Do Open Houses Still Work in the Age of Virtual Tours?

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June 11, 2025

Do Open Houses Still Work in the Age of Virtual Tours?

The way people shop for homes has changed. Virtual tours are everywhere, making it easy to view listings from your phone or computer. With just a few clicks, you can “walk through” a house without leaving your couch. But with all this tech, a fair question still stands: Do open houses still work? If buyers can explore homes online anytime, is there a reason to host or attend an open house? In this article, you’ll get real answers. No fluff—just what works, what doesn’t, and what helps sell a home today.

Time needed: 7 minutes

What virtual tours offer that open houses don’t
Why do people still show up to open houses
Open houses still work for selling homes faster, sometimes
Virtual tours work best for the first impression
The smartest agents use both together
Should you still host or attend an open house?
What to look for in a virtual tour
The bottom line: it’s not a choice—it’s a strategy

What Virtual Tours Offer That Open Houses Don’t

Virtual tours have changed how homes are viewed. They make the early search faster, easier, and more flexible.

Here’s what they give you that open houses can’t:

View homes anytime, from anywhere—no need to rearrange your day.
See the layout in motion with 360° views and video walkthroughs.
Tour multiple homes in minutes without travel or stress.
Share the tour with family or friends instantly
Rewatch as many times as you need before making a decision.
Great for buyers living in another city or province.
Skip crowded open houses and awkward small talk.

While virtual tours don’t replace seeing a home in person, they make the first step quicker and more focused.

Why Do People Still Show Up to Open Houses

Even with all the tech, open houses haven’t disappeared. There’s still something about being there in person. Here’s why many buyers still make the trip:

Photos can’t show how a place feels—walking through tells a fuller story.
You notice things online tours miss, like smells, noises, or natural light.
It’s easier to picture your daily life in the space when you’re physically there.
You can explore the neighborhood before or after the visit.
Face-to-face time with the agent allows quick questions and honest answers.
Some buyers just trust their gut more when they’re on-site.
It’s a no-pressure way to see a place without booking a private showing.

Open houses offer something screens can’t—real-time reactions and a deeper sense of whether a home fits your life.

Open Houses Still Work for Selling Homes Faster—Sometimes

Open houses can still help move a property faster, especially when the price is right, and the home looks polished. They draw in a mix of browsers and serious buyers, and that foot traffic often creates a sense of urgency. Even casual visitors contribute to the energy around a listing, making it appear more in demand. More importantly, open houses give buyers a chance to speak directly with the agent and get all the answers to questions that don’t always show up in online listings—like the property’s history, current market value, utility costs, and maintenance expectations. These conversations often cover the key questions to ask your realtor before buying a home, so going in prepared helps you make the most of the visit.

Still, not every home needs an open house to sell. Some go quickly without one, while others require multiple private showings. The success of an open house depends on timing, presentation, and marketing, not just the event itself.

Virtual tours work best for the first impression

Virtual tours help buyers decide which homes to visit and which to skip. They give a quick, realistic feel for the space. You can see the layout, room sizes, finishes, and flow without ever stepping inside. That makes it easier to focus only on the homes that match what you’re looking for. With so many listings online, a strong virtual tour helps a home stand out in the first few seconds.

They also save time for everyone involved. As a buyer, you’re not driving across town for a home that clearly won’t work. As a seller, you’re not preparing the house for showings that lead nowhere. While a virtual tour can’t replace being there, it’s often all you need for that first yes or no. That early filter makes the next steps faster, clearer, and less frustrating.

The smartest agents use both together

Top agents know that virtual tours and open houses each play a role. Using both gives buyers a full experience. Here’s why mixing these tools works best :

Virtual tours attract more online viewers and spark early interest.
Open houses offer a chance to feel the home in person.
Combining both reaches a wider audience, including local and remote buyers.
Open houses create a sense of urgency that virtual tours can’t.
Agents can answer questions on the spot during open houses.
Sellers show confidence by offering both options.

When agents use virtual tours and open houses together, homes get more exposure and sell faster. It’s a balanced approach that meets different buyer needs.

Real estate agent shaking hands with buyer over the "Sold" sign

Should you still host or attend an open house?

Hosting an open house can be a smart move if you want to create more visibility quickly. It gives potential buyers a chance to drop by without scheduling a private showing. That can bring in neighbors who might know someone interested or buyers who prefer a casual visit first. Plus, an open house helps sellers spot serious interest early by seeing who shows up and how they react to the home.

Attending an open house is a low-pressure way for buyers to explore a property and its neighborhood. It also lets you compare similar homes in one day, helping you narrow down your options. Sometimes, the casual setting allows you to ask questions directly to the agent or seller, getting honest answers before making deeper decisions.

What to look for in a virtual tour

Virtual tours vary in quality and detail. When checking one out, keep these points in mind:

Clear, steady footage that shows the entire space.
Ability to navigate rooms easily, either by clicking or moving through the tour.
Good lighting that reflects the home’s true colors and condition.
Close-up views of important features like appliances, countertops, and flooring.
A floor plan or map to understand the layout better.
Inclusion of outdoor spaces like yards, patios, or balconies.
Audio or text descriptions explaining unique details or upgrades.

A virtual tour that hits these marks helps you get a real feel for the home. It makes your search more efficient and focused.

The bottom line: it’s not a choice—it’s a strategy

In today’s market, open houses still work when used as part of a balanced plan. They complement virtual tours by bringing energy and real-time interaction that screens can’t match. Whether you’re buying or selling, combining both methods gives you the best chance to connect, learn, and move quickly. Instead of choosing one over the other, think of them as teammates working together to help you reach your goal faster and smarter.

Valérie Lacasse

valerie@equipels.com

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Valérie has been a real estate broker for over 10 years. Passionate about the industry and Montreal, she is one of Montreal’s most influential brokers, guaranteeing expertise and comprehensive support to her clients.

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