Open houses are a classic real estate tradition. They provide a convenient, no-appointment needed way for curious neighbors, passers-by, and prospective buyers to tour a property. They feel tangible and hopeful for sellers: “someone might just fall in love with it this weekend.” But increasingly, data and buyer behavior show that open houses are rarely the path by which most homes are sold—and in many cases, they’re more of a perk than the core strategy. Below are the trends, statistics, and underlying reasons why open houses may not be your best investment.
