In this day and age, we often hear mixed messages about using open houses to market homes. Under normal conditions, is it worthwhile to put on an open house?

Most Realtors have long acknowledged the effectiveness of open houses in getting lots of interested buyers in the doors while holding the view that those who don't put on open houses are simply unwilling to put in the work.

It takes a lot of time and effort from real estate agents who use social media posts, Facebook live videos, signage, postcards, phone calls, and word of mouth, to entice buyers to visit.

Marketing your home with an open house is an effective way to generate plenty of interested buyers, with every promotion of the open house reaching a truly respectable number of prospective buyers.

There are objections to holding open houses that come up.

1. Most buyers tend to use the internet to browse homes for sale and narrow down their choices.

2. Another concern is that of theft at the home.

3. Another concern is that people fear open houses benefit Realtors more than their clients.

It’s absolutely true that people use the internet more than ever when searching for homes. But when viewed properly, open houses can be seen as simply one part of a comprehensive marketing plan to reach as many buyers as possible. We don’t put all our eggs in one basket. Each marketing faucet plays a role in getting your home sold.

When we recommend an open house, we also make sure homeowners take proper precaution to hide any valuables, like electronics or prescriptions, in a safe place. We also keep track of visitors and have them sign in, while often escorting them through the home.

Open houses do benefit Realtors but not more than the benefit most clients gain from exposure. In our industry, networking is key, and open houses can sometimes bring in leads. But this is a byproduct of holding open houses and not the goal. Selling our client's home is our focus during open houses.

In these times of social distancing, open houses are being used less and less, and virtual tours are on the rise. We’ve had record homes sales in 2020, while simultaneously having a reduction or outright ban of in-person open houses altogether.

Clearly, homes can sell without having an in-person open house. And under normal conditions, whether or not sellers wish to host an open house is their decision.