Home Sold
In today’s market, open houses are more about perception than results—and they may expose you to more risks than rewards. If you’re serious about selling, you need a strategy that works online and appeals to qualified buyers right away.