Key takeout
Open houses give buyers the opportunity to tour the house without pressure. You can find open houses through real estate websites, apps and more. Prepared with questions and notes will help you make the most of each visit. It is best to make the right decision by following up with your agents after attending.
Finding your dream home may feel overwhelming, but open houses make the process easier and more enjoyable. They give you the opportunity to explore your home directly, feel the neighborhood and imagine living there.
If you’re wondering if you’re looking for a condo in Philadelphia, PA, or if you’re a townhouse in Kansas City, Missouri, or browsing a home in Cincinnati, Ohio, the good news is that there are plenty of tools and resources available to help you.
Why do you need to attend an open house?
Before diving into how to find them, it’s worth understanding why open houses are important. These events give buyers a low pressure opportunity to tour the property without booking. You can compare different houses one afternoon, ask your agents directly about open house questions, and observe details you may not notice in the photos. Open Houses also provide competitive insights by showing how many other buyers are interested in the same property.
How to find an open house
There are several reliable ways to track open houses in your area.
1. Real Estate Websites and Apps
The easiest way to find an open house is to use a popular real estate platform. Redfin allows you to filter your lists specifically to the homes that host open houses. Also, the Redfin app allows you to set up alerts so you don’t miss new opportunities.
2. Local Multilisting Services (MLS)
Most real estate agents list open house schedules via MLS. This is a database of market properties. While the public is not always directly accessible, many broker websites are drawn from MLS, so you can see these details online.
3. Your Real Estate Agent
Working with real estate agents makes the process even easier. Agents often know about open houses before being widely promoted. They can recommend something worth your time based on your budget and needs.
4. Social Media
Many agents promote open houses on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor. Following local agents or community groups can help you discover events that may not appear on larger real estate websites.
5. Nearby Drive Bee
The easiest way is to run through the area of interest. Agents often place signs in busy corners to attract buyers, and may stumble into open houses just by exploring.
Tips for making the most of your open house
Once you know how to find an open house, it’s important to prepare them. There are several ways to make the most of your visit.
Bring a notebook or use your mobile phone to write down your impressions of each home. If allowed, take photos so you can remember the details later. Pay attention to layout, natural light, storage space and overall condition. Don’t be afraid to ask a listing agent about a property, neighborhood, or recent updates. Beware of other visitors and respect the seller’s home.
>> Read the 8 Open House Etiquette Tips
What to do after attending an open house?
Once you’ve visited a few houses, take your time to check your notes and narrow down your favorites. Discuss what you saw with your agent. They can help you dig deeper into pricing, property history and potential offers. Even if your home doesn’t fit properly, every open house will help you learn more about your preferences and the local market.
FAQS: How to find an open house?
How do you know if an open house is worth attending?
Please look at the list details and photos before you go. It is usually worth a visit if your home meets basic criteria for size, price and location.
Can I go to an open house without a real estate agent?
Yes, you can participate in the open house yourself. However, bringing an agent with you can help you ask questions you may not have thought of and provide guidance later.
Read >> Can I join an open house without an agent?
Are open houses only held on weekends?
Although weekends are most common, some agents schedule weekday or evening open houses to accommodate a variety of schedules. Checking the list regularly will help you catch these.
Do I need to sign in at the Open House?
Most agents ask visitors to sign in. This allows you to follow up on details and provide the seller with a record of who toured the house.
Can attending an open house help me if I’m not ready to buy yet?
absolutely. Even if you’re a few months away from making an offer, visiting an open house can help you learn what you like and what fits your budget. It also offers practice to compare homes and neighborhoods.
