How do open houses work? A buyer-friendly breakdown

What you’ll learn:

— What an open house is and what to expect

— Who can go to open houses and pros and cons of attending them

— Where to find local events and how to prepare

— Rules of buyer etiquette at open houses and why it matters

If you’re looking to buy a new home, you’ve likely heard of an open house. These events give buyers a convenient way to tour properties in person without scheduling a private viewing. But walking into an open house showing unprepared can be intimidating, especially if you’re unsure what to expect.

So how do open houses work, and how can you make the most of them? This guide breaks down what to be ready for and how to weigh the pros and cons.

What’s an open house?

An open house in real estate is a scheduled event, usually lasting a few hours, where prospective buyers can tour a house for sale. These events allow listing agents to showcase their property to multiple buyers at once, giving it greater exposure without arranging private showings. Open houses typically take place during the first week a home is on the market to attract maximum buyer interest and build a sense of urgency. They may continue periodically if the home hasn’t sold.

Some people confuse a broker’s open house with a regular open house. The difference is that a broker’s open houses let real-estate professionals preview properties and recommend them to clients. A standard open house, on the other hand, welcomes anyone from the general public.

How do open houses work?

First, find out the time and address of the property you’re interested in. Once you arrive, you’ll see signs directing you to the open house. If the weather allows, the front door may be open — otherwise, knock and wait for someone to welcome you inside. The listing agent typically provides brochures and asks you to sign in.

Once inside, tour the home at your own pace. Keep an eye out for key features, potential issues, and layout suitability. Ask the agent questions or explore the property on your own. Then, leave whenever you want. Other potential buyers may be there at the same time, which can help you gauge demand and plan your next steps.

If you’re ready to make an offer, get pre-approved for a mortgage in as little as three minutes with Better. This approach helps you skip extra steps and move quickly when you find the right home.

...in as little as 3 minutes – no credit impact

Pros and cons of open houses

Open houses can be mutually beneficial for buyers and sellers. Buyers can see a home in a low-pressure environment, while sellers get to showcase their property to many potential buyers in a single day. But both parties face drawbacks, too.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of attending an open house.

Pros

— Convenience: There’s no need to schedule an appointment — just show up during the advertised hours.

— Less pressure: You can browse at your own pace without feeling rushed or forced to make a quick decision.

— Market insight: See how many other buyers are interested and gauge the competition.

— Neighborhood feel: An in-person visit lets you get a much clearer sense of the area than online photos can.

— Direct agent access: Talk to the listing agent directly and get answers to your questions.

Cons

— Security concerns: Some areas of the home may be off-limits, which can prevent you from seeing every part of the property.

— Uncommitted visitors: Not everyone who shows up is a serious buyer — some are nosy neighbors or simply curious. This can make it harder to gauge true interest in the home.

— Crowds: Popular listings can attract large groups, making it harder to view the property comfortably.

— Staged appearance: Homes are often professionally staged, which can give buyers a false sense of how the space functions in real life.

How to find open houses

Finding open houses is easier than ever thanks to digital tools and online advertising. Search local listings on real-estate websites like Zillow and Redfin to find homes that interest you.

You can also work with local real estate agents, who often get early access to new listings and upcoming open houses. While you don’t need to bring your realtor to an open house, they can give you extra details about the property so you know what to expect when you arrive.

How to prepare for an open house

Preparing for an open house event means setting clear expectations for what you want and don’t want. Here’s how to get ready:

— Do your research: Review the property online before you attend. Look at photos, floor plans, and neighborhood details.

— Bring a checklist of wants and needs: Make a list of features you love, your deal breakers, and questions for the listing agent.

— Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Pre-approval sets a clear budget so you can focus on homes in your price range and make confident offers.

— Take notes and photos: Touring several homes can blur details. Capture photos and jot down notes so you can compare properties later.

— Practice basic etiquette: Respect the seller’s home by keeping noise low and following any house rules from the agent.

Better’s easy-to-use online platform helps buyers get approved for flexible home financing with competitive rates in minutes. Go into the home-buying process knowing exactly how much you can afford.

...in as little as 3 minutes – no credit impact

Start the search for your dream home

Open house events are a core part of the homebuying process. They offer convenience, give you insight into how many buyers are in the market, and let you explore homes in a low-pressure environment. When you know what to expect and do some basic prep work, open houses can make your search easier and more enjoyable.

Ready to take the first step? With Better, you can get pre-approved quickly online for competitive rates and individualized home loans.

Get started with Better today, and shop with confidence.

...in as little as 3 minutes – no credit impact

FAQ

What happens at an open house?

At an open house, you walk through the home and see what it’s really like without any pressure. The listing agent greets you, provides a sign-in sheet or a brochure, and then lets you explore at your own pace. You can look for features you like (or don’t) and ask questions if anything comes up.

Can anyone go to an open house?

Yes. While open houses are intended for prospective buyers, anyone is welcome to attend. This includes those who aren’t even in the market for a new home and just want to browse.