Sellers ask me constantly whether an open house is actually worth doing, and my honest answer is, it depends on your home and your goals.

What open houses actually accomplish

Open houses can create buzz and get more eyes on your home in a short window, especially the first weekend it's listed. But most serious buyers today find homes online first and schedule private showings, not open houses. So an open house works best as one piece of your marketing, not your whole strategy, and it works best on a home that's already staged well, since what staging actually changes and what it doesn't matters even more when strangers are walking through unannounced all afternoon.

Where I've seen open houses actually help is with homes in visible locations, homes priced right for their market, and homes that show well without much prep. If your home needs work to look its best, we're usually better off focusing that energy on private showings with serious, pre-qualified buyers instead.

Where open houses fit into a bigger strategy

An open house also tends to matter more in a competitive market, the kind where multiple offers are a real possibility, since a strong turnout weekend one can help build exactly that kind of competitive attention. In a slower market, the marketing dollars and effort sometimes go further elsewhere.

If you're getting ready to list and want a real strategy, not just a generic playbook, let's talk it through before we ever schedule a single showing.

Call or text (812) 360-3863, or visit LesaMillerRealEstate.com/Links, and let's figure out whether an open house actually makes sense for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do open houses actually sell homes?

Sometimes, but rarely on their own. Most serious buyers find homes online first and book a private showing rather than attending a general open house, so an open house works best as one piece of a broader marketing plan.

Is an open house worth it if my home needs repairs?

Usually not as the first move. If your home needs work to look its best, that effort is often better spent preparing for focused, private showings with serious buyers rather than a public open house.