Is Your Agent/Broker Pushing for an Open House?

Why Your Agent Suggests an Open House: The Hidden Message About Overpricing

If your real estate agent is encouraging you to hold an open house, it might not be the marketing strategy you think it is. In fact, it could be a red flag — a subtle way your agent is trying to tell you that your home is overpriced.

Here’s the truth most homeowners don’t hear: open houses rarely sell homes. They attract curious neighbors, unqualified buyers, and window shoppers — not serious offers. So why do agents push for them?

Because buyers are brutally honest. When your home sits on the market with minimal interest or feedback like “It’s nice, but not at that price,” your agent now has proof. They’re hoping the open house results will convince you to adjust your price to meet market expectations.

An overpriced home will sit longer, attract lowball offers, or worse — no offers at all. And every day it lingers, buyers start to wonder, “What’s wrong with it?”

The real purpose of an open house in today’s market? It’s not to sell your house. It’s to show you that your price is too high.

What to Do Instead:

• Listen to the market data. Your agent should provide a clear comparative market analysis (CMA).

• Price it right from the start. Homes priced correctly sell faster and for more money.

• Don’t rely on open houses as a marketing strategy. Leverage professional photos, online exposure, and targeted marketing instead.

  
  

If you’re hearing “Let’s do an open house” more than you’re hearing real strategy and pricing guidance, it might be time to re-evaluate your selling plan — and your asking price.