Why an Open House is Important to Selling Your Home

Use an Open House as a Marketing Tool

Open houses are a powerful marketing tool that complements your full marketing plan—they're about creating buzz, visibility, and opportunity. When paired with smart pricing, great photos, and a strong online promotion, an open house will help sell your home faster and possibly even for more. 

1. Boosts Exposure in a Short Time

Timing your open house soon after going on MLS® helps build early momentum. When buyers see others walking through and expressing interest, it can lead to a sense of excitement and urgency—often resulting in quicker offers. Especially during the first weekend on the market, a busy open house shows demand and can bring multiple potential buyers through your home in one afternoon. 

2. Attracts Serious & Potential Buyers

Some buyers aren't ready to book a private showing but are still actively browsing. An open house gives them a no-pressure way to walk through your home—and for many, that’s the push they need to move forward. 

🏡 Buyers Ready to Purchase

These are buyers who are actively looking, possibly already pre-approved, and want to see what’s out there in person. An open house gives them a way to check out a home without booking a private showing just yet.

👀 Nearby Homeowners

They might not be buying, but they’re often curious about what a home is listed for, how it compares to theirs, or how it’s been renovated. While they’re not immediate prospects—they might know someone who’s interested!

💭 Early-Stage Buyers 

Some people use open houses as a way to start learning the market before getting serious. They might not have a mortgage pre-approval yet, but attending gives them a sense of what their money can buy. 

🛋️ Investors Scouting Opportunities

Investors are always on the lookout for properties that meet their criteria—whether it’s location, condition, potential rental income, or fix-and-flip value. Open houses give them a quick read on a property’s potential.

3. Targets the Neighborhood Buyer Pool

Many buyers attending open houses are looking at homes in a specific neighborhood, which they have already established what draws them to the area, such as the commute, ammenities or nearby schools and available transportation.

Another type of potential buyer within your neighborhood may be locals who are looking to upsize, downsize, or move within the community. They're already sold on the area—now they're just looking for the right property.

4. Creates a Personal Connection

Photos and videos are important, but nothing replaces the feeling of standing in a space. Open houses allow buyers to imagine themselves living there—whether it's morning coffee in the kitchen or kids playing in the backyard.

At an open house the marketing materials are designed to inform, engage, and leave a lasting impression on attendees. The most common types of marketing materials I create are, 

Property Flyers or Brochures

• Highlight's key features - price, square footage, number of rooms, amenities.

• Include's high-quality photos and a brief description.

• Has my contact information.

Sign-In Sheets or Digital Check-In

• A sign-in sheet to collect visitor info for follow-up.

• An iPad or QR code used for digital sign-in.

 Listing Packets

• More detailed documents including floor plans, recent upgrades, neighborhood data, and comparable listings.

Property Disclosures

• A requirement in some places; outlines any known issues with the property.

Area Maps or Community Guides

• Show nearby schools, parks, shopping centers, public transport.

5. Feedback and Insight

Open houses can capture valuable feedback on the home's condition, pricing, or features. If there's a consistent comment (e.g., "The kitchen feels dark"), it helps you adjust strategy quickly. 

How I Make Your Open House Stand Out

• Strategic Timing - Choosing the best day and time based on buyer traffic and competition.

• Targeted Promotion - Marketing your open house across MLS® or realtor.ca, social media, in digital and print with Winnipeg Real Estate News and Winnipeg Free Press, within my brokerage, and signage to drive traffic.

• Professional Presentation -  Ensuring your home create's a welcoming feel—lighting, music, staging, decluttering, even the curb appeal matters!

• Follow-Up with Potential Buyers - After the open house, I follow up with every visitor, answer questions, and gauge serious interest.

Where Open Houses Are Advertised in Winnipeg

🖥️ Realtor.ca

One of the most trusted national platforms—open houses are posted with date/time alongside your listing.

🏡 Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board (WRREB) Site

Buyers can filter listings by open house date on wrreb.ca, making it easy to find scheduled showings.

📱 Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)

I promote open houses with eye-catching posts and reels that target active home shoppers in your area.

📰 Winnipeg Free Press

An online and in print advertisement will be created. The Saturday edition of the Winnipeg Free Press includes a comprehensive real estate section, which is where most open houses are featured.

📬 Emails to My Buyer List & Agent Network

I send open house invites directly to qualified buyers and agents within my brokerage who may have interested clients.

🚩 Street & Neighbourhood Signage

Signs drive local traffic and grab attention from curious neighbours or weekend explorers.

🖨️ Print Flyers 

As an aoption, I may drop flyers in nearby mailboxes to alert local homeowners and potential buyers.

The most effective open house promotions combine online reach with local visibility. I tailor the marketing strategy based on your property type and buyer profile.

Thinking about selling this season? Let’s plan an open house strategy that gets results.