In a digital age where listings are available with a few taps on a phone, you might wonder—are open houses still worth it? At Quinte Living, we believe they are.
An open house creates a low-pressure opportunity for potential buyers to experience a home in person, without the need to book a private showing. They allow for flexibility, spontaneity, and accessibility whether it’s a local buyer wandering in, an out-of-town client previewing homes and neighbourhoods before deciding where to move, or even a parent scouting for their child, open houses open doors—literally and figuratively.
In 2024, two of our listings sold directly to buyers who first visited at an open house. And we’ve already seen success in 2025. When done well, open houses are a powerful marketing tool.
Getting Ready: Open House Prep Tips for Sellers
Preparing your home for an open house is similar to getting it ready for listing photos—you want it to look its best and leave a strong first impression. Open houses give buyers a chance to explore the space in a relaxed setting, so your home should feel clean, inviting, and easy to picture themselves in. A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to get your house ready:
Clear Surfaces
Remove everything from countertops, vanities, and open shelves. Keep it minimal so buyers can focus on the space—not your things.
Hide Personal Belongings
Put away family photos, paperwork, and items that might distract or make buyers feel like they’re intruding.
Contain the Clutter
That stack of mail on the table, dog bowls in the kitchen, or the overflowing coat rack? Tidy it all up. Clean and simple is key.
Open Up the Space
Leave interior doors open, turn on all the lights, and make sure the path through your home feels open and inviting.
Manage Pets and Odours
Remove litter boxes, bowls, toys, and bedding. If possible, take pets out during the open house.
Add a Touch of Warmth
Fresh flowers, subtle music, or a clean scent (not too strong!) can enhance the experience.
What to Expect When Hosting With Quinte Living
When you work with us, we never double-end a sale. That means your listing agent always represents you—and only you. We do not represent buyers on our own listings. Open houses are hosted by a trusted partner within our brokerage, RE/MAX Quinte, who’s able to represent an interested buyer if one walks through the door.
We advertise open houses through:
- MLS listings
- Social media posts and ads
- Local newspapers
- Email campaigns
- Our internal buyer databases
- Personal invites and agent-to-agent word of mouth
We don’t require sign-ins, which helps create a more open and welcoming atmosphere for buyers.
Open houses are typically held for two hours on weekends between 10 AM and 4 PM, but weekday evenings can also be effective depending on the home and time of year. And yes, light snacks like cookies may be served depending on the vibe of the home—but that’s not the main course. The house is.
Want to Know If an Open House is Right for Your Home?
Every listing is different. At Quinte Living, we build personalized marketing plans that match your goals. Curious if an open house could help your sale? Reach out for a free consultation—we’re happy to chat.
Actively looking for a new home? Here’s a list of upcoming open houses in the area:
If you’re a buyer interested in exploring local open houses, we maintain an up-to-date list of upcoming events in the Bay of Quinte, Prince Edward County, Belleville, and surrounding areas. You can access the most up to date list of open houses in the Bay of Quinte area by clicking here. Whether you’re actively house hunting or just getting a feel for the market, it’s a great place to start.
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