Open Houses

Quick Takeaways

Open houses are an effective tool when selling a home. They offer wide viewing for a larger reach for properties. If a home has unique features or is in an exceptional location, an open house can be a powerful tool to increase exposure and highlight those features/advantages.
In an increasingly online marketplace, open house offer both a personal connection and a chance to view listings that buyers may have missed online.
Safety is key for hosting open houses. Have homeowners prepare their homes by removing valuable items or sensitive personal information and have agents create a safety plan for the open house. The end of an open house is often the most dangerous time for solo agents, so a plan to end the open house with a colleague can prevent unsafe situations.

Source: The Ultimate List of Open House Ideas for 2024 (Market Leader, Jan. 11, 2024)

Make your open house a success! Hold your first open house the weekend after the property goes up for sale for maximum exposure. Create a flyer with important information from the homeowner, such as heating and utility costs. Don’t forget to bring three things when touring an open house. Prepare for an open house by walking the property, unlocking doors, and taking advantage of natural light.

Use a checklist for thorough preparation. Preparation is the key for a great open house experience. Clean, declutter, and depersonalize the home. Pay attention to the curb appeal, too. UpNest has great preparation tips including getting the temperature and the lighting right.

Safety is vital for everyone at the open house. Have the homeowners hide or remove pets, valuables, prescription drugs or sensitive personal information such as checkbooks. For REALTORS®, work with a buddy at your open house and check in with your office. Ask for identification, don’t give out garage or door codes and limit the number of people in the house for a safer open house. Working with a REALTOR® is the best way to avoid home buying scams.

See References for more information.

Open Houses Topics

References

NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.

The Value of Open Houses

Are Open Houses Worth It? When One Might Make Sense (Home Light, Jul. 10, 2026)

In a competitive market where homes are selling quickly, your property may be under contract before you even have a chance to host an open house. However, in certain situations, an open house can still be a powerful tool to increase exposure and attract competitive offers. For example, if your home has unique features like a mother-in-law suite, or if you live in a high-demand area with desirable amenities like trendy local shops and easy access to popular attractions, an open house can showcase these advantages.

REALTOR® Open House Events: Media Talking Points (National Association of REALTORS®)

REALTOR® open house events not only bring buyers and sellers together, it is also an opportunity for REALTORS® to connect with consumers in their communities about the housing issues that matter most to them.

Don’t Skip Having an Open House, Even if You Live in a Hot Market (realtor.com® Apr. 21, 2026)

“No one is suggesting forgoing digital marketing and outreach entirely in favor of plopping an open house sign outside of your home. The tactics you use to sell must work together to bring you the best offers possible. The open house is just one tool in your toolbox—but in the increasingly virtual world we live in, the physical connection it offers is a surprisingly powerful one.”

Are Open Houses Still Worth It in Today’s Market? (RISMedia Sep. 18, 2025)

“More than ever both real estate agents and sellers are wondering whether or not open houses are necessary in today’s market. With all of the access homebuyers have to inventory online, the true freedom of attending open houses on their own time and being able to browse before they buy will never go away… Open houses also allow buyers to find and view homes that they missed online. As much access as these buyers have to online search engines, their search criteria is very limited which can cause them to miss out on potential homes that may be what they want but didn’t show up in their search online.”

Tips for Success

26 Open House Ideas That Will Actually Get You Leads (The Close, Apr. 1, 2026)

“Open houses don’t have to be boring — some creativity can go a long way, not just to engage potential leads but also to make it a bit more interesting for you. By using the tips in this article, you can create a welcoming atmosphere that attracts potential buyers and heightens engagement.”

Consumer Guide: Open Houses and Written Agreements (ational Association of REALTORS®))

As of August 17, 2024, many real estate professionals nationwide will be asking buyers to enter into a written agreement prior to touring a home. But what if you are just attending an open house? Read this consumer guide for all you need to know.

Open House Safety & Security

How to Stay Safe When Selling Your Home (Lee County Association of REALTORS®, Jun. 21, 2024)

Part of being a Realtor is prioritizing safety, not just that of clients and their homes, but their safety. Realtors typically have a screening process to help identify serious buyers.

As a seller, ask your Realtor about the steps taken to ensure safety during showings and open houses.

How to Keep Your Home Safe During an Open House (Realty Times, Feb. 25, 2024)

“Open houses can increase the likelihood that your home will sell but it can also increase the potential of theft. “With so many people touring your open house…the most prominent open house security issue during a house showing is thefts and robbery,” said reolink. “KABC reported that more than $150,000 worth of watches, jewelry and electronics were stolen during an open house in Southern California.”Use these tips to safeguard your place—and your stuff.”

How to Avoid Getting Robbed from an Open House (Maximum Real Estate Exposure, Jan. 19, 2024)

Once you and the Realtor have arranged the house for showing, take photos of all the rooms and areas in the home so you have a reference after the visitors are gone.

This will allow you to spot any alterations or missing things quickly. If you do notice a probe, you can contact the authorities with confidence and an easy reference to show police.

Safety First: 8 Tips to Protect Yourself When Showing Your Home (realtor.com®, Nov. 2, 2021)

Don’t give any garage or door codes out for showings. “Instead, consider creating a specific code for showings instead of the one that family members use,” says Ameer. Then change the code every couple of days. If the property has an electronic lockbox, have the listing agent program it so that you receive a notification the minute the lockbox is opened. That way you’ll know when someone is about to enter your property.

4 ‘Danger Zones’ in Your Daily Work Routine (NAR REALTOR® News, Sep. 16, 2021)

The end of an open house is potentially the most dangerous time of the event. “People can hide in drapes, closets, showers,” Judd said. “Be sure to talk to someone on the phone while you are checking the house.”

Safe Selling: A Practical Guide for Preventing Crime without Sacrificing the Salepdf (NAR REALTOR® Safety Program and Real Safe Agent)

“Traditionally the real estate industry has focused on open houses when it comes to the subject of safety. The reality is that open houses have a very low incidence of violent crime as compared to showings, but a very high incidence of theft as compared to showings. This fact is well illustrated just by reviewing news articles about violent crimes against agents and taking note of whether the crime occurred at a showing or an open house.”

Consumer Guide: Home Selling Tips for Privacy and Safety (National Association of REALTORS®)

“Your agent is an invaluable ally in helping you ensure privacy and security by managing access during the marketing and transaction process.” Learn about the many ways that a REALTOR® will keep your home and your privacy safe during open houses and showings.

eBooks & Other Resources

eBooks.realtor.org

The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:

Consider It Sold (eBook)

Do Your Own Home Staging (eBook)

Home Makeovers That Sell (eBook)

Home Sweet Home Staging (eBook)

Home Staging (eBook)

Home Staging for Dummies (eBook)

Home Staging That Works: Sell Your Home in Less Time for More Money (eBook)

Secrets of Home Staging (Audiobook)

Seven Steps To Sold (eBook)

The Complete Idiot's Guide Staging Your Home to Sell (eBook)

Staged to Sell (or Keep) (eBook)

Books, Videos, Research Reports & More

As a member benefit, the following resources and more are available for loan through the NAR Library. Items will be mailed directly to you or made available for pickup at the REALTOR® Building in Chicago.

Your Key to Open House Success: Advanced Strategies for Real Estate Agents of All Levels (Charleston, SC: Jands Publishing, 2015) HF 5387 En7

Home Staging: the Winning Way to Sell Your House for More Money (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2006) HF 5438 Sch9

Home Staging: Creating Buyer-Friendly Rooms to Sell Your House (Arlington, MN: Center Stage Home, 2004) HF 5438 M43

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