"Open houses don't work. They only attract nosy neighbours."
It's a comment we hear from time to time, and it's easy to understand why people think that. Buyers have more information at their fingertips than ever before. They can browse listings on REALTOR.ca®, scroll through social media, watch video tours, and view floor plans without ever leaving the couch.
So, if buyers are doing so much online, do open houses still have a place?
We are here to tell you that they 100% do.
In fact, one of our most recent listings in Dartmouth, sold to buyers who first discovered the home during the open house. They hadn't booked a private showing. They came through the open house, connected with the property, and ultimately submitted an offer with their Realtor®. Had we skipped the open house because "they don't work anymore," there's a good chance those buyers would never have stepped through the front door.
That sale reminded us that buyers don't all shop for homes the same way, and most buyers like to touch and feel
Every Buyer Shops Differently
Based on age, demographic, location and a number of other factors, every buyer shops differently.Some people book a private showing the day a new listing comes on the market. Others spend weeks browsing REALTOR.ca®, following new listings on social media, or driving through neighbourhoods they like.
Then there are buyers who simply aren't ready to book a private appointment.
Maybe they're still narrowing down their options. Maybe they're worried about wasting an agent's time if they're not serious enough. Or maybe they just prefer the relaxed atmosphere of an open house, where they can take their time and decide if a property is worth pursuing.
Those buyers matter too.
Getting Your Home in Front of More Buyers
When selling a home in Nova Scotia, our goal is always the same: get your property in front of as many qualified buyers as possible. That is why, for each and every listing we create a custom marketing mix.The marketing mix is a combination of traditional marketing efforts (lawn signs, open houses, and brokerage outreach) coupled with an online and digital presence (social media reels, advertising, Facebook targeted posts). This mix allows for buyers of different backgrounds and demographics to discover the listing and learn more about it.
Through this approach we have attracted buyers from other provinces and countries to our listings, and also buyers who live next door and are local. Ultimately creating an environment of success for our clients when the SOLD sign goes up on their front lawn.
Are Open Houses Right for Every Home?
Not necessarily.Every property is different. The location, price point, type of home, and current market all help determine whether an open house makes sense.
Sometimes private showings are the better option. Other times, an open house introduces the home to buyers who may never have booked an appointment on their own.
The important thing isn't whether every listing has an open house. It's choosing the approach that gives each property the best chance of being seen.
Final Thoughts
Do open houses sell every home?No.
But saying they don't work simply isn't true either.
Like professional photography, online marketing, private showings, and social media, they play a role in helping buyers discover a home.
As our recent sale reminded us, sometimes all it takes is giving the right buyer the opportunity to walk through the front door.
If you're thinking about selling your home in Halifax, Dartmouth, Truro, or anywhere in Nova Scotia, we'd be happy to talk about whether an open house makes sense for your property and your goals.
If you found this article helpful, be sure to explore some of our other blogs below, where we share practical advice for buyers and sellers across Nova Scotia.