Open houses are a great way to attract more attention to your property, but with online property shopping and virtual tours, are they still worth it in 2025?
Yes: Homebuying trends show that open houses are still relevant in today’s digital age. According to 2025 NAR research, 58% of agents used open houses to market properties, and 49% of home buyers found their homes through open houses.
While virtual walkthroughs and online listings can pique the interest of buyers, visiting the home in person can provide a clearer picture of the house and its livability.
Taking the proper steps before an open house can help you generate potential offers and get you closer to selling your home.
Trying to get an offer on your property?
Use these tips with the help of a Partner Agent to get your home sold.
1. Invest in repairs and renovations
Little fixes go a long way when prepping your home for sale. If any home renovations have been ignored, you should address them before the open house.
Here’s Dan Blizer of CraftLine Remodeling’s take on fixing things before an open house:
“Fix the little stuff. Buyers notice everything! Tighten door handles, patch drywall, replace burnt-out lights, silence squeaky doors, and touch up paint.
“These ‘small’ items can make a home feel well-maintained or neglected,” he adds.
A walk-through with your agent can help you identify any minor touch-ups that need fixing before the open house. And if any major systems need attention, such as an HVAC tune-up, be sure to contact a professional.
These improvements could be the difference between attracting a buyer and missing out on a sale on the day of the open house.
2. Get professional photography
Marketing your home is essential to bringing in a crowd on the day of the open house. And professional real estate photography is a must for creating effective marketing materials.
Hiring a professional ensures you have high-quality photos that:
- Highlight your home’s best features
- Make spaces look larger and brighter
- Build trust with potential buyers online
Professional photography also gives you plenty of material to work with for social media posts, listing websites, or MLS listings.
Paired with the right marketing strategy, the right photos could improve your house’s perceived value and help you sell at a higher price.
3. Market the open house
Once your photography is complete, it’s time to market the open house. You can work with your realtor, both online and offline.
Physical marketing methods include:
- Posting open house signs in your area
- Distributing print flyers around town
- Printed feature sheets for potential buyers
And online marketing tactics can include:
- Facebook event listings
- Nextdoor posts
- Agent email blasts
You can also talk with your agent about implementing more tech-based strategies, such as creating a property landing page or incorporating a virtual open house video walkthrough via Zoom.
4. Clean and declutter
Cleaning your home is a must as you prepare to sell. On the days leading up to the open house, be sure to:
- Wipe down all of the kitchen surfaces
- Thoroughly clean all bathrooms
- Vacuum, mop, or polish your floors
- Clean all the windows and mirrors
- Sweep off any outdoor living areas
- Mow and clean up the yard
You want potential buyers to imagine themselves living in your home from the moment they step in the door. That feeling starts by entering a clean, decluttered living space.
5. Stage the home
Aside from deep cleaning, real estate experts believe that staging the home is one of the most crucial steps you can take for a successful open house.
“The home should be free of distractions that would take the buyer out of the experience,” says Cindy Raney, global luxury property specialist at Cindy Raney & Team. “We also love to set the vibe with light music, fresh flowers, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies.”
Some other tips for staging your home before an open house include:
- Opening the curtains to allow natural light to flow through the home
- Arranging furniture for visitors to get a clear picture of each room
- Decluttering bookshelves and adding fresh flowers or fruit bowls
You should also remove any high-ticket items from the home (such as smart devices, cameras, and laptops) to reduce potential theft risks.
If you have pets, be sure to clean up after them and use a light-scented air purifier or candle to mask any potential odors.
6. Disclose any relevant information
Your agent needs a full rundown of any special features or selling points for your home. Before the open house, be sure to discuss any:
- Property disclosures
- Recent upgrades
- HOA fee or amenities
- Average utility costs
- School or neighborhood highlights
Listing this information on the feature sheets that your realtor will distribute during the open house can keep your property top-of-mind.
You can also include a QR code on the sheet that directs visitors to your home’s landing page with a virtual walkthrough.
7. Stay away during the open house
You can help your realtor get ready before the open house begins by:
- Prepping light refreshments
- Writing a “welcome” note from the seller
- Setting up a sign-in sheet at the front door
However, it’s best to go somewhere else while the open house is ongoing. This is an ideal time to visit your favorite coffee shop or to take your pet on an adventure.
Cindy Raney says that she encourages sellers to head out during all showings and open houses. It helps buyers feel comfortable with asking honest questions and exploring the home.
✅ Your Morning Before an Open House Checklist
- Tidy up around the house and take out the trash
- Open the blinds and curtains to add natural light
- Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature
- Light a subtle candle or set up an air freshener
- Hide all your personal items or pet gear
- Set out flyers, disclosures, and a sign-in sheet
- Sweep your entryway to improve curb appeal
Final thoughts: Listen to your realtor’s advice
Making your property stand out against others in the area is challenging. However, trusting your realtor and following their advice when prepping for an open house can make a significant difference.
If you’re thinking about selling and looking for a realtor in your area, try Clever.
Clever matches you with top agents from reputable brokerages, such as Re/Max and Compass, and the matching service negotiates a low 1.5% commission on your behalf.
FAQs about open houses
Most agents prefer for you to head out before an open house begins. Potential buyers often feel more comfortable looking around and asking questions when the seller isn’t around.
It’s best to make your potential buyers feel as comfortable as possible while looking around your home, but it’s also essential to protect your flooring.
Your realtor will most likely allow shoes inside if you have durable flooring. But they may require visitors to remove their shoes, depending on the weather or if you have light-colored carpet.
It’s possible to host an open house without an agent — for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) sellers often hold independent open houses.
However, if you are working with an agent, you should avoid running an open house on your own. You hired your agent to sell your home, and they are experts at holding open house events.