Are Open Houses a Waste of Time? The Pros and Cons You Should Know

If you're getting ready to sell your home in Walnut Creek or anywhere in the East Bay, you've probably asked yourself:
“Should I do an open house?”

The answer: It depends—on your goals, your comfort level, and your real estate strategy.

Let’s break down the real pros and cons of open houses so you can decide if they’re worth your time—or just a real estate ritual that’s ready to fade away.

✅ PRO: Open Houses Can Attract Serious Buyers (Sometimes)

Open houses are designed to showcase your home to buyers in a low-pressure setting—often on a Saturday or Sunday when foot traffic is highest. When they work, they work well. We've seen buyers walk into an open house, fall in love, and submit an offer the next day.

They're especially helpful when:

• Buyers are early in their search and just want to explore neighborhoods.

• Their agent is out of town, and they want to see homes without scheduling appointments.

• They prefer flexibility and want to see homes at their own pace.

✅ PRO: Great for Agent Exposure

Here's some real talk: Open houses are often more valuable for your real estate agent than for you as the seller.

Agents use open houses to:

• Network with neighbors and hand out business cards.

• Connect with unrepresented buyers who may not buy your home—but could buy a home (with that agent’s help).

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s just worth knowing how open houses serve both parties.

❌ CON: Security Risks for Sellers

If you’re still living in your home, opening the door to dozens of strangers can be uncomfortable—and even risky.

Concerns include:

• Theft or property damage

• Visitors taking photos or videos of your personal space

• Lack of control over who comes in and how they behave

You should always remove valuables, medications, personal documents, and anything else you wouldn’t want to go missing.

❌ CON: They’re Not Required to Sell a Home

Here’s the truth: Open houses are not necessary to sell a home.

Most serious buyers schedule private showings with their agents. If someone is truly motivated to buy your home, they’re going to call their agent—or the listing agent—and book a private tour.

Private showings are more effective because:

• They give buyers time and space to really assess the home.

• They allow for detailed conversations without distractions.

• They keep the process safer and more secure for you.

❌ CON: Not Every Market Benefits From Open Houses

In high-demand markets like Walnut Creek or Lamorinda, homes often sell quickly based on MLS listings, marketing, and agent networks—not because of an open house.

And let’s be honest: sometimes open houses are filled with “looky-loos”—curious neighbors, browsers, or people with no intention of buying.

Are Open Houses Becoming Obsolete?

With technology advancing, private showings and virtual tours are becoming more common. Some sellers are already skipping open houses entirely and seeing great results.

Still, open houses aren’t gone yet. In the right situation—with the right home, the right location, and the right buyer traffic—they can work. But they’re no longer essential.

So, Are Open Houses a Waste of Time?

They can be.
But they can also be useful, depending on the specifics of your home and your strategy. The key is to have an honest conversation with your agent and weigh the benefits vs. the risks.

If you’re selling your home and want expert advice on marketing, pricing, and strategy—message us at Ask Brendan.
We’ll help you sell smarter, safer, and for the best price possible.