Skipping Open Houses for Faster Closings
Some agents say private showings and targeted marketing help focus on serious buyers. Virtual tours and online listings also reduce the need for open houses.
NEW YORK — Some real estate professionals are choosing to forgo open houses, relying instead on targeted strategies to sell homes more quickly and effectively.
While open houses have long been a standard tool, agents say they often draw unqualified visitors and rarely lead directly to offers. Private showings allow agents to focus on serious home buyers, giving them more time and attention to evaluate a property.
Many buyers now rely on virtual tours, detailed photos and online listings to narrow their options before scheduling in-person visits. Real estate professionals say this shift has made open houses less essential in many cases.
Security concerns, scheduling challenges and low return on investment are also reasons agents cite for skipping open houses. Some report better results when listings are promoted through customized marketing plans and appointment-only tours.
However, open houses can still be valuable for certain properties or in competitive markets. Real estate professionals recommend tailoring the approach based on the property, location and expected buyer pool to maximize success.
Source: SF Gate (07/24/25)
© Copyright 2025 Smithbucklin