Skip to main content

The Rise of Open Houses

With rising buyer demand and more homes hitting the market, hosting an open house is one strategy to attract motivated buyers and sell faster.

When it comes to selling your home, one of the biggest questions sellers have is: "Do open houses still work?" 

With so many digital tools available, from virtual tours to high-resolution photos, it might seem like open houses are a thing of the past. But in 2025, we’re seeing a comeback. If you’re thinking of selling your home, here’s why open houses might still be one of your best strategies—especially with buyer demand and seller activity on the rise.


Open Houses Making a Comeback

According to the latest Zillow Consumer Housing Trends Report, 65% of sellers in 2025 hosted between 1-3 open houses, up from 49% in 2018 and 44% in 2021. In fact, the median seller now hosts two open houses, up from just one in prior years. This trend signals that buyers are still craving the in-person experience of walking through a home before making a decision.

But why the shift? In 2021-2022, properties were selling so quickly that open houses slowed. Now that the market has settled a bit, home sellers need a comprehensive strategy to attract buyers. 

Open houses allow potential buyers to tour the property without pressure. This is especially helpful for buyers who have not yet signed a buyer broker agreement, which is a new requirement in the industry. Plus, open houses can create a sense of urgency. When potential buyers see other interested parties walking through the property, it taps into their competitive nature. 

Buyer Demand on the Rise

Adding fuel to the open house resurgence is the fact that buyer demand has started to pick up in recent weeks. September 2025 marked the first time in nine months that pending home sales didn’t decline, signaling a turning point in the market.

More home tours are happening as well. Redfin’s Homebuyer Demand Index, which tracks home tours and related activities, rose by 9% month-over-month in September 2025, reaching its highest level since April. This increase in demand is making open houses more valuable, providing the in-person touch that buyers need to solidify their decisions.

More Sellers Are Listing Homes

Not only were buyers more active in September, but sellers are stepping up as well. Newly listed homes increased by 11.6% in September 2025 compared to the previous year, marking the highest level of seller activity since 2021. In addition, total inventory levels grew by 34% year-over-year, making it the 11th consecutive month of growth. This rise in listings is driven by falling mortgage rates, which have encouraged more homeowners to sell their homes .

With more homes on the market, buyers have a wider range of options. However, this also means more competition for sellers. Hosting an open house can help your property stand out in a crowded market. It allows buyers to experience the home firsthand, which can be a deciding factor when they’re comparing multiple listings.

The Power of First Impressions

One key reason open houses are so effective is the power of first impressions. Of course, digital tools are still essential to catch the attention of those searching online. High-resolution photography, interactive floor plans, and virtual tours provide a comprehensive digital experience for buyers. 

Combining these tools with an open house gives buyers the best of both worlds. They can browse online, then come experience the home in person, creating a deeper connection that often leads to faster sales.

If you’re planning to sell, hosting at least one open house is one part of an effective marketing strategy. With more buyers hitting the market in 2025, and sellers listing homes at the highest rate in three years, getting as many eyes on the property as possible is critical. Open houses allow you to showcase your home to engaged, motivated buyers who are ready to take the next step.


                                                                                                                                      - Lavanya

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tax Appeal Season in CT: How to Lower Your 2026 Property Taxes Before February 1

 Every few years, many Connecticut municipalities re-assess all real estate — and 2025 marks one of those major revaluation cycles for dozens of towns. If your town just sent you a new valuation, this means your 2026 property taxes could be based on a significantly increased assessment — unless you act quickly. But there is good news. If you catch it in time, you can challenge that assessment and potentially reduce your 2026 property taxes. Here’s exactly how to do it, and what every homeowner in Connecticut should know before February 1. 🕒 Why Timing Is Critical: The CT Tax Calendar Municipal assessments are based on a fixed “grand list,” usually effective October 1 of the revaluation year. Once your town finalizes the grand list (often by January 31), assessment notices go out — and that triggers the official appeal season.  Under state law, you must file a written appeal with your local Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA) by February 20 .  In some years...
Post a Comment
Read more

Navigating Evictions in Connecticut - The Harsh Realities for Landlords and Investors

As a seasoned real estate investor with over a decade of experience managing rental properties across the Northeast, I've seen firsthand how state policies can make or break the viability of rental investments and still dealing through the process. Lately, there's been a lot of chatter online and in the media about skyrocketing rents in Connecticut, with many pointing fingers at "greedy landlords" for pricing people out of the market. While I empathize with tenants facing affordability challenges—especially in a state where homelessness has surged 45% in recent years—the narrative often overlooks the crushing economic pressures on property owners. In this post, I'll dive deep into evictions in Connecticut, drawing from my own cost-benefit analysis of rental ownership here. We'll cover the eviction process and timelines, pros and cons from both landlord and tenant perspectives, and the raw math behind making a deal profitable (or why many aren't). My goal? ...
Post a Comment
Read more

2025 Year-in-Review: Biggest Sales & Surprises in the CT Market

As 2025 winds down and we turn the page toward another pivotal year in Connecticut real estate, it’s clear that this past year delivered more than rising prices and record-low inventory. The CT market experienced rapid regional shifts, notable luxury sales, surprising affordability pockets, and behavior changes driven by new lending rules, demographic migration, and evolving buyer psychology. Here’s your expert deep-dive into the biggest sales, shocks, and storylines that defined the Connecticut housing market. 📈 1. Prices Rose — But Not Where You Expected While Fairfield County continues to dominate headlines (and average sales numbers), the biggest year-over-year price jumps didn’t happen in Greenwich or Westport. Top 2025 Appreciation Markets (Single-Family) Windham County — Young buyers and hybrid workers fueled double-digit appreciation. Middlesex County — Chester, Essex, and Clinton saw spillover demand from shoreline towns. New Haven County — Hamden, Branfor...
Post a Comment
Read more