Open House or Private Showing: Which Is Better?

Key takeaways

• Open houses are a powerful tool for generating fast buzz, maximizing visibility, and driving high-volume traffic in a short window of time.
• Private showings are best reserved for serious, pre-qualified buyers and offer a targeted, personalized experience that often leads directly to an offer.
• A combined strategy, using an open house for launch and private showings for serious prospects, is often the most effective way to maximize your sale price.

Deciding how to showcase your home to potential buyers is an important consideration in the selling process. As a seller, you have two primary options for allowing buyers to view your property: a traditional open house or a private showing. 

Both methods are effective for generating interest and securing an offer, but they achieve these goals in very different ways. As you prepare to sell your home in Salt Lake City or Rockford, this Redfin real estate article will help you choose the right approach, depending on your market, your desire for control, and your overall sales timeline. 

Open house: maximizing visibility and generating buzz

For sellers, an open house is an excellent way to kickstart the sales process and build momentum. It creates a sense of urgency and competition among potential buyers. When people see others viewing the property, they often feel pressured to act quickly, which can encourage faster offers or even a bidding war. It also focuses showings into a convenient time slot, reducing the disruption to your daily life.

The downside is the lack of control over who walks through your home. It can attract casual viewers who are not serious about buying, which means foot traffic without a guaranteed return. You must also prepare the home for a large audience, which may include managing parking and ensuring all valuables are secured.

Private showing: catering to the serious buyer

A private showing is necessary for converting strong interest into a final offer. Since pre-qualified buyers arrange these appointments through an agent, you can be sure that the visitors are serious about purchasing a home. This controlled environment allows them to focus without the distraction of other viewers, giving them a chance to envision themselves living in the space.

This method also provides a valuable feedback loop. Because the buyer’s agent is present, your listing agent can often get more detailed, honest feedback on the price, condition, or staging of your home. This information can be critical if you need to make adjustments to your sales strategy. The main inconvenience is the need for flexibility, as you may have to vacate your home multiple times per week for individual appointments.

What is the difference between an open house and a private showing?

An open house is a promotional event where your home is available for public viewing during a set block of time, typically on a weekend. This is a low-barrier way for anyone, from curious neighbors to prospective buyers, to walk through the property without an appointment. It is designed to quickly expose your listing to a large number of people at once.

A private showing is a scheduled, one-on-one appointment. This viewing is arranged through your agent and the buyer’s agent for a specific time. It is a highly controlled environment where only the potential buyer, their agent, and sometimes a family member are present. This personalized approach gives a serious buyer dedicated time to inspect the home.

Which method should you prioritize?

The most successful sellers typically utilize both strategies. Think of the open house as your grand opening. Use it within the first week of listing to draw a crowd and capture initial interest. 

After the initial buzz, private showings become your focus. These are the high-value appointments that should lead to the purchase agreement. If a buyer views your home at an open house and then requests a private showing, they have mentally moved from casually looking to seriously considering an offer, and you should prioritize accommodating their request.

Frequently asked questions

Should I be home during a private showing?

No, you should always leave your home during both open houses and private showings. Buyers need to feel comfortable discussing the property and seeing themselves living there. Your presence can make them feel rushed or awkward, which detracts from their experience.

Do open houses attract a lot of non-serious buyers?

Yes, open houses often draw casual viewers, neighbors, and people who are just starting their home search. While this means more traffic, it also serves a marketing purpose by getting your home noticed and talked about within the community.

How far in advance should I schedule an open house?

You should plan your open house to take place within the first few days or the first weekend of the home being listed. Early exposure is key to generating momentum and encouraging fast offers.

Can I set requirements for private showings?

Absolutely. Through your listing agent, you can require that buyers be pre-approved for a mortgage before you accept a private showing request. This ensures that only financially serious candidates are spending time in your home. If time is a concern, you can also set up specific time slots for private showings that fit your schedule.

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