Open House or Private Showing: Which Is Better?

"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."

"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."

Home sellers can choose between an open house and private showings to allow buyers to view the property. Open houses maximize visibility, create urgency and potential competition, and concentrate showings into a single time slot to reduce daily disruption. Open houses also risk attracting casual viewers, reduce control over who enters the home, and require preparations such as managing parking and securing valuables. Private showings target pre-qualified, serious buyers and provide a personalized experience that more often converts interest into offers. A combined approach—launch with an open house to generate buzz, then use private showings for qualified prospects—often yields the best sale price. Choice should reflect local market conditions, seller preference for control, and overall sales timeline.

Read at Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More