Are Open Houses Worth It? Pros & Buyer Myths

When an Open House is Really Worth It

In most cases, open houses aren’t your closing strategy — but there’s one clear exception: a hot market with more serious buyers than private showing slots.

When inventory is low and buyer demand is surging, private showings can book up in hours. In these conditions, an open house can efficiently funnel dozens of buyers — and their agents — through in a single afternoon, without bottlenecking your calendar.

  • High-demand urban markets where weekend scheduling conflicts are common.
  • Architecturally distinctive or unique homes that naturally attract curiosity and competition.
  • Situations where your agent’s strategy aims to create a sense of urgency by showing multiple interested parties that others are also circling.

The Other Times They Add Value

Even outside of a red-hot market, open houses can have supporting benefits:

Advantage Why It Might Help Caveat
Convenience for sellers with children/pets Replaces multiple private showings with one concentrated event. Most attendees aren’t serious buyers, so don’t mistake convenience for offer potential.
Neighbourhood exposure Generates drive-by visibility and word-of-mouth among locals. Exposure doesn’t always translate into offers.
Buyer ‘needs discovery’ Helps early-stage buyers figure out ideal location, size, and style. They may not be ready to buy yet.
Market knowledge Buyers get a clearer sense of local pricing, layouts, and condition standards. This benefit is buyer-oriented, not seller-focused.

The Serious Buyer Fallacy

Real estate agents often pitch open houses as a magnet for “serious buyers,” but in today’s market, that’s rarely true:

  • Most serious buyers are represented. In Canada, the seller pays the buyer’s agent, so these buyers can book private tours for free — often before your open house sign even hits the lawn.
  • Open house visitors are often unqualified. Weekend browsers, curious neighbours, and unrepresented buyers are more common than firm, ready-to-offer purchasers.
  • Technology has changed buyer behaviour. Platforms like REALTOR.ca and BrokerBay allow instant booking for private showings, eliminating the need to wait for an open house.

📉 While no formal studies exist on this, my own experience — echoed by several other realtors I’ve spoken with — suggests that only about 2–6% of open house attendees end up submitting offers, and many of those had already viewed the property online or through a private showing.

Important Note: Not all full-service or discount real estate agents include open houses in their default offering. Always clarify who is hosting, what kind of promotion is included, and whether the open house is open to the public or by appointment only.

Private Showings vs. Open Houses — Which Converts?

Feature Private Showings Open Houses
Buyer Type Pre-approved, represented buyers Mixed — neighbours, browsers, some buyers
Scheduling Flexible, on-demand Fixed date and time
Engagement In-depth, agent-guided Surface-level, rushed
Agent Involvement Buyer’s agent present Listing agent oversees all
Offer Conversion High Low

To learn more in detail review: Private Showings vs. Open Houses

When They’re Not Worth It

Open houses lose effectiveness when:

  • Market is slow and private showing capacity isn’t strained.
  • Security or privacy risks outweigh potential exposure.
  • Staging and preparation become a repeated burden with little return.
  • Agent motivation leans toward future client lead generation rather than selling the current listing.

Final Takeaway

An open house in can still be worth it but it’s a tool for visibility in high-demand conditions, not your main sales driver. If your market is hot, your home is unique, and showing slots are maxed out, it might just tip a buyer into action. In most other cases, private showings supported by strong digital marketing will bring you closer to the offer you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Faiza Ahmed (Broker)

As the founder of PropertyMesh, Faiza Ahmed is dedicated to making real estate more transparent and cost-effective. While she actively challenges the high-commission model to help sellers keep more of their equity, her core passion is empowering all clients — buyers and sellers alike — to make informed decisions in an ever-evolving market.

Faiza is a licensed real estate broker registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO Registration #4791581) and an active member of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).