Do Open Houses Still Work?

Thinking about selling your house in Western Montana? One question I hear all the time is, "Do open houses still work?" The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Let’s dive into what works, what doesn’t, and how you can make the most of your selling strategy.

The Reality of Open Houses

I get it—open houses sound exciting. My sellers love them. The idea of dozens of potential buyers walking through your home can feel promising. But here’s the truth: the number one attendee at an open house is your neighbor.

Good or bad? A little of both.

Neighbors are often curious. They just want to snoop and see inside. But sometimes, they know someone who’s eager to move nearby—a friend, family member, or coworker. That casual conversation could help spread the word and attract a serious buyer.

However, only about 10% of visitors at open houses are truly qualified buyers. Most are just browsing, not ready to make an offer. So while open houses can generate buzz, they rarely seal the deal.

Word of Mouth: The Hidden Advantage

Although rare, I have seen homes sell because of open houses. Not often—but it happens. What they really do best is get people talking.

Neighbors chat with friends. Friends tell family. Word spreads fast in Western Montana communities. This casual, organic marketing can spark real interest down the line. If you want visibility, an open house isn’t worthless—it just might not deliver offers directly.

Why Broker Open Houses Work Better

When it comes to serious marketing, I prefer broker open houses. These events are targeted toward local real estate agents and brokers, not the general public.

Here’s why they matter:

• Agents know active buyers. They already have clients looking for homes just like yours.
• Wider exposure through agent networks. I encourage brokers to snap photos, post them on social media, and link back to their own websites. I don’t care whose site it is—I care that your home gets in front of more people.
• Speed matters. With today's tech (virtual tours, floor plans, photos), buyers do much of their shopping online. By the time they see your home in person, it’s usually their second look. Agents help fast-track this process.

Technology Has Changed the Game

Let's face it—buyers are researching online first. They scroll through listings, take virtual tours, and review floor plans before ever stepping foot inside. By the time an open house happens, serious buyers have often already made up their minds.

This doesn’t mean open houses are useless. They can still:

• Get your home seen by neighbors and passersby.
• Help local buyers who are just starting their search.
• Attract new clients for agents (which indirectly helps sellers, too).

But selling your house in Western Montana? That will likely happen through smart marketing, the right agent connections, and online exposure—not just an open house alone.

The Bottom Line: Open Houses Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle

If you’re ready to sell, think of open houses as a tool—not the whole strategy. For my sellers, I focus on what works:

• Broker open houses for maximum agent exposure.
• Leveraging technology for serious buyers.
• Encouraging word of mouth through neighbors and friends.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to host an event—it’s to sell your house in Western Montana quickly and for the best price.

If you want to create a customized plan that works for your home, I’d love to help. Together, we can combine modern marketing with neighborhood know-how to get your home sold.