Do Open Houses Still Work in 2025? The Truth About Home Showings

In 2025, homebuyers have more ways than ever to explore listings—from virtual tours to social media walkthroughs. So, are traditional open houses still effective? The answer: Yes, but only when done right.

As an experienced South Surrey & White Rock Realtor, I, Omeed Ghafori, have helped countless sellers attract buyers through smart marketing strategies. Let’s break down the real role of open houses in today’s market and how to make them work for your home sale.

1. The Evolution of Home Showings

🖥️ Virtual Tours & 3D Walkthroughs – Buyers now explore homes online first, filtering their choices before attending in-person showings. 📱 Social Media Marketing – Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are influencing buyer decisions before they even step inside a home. 🚗 Private Showings – Serious buyers often schedule exclusive viewings with their agents rather than attending open houses.

So, does this mean open houses are obsolete? Not quite. While they may not be as essential as before, they still serve key purposes in certain situations.

2. When Open Houses Work Best

Open houses remain effective when:

✅ Your home is in a high-demand area – If there’s strong buyer interest, an open house can generate competition and multiple offers. ✅ You want maximum exposure – Open houses get your home in front of buyers who may not have booked a private showing. ✅ Your property is unique – If your home has standout features that need to be seen in person, an open house can highlight them. ✅ Targeting first-time buyers – Many first-time buyers don’t have agents yet, and an open house can be their first step toward purchasing.

💡 Pro Tip: Weekend open houses tend to attract casual browsers, while weekday evening showings often bring serious buyers.

3. Why Some Open Houses Flop (And How to Avoid It)

🚫 Wrong timing – Scheduling during a major event or bad weather can reduce attendance. 🚫 Lack of marketing – If no one knows about your open house, no one will show up! Proper promotion is key. 🚫 Unprepared home – Cluttered, unstaged homes fail to make an impression. Your home should look its best.

💡 What I Do Differently: I market open houses strategically through targeted online ads, email campaigns, and social media to attract the right buyers, not just random visitors.

4. The Alternative: Private & Virtual Showings

Many buyers in 2025 prefer scheduled private showings over public open houses. This allows them to tour the home at their own pace without crowds.

📹 Virtual Tours – High-quality 3D home tours and video walkthroughs can attract out-of-town or busy buyers. 🗓️ Exclusive Showings – A private event with serious buyers can create a sense of urgency and increase offers.

💡 Thinking of selling? I create custom showing strategies that fit your home’s needs, whether that means a well-executed open house or exclusive showings.

5. The Bottom Line: Should You Host an Open House?

🔹 Yes, if: Your home is in high demand, you're targeting first-time buyers, or you want maximum exposure. 🔹 No, if: Your market is slow, security is a concern, or private showings will be more effective.

📞 Let’s find the best approach for your home! Call or text me, Omeed Ghafori, at 778-316-7506, or visit www.OmeedGhafori.com to discuss the best selling strategy in 2025.

🚀 Ready to sell? Let’s make sure your home gets the attention it deserves!