Open House: What It Is, How It Works, Benefits & Challenges
by Bright Ugochukwu
Apr 16, 2025
In today’s competitive property market, especially in a city like Lagos, sellers and real estate agents always look for more innovative ways to close deals faster.
One popular strategy is hosting an open house.
But what exactly is an open house, and is it worth the effort?
Does it guarantee a quick sale for sellers? Is it the best way for buyers to find a dream home? And does it offer hidden opportunities for real estate investors?
Our article breaks down everything you need to know about open houses—from:
Whether you’re a home seller, buyer, or an investor, our guide will help you make informed decisions.
Open House Overview
What is an Open House?
An open house is a scheduled period when a property is open to the public for viewing. It allows potential buyers to tour the home without making an appointment.
Typically, the seller’s real estate agent hosts the event, answering questions and highlighting features about the property.
Purpose of an Open House
The goal of an open house is to generate interest and create buzz.
Bringing in several potential buyers simultaneously creates a sense of urgency and competition. It’s also an efficient way to show a home to many prospects in one go.
In Lagos, open houses are common in high-demand areas like Lekki, Ikoyi and Victoria Island. But are they effective? Let’s find out.
How Does an Open House Work?
Preparing for an Open House
Proper preparation is key to a successful open house.
For Sellers
- Declutter and clean: A spotless home creates a good first impression.
- Depersonalize the space: Remove personal items to help buyers imagine themselves in the home.
- Fix minor repairs: Leaky taps, cracked tiles? Fix them first!
- Stage the home: Add fresh flowers, set the table, and make the space feel warm.
Pro Tip: Declutter and depersonalize your space. Buyers want to picture themselves living there — not feel like guests in your life.
For Real Estate Agents
- Research the neighbourhood: Be ready to answer location-specific questions.
- Create a marketing plan: Promote the open house online, through social media, and on top property listings websites.
- Prepare brochures and sign-in sheets: Capture visitor details for follow-up.
- Pick the right time – Weekends (11 AM – 3 PM) work best in Lagos.
During the Open House
Activities & Expectations
- Guided tours –The agent may offer guided tours or allow free exploration.
- Refreshments – Light Refreshments might be provided to make guests feel welcome.
- Answer questions – Be ready for pricing, maintenance fees, and security concerns.
Pro Tip: Keep the atmosphere calm with soft music, light scents (like vanilla or citrus), and open curtains for natural light. It sets a positive tone.
Role of the Host (Agent or Seller?)
- Agents usually host – They’re trained to handle objections.
- Sellers should leave – Buyers feel awkward with owners around.
After the Open House
Follow-Up Strategies
- Contact every visitor: Thank them and ask for feedback within 24 hours.
- Gauge interest levels: Identify serious buyers.
- Inform the seller: Share insights, comments, and potential leads.
Pro Tip: Always collect visitor feedback — even from uninterested buyers. Their comments can reveal what to improve before your next showing.
Advantages of an Open House
Benefits for Sellers
Increased Exposure – An open house gives your property maximum visibility. More eyes on your home can lead to faster offers.
Convenience for Potential Buyers – Buyers can stop by without setting appointments. This convenience can attract casual visitors who become serious buyers.
Benefits for Buyers
Low-Pressure Viewing – Buyers can explore freely without the pressure of a private showing.
Opportunity to Explore Multiple Homes – If several open houses are scheduled in a neighbourhood, buyers can compare options easily.
Benefits for Real Estate Agents
Lead Generation – Open houses help agents meet new clients, even if they aren’t interested in the current listing.
Networking – Agents can also build relationships with local buyers and neighbours.
| Stakeholder | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Sellers | Increased exposure, Convenience for buyers |
| Buyers | Low-pressure viewing, Explore multiple homes |
| Real Estate Agents | Lead generation, Networking, Brand visibility |
Disadvantages of an Open House
Challenges for Sellers
Security Risks – Opening your home to strangers poses a risk. Valuables can be stolen, and your privacy is exposed.
No Guarantee of Sale – Most people attending open houses are not ready to buy a property.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), only 4% of buyers find their homes through an open house.
Drawbacks for Buyers
Competition & Crowds – You may be viewing the property with many others, making it hard to inspect every detail.
Limited Time – You can not inspect a house deeply in 10-25 minutes.
Challenges for Real Estate Agents
Time-Consuming – Planning and hosting an open house takes time and effort that might not lead to a sale.
Unqualified Buyers – Many attendees are just curious or “window shopping,” and not serious about buying.
| Stakeholder | Main Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Sellers | Security risks, No guaranteed sale |
| Buyers | Crowds, Competitive atmosphere |
| Real Estate Agents | Time-consuming, Attracts unqualified buyers |
Tips for a Successful Open House
For Sellers & Agents
Staging & Presentation
- Make your space shine. Clean, decorate, and fix minor issues.
- Use pleasant scents and good lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Marketing & Promotion
- Promote online through social media, WhatsApp groups, property sites, and email lists.
- Use signs, flyers, and banners around the neighbourhood to draw in foot traffic.
Pro Tip: Promote your open house across social media — especially estate and community groups in Lagos. It boosts local reach.
For Buyers
- Come Early – Beat the crowd.
- Ask questions – Inquire about the home’s condition, history, and reason for sale.
- Take notes and photos – This helps when comparing properties later.
- Talk to the agent – Even if you’re not interested, it’s a good way to start building a network.
Final Verdict About Open Houses
An open house can be a powerful tool in real estate, especially in markets like Lagos, where demand is high and buyers want fast access to options.
But it’s not a magic bullet. While it can increase exposure and generate interest, there’s no guarantee it will lead to a sale.
If you’re a seller, staging and promotion are key. If you’re a buyer, use open houses to your advantage by doing your homework and networking. And if you’re an agent, view each event as both a sales and marketing opportunity.
In the end, an open house is one of many tools you can use to succeed in real estate. Use it wisely, and it can tip the odds greatly in your favour.
FAQs
Should you stage an Open House?
Yes, staging can help your home look its best, make it more inviting, and help potential buyers visualise living in the space. It can also increase your chances of getting offers.
Can anyone go to an Open House?
Yes, open houses are open to the public. Anyone can walk in during the scheduled time, even if they are not serious buyers.
How long does an Open House last?
Typically, an open house lasts 1 to 3 hours, depending on the property type, location, and turnout expectations.
Do Open Houses actually sell homes?
Sometimes, but not always. Only about 4% of buyers find their home through an open house, according to the National Association of Realtors. It’s more of a marketing and lead-generation tool.
What should you serve at an Open House?
Light refreshments like bottled water, juice, cookies, or small snacks are ideal. They create a welcoming atmosphere without making a mess.
Should I attend an Open House without an agent?
Yes, you can attend without an agent. It’s a low-pressure way to explore properties and ask questions directly from the listing agent. However, if you’re seriously interested, it’s smart to involve your agent later.
