🏡 What Is an Open House in Real Estate?

An open house is a scheduled event where a property for sale is opened to the public, allowing potential buyers to tour it without a private appointment. Open houses are a key marketing tool that helps generate buyer interest, collect feedback, and sometimes even start a bidding war.

How Open Houses Work

During an open house, sellers or their agents invite buyers to view the property within a set timeframe—usually a few hours on weekends. The goal is to create competition and make the home more appealing through exposure.

  • Buyers can freely explore the property and ask questions.
  • Sellers get feedback and gauge buyer interest.
  • Agents or FSBO sellers using Brokerless can collect contact info for follow-ups.

With Brokerless, FSBO sellers can list on the MLS and advertise their open house on top sites like Zillow and Realtor.com to attract more buyers.

Benefits of Hosting an Open House

An open house can make your listing stand out, especially in competitive markets. It gives buyers a chance to connect emotionally with the property and visualize themselves living there.

  • Increases buyer exposure and urgency.
  • Encourages multiple offers through visibility.
  • Lets sellers showcase the best features of their home in person.

Timing matters — check out the best time to host an open house for maximum turnout.

Tips for FSBO Sellers Hosting an Open House

  • Clean and declutter your home to make a strong first impression.
  • Use natural light and light staging to enhance appeal.
  • Print flyers or QR codes linking to your open house listing on Brokerless.
  • Follow up promptly with visitors who express interest.

Open houses can help FSBO sellers compete directly with agent listings — and Brokerless makes that easier by giving you full MLS exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Open Houses

Do I need to list on the MLS to host an open house?
Yes — MLS listings reach the most buyers and syndicate to Realtor.com and Zillow automatically when you list through Brokerless.

How long should an open house last?
Typically, 2–3 hours on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon is ideal for maximum traffic.

Can a FSBO seller host an open house without an agent?
Absolutely. Brokerless gives sellers all the MLS visibility they need to promote their open house independently.