Are Open Houses Still Worth It? Why Home Sellers Shouldn’t Skip This Step

Why Open Houses Are Still A Powerful Tool For Selling Your Home

If you’re selling a home in Virgina—or anywhere in today’s digital-first world—you might be wondering: Are open houses still relevant?

After all, we live in an age where buyers can tour your home virtually from the comfort of their couch day or night. Between high-resolution photos, 3D walkthroughs, drone footage, and HQ video tours, it might feel like the in-person open house is outdated. But here’s the truth: open houses are far from dead. In fact, they can still be a game-changing part of your home-selling strategy—especially if you're in a community like Lake of the Woods, Wilderness Shores, or Somerset.

Let’s dive into why skipping an open house could mean leaving money—and opportunity—on the table.

The Digital Age Changed Real Estate—But Not Everything

There’s no denying it: most home buyers start their search online. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, over 99% of buyers look at homes on websites or mobile apps before ever setting foot in a house. That’s why your online presence matters—great high quality photos, a compelling well written description, and an engaging virtual tour can hook potential buyers and get your listing on their radar. But digital tools can only go so far.

Here’s the thing:

No amount of photos can replace the feeling of walking through a home.

Buyers want to see how sunlight pours through the kitchen windows at noon. They want to smell the fresh air from the back deck. They want to feel the space—whether the primary suite feels cozy or cramped, whether the living room flows well for hosting, and if the neighborhood noise level feels right. They also want experience how they will use the space and how their furniture fits.

That’s where the open house comes in to bridge the gap from digital to personal.

Who Benefits Most from Open Houses?

Open houses aren't just about convenience. They’re strategically designed to catch buyers at different stages of their journey:

✅ First-Time Home Buyers

For many first-time buyers, the process feels overwhelming. They’ve done the online research, but they don’t yet know what they really want. An open house gives them a no-pressure way to explore, ask questions, and picture themselves in the space—without needing an appointment or committing to an agent just yet.

✅ Military Families PCSing to Virginia

Military buyers relocating to the area on short timelines often use weekends to power through multiple showings. Open houses provide quick access to homes they’re considering—especially helpful when every minute of a house-hunting trip counts.

✅ Renters Becoming Homeowners

Many renters aren’t sure what they can afford or how far their money will go. Open houses let them test-drive different home styles and neighborhoods, helping them narrow down their wishlist.

✅ Serious Buyers Ready to Move Fast

Even the most committed buyers might hesitate to request a private showing. Open houses remove that barrier, giving them immediate access to the home. If they like what they see, they can act fast—and often do.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Open Houses Can Boost Your Sale Price

Let’s talk about results.

A well-executed open house can actually increase your home’s sale price. According to data from the National Bureau of Economic Research and industry studies:

• Homes with open houses sell for 1.7% to 2.1% more on average.

In a market like Locust Grove—where homes in Lake of the Woods or gated communities often come with unique features like golf course views or lake access—that increase can translate to thousands of extra dollars in your pocket.

Why does this work? Let’s break it down.

The Psychology Behind Open Houses

Open houses do more than showcase your home. They create a sense of urgency and competition. When buyers walk in and see other people touring the home, it adds subtle pressure:

• “This house must be in demand.”

• “If I like it, someone else probably will too.”

• “We can’t afford to wait.”

This atmosphere can be the difference between someone thinking about it for a week and someone submitting an offer that same day.

Plus, the casual, open environment allows people to linger longer. The more time someone spends in a space, the more emotionally attached they become. The more someone can see their own life unfolding in your home, the more likely they are to make an offer and as any good agent will tell you, emotion sells. 

What Makes an Open House Successful?

Not all open houses are created equal. A great one goes beyond putting up a sign and setting out some cookies.

Here’s what makes the difference:

✔ Strategic Timing

Scheduling your open house on a weekend—typically Saturdays between 11:00 and 1:00 PM or Sundays between 1:00 and 3:00 PM—helps you catch both serious buyers and casual lookers. If you're near a popular community, coordinating your open house with other local REALTORS® nearby can boost attendance.

✔ Proper Staging

Buyers need to see themselves living in your home. That’s why staging matters. Clean, declutter, and depersonalize each space. Your agent might also bring in accent furniture or fresh décor to highlight key features like a sunroom, primary bedrom, finished basement, or walk-in closet.

✔ Local Promotion

An experienced REALTOR® will market your open house on:

• MLS and syndicated real estate sites (like Zillow and Realtor.com)

• Local Facebook groups

• Instagram stories and reels

• Real estate email newsletters

• Directional signage throughout Locust Grove

All of this increases foot traffic, which boosts your chances of finding the right buyer.

What About Gated Communities?

Lake of the Woods is one of the most sought-after gated communities in Locust Grove, VA. With its 500-acre lake, beaches, golf course, and equestrian center, it attracts a wide range of buyers—from retirees to military families to first-time homeowners.

But it’s also a unique community. You can't just “drive by” and explore—you need to be let in at the gate. That makes open houses even more important here.

When you host an open house inside Lake of the Woods for example, (or simular neighborhoods like Fawn Lake) your listing agent arranges access in advance at the gate. Buyers can tour the home and experience the community—driving past the lake, checking out the clubhouse, and picturing themselves living that laid-back lifestyle.

It’s an experience no online photo can fully capture.

Final Thoughts: Are Open Houses Right for Your Home?

Open houses are not a magic bullet—but they are a powerful tool in your home-selling toolbox. Some sellers are skeptical—and understandably so. Maybe they’ve heard stories about people just coming in to look without serious interest. Maybe they’re worried about security. Or maybe they just don’t want to go through the hassle of preparing their home. Especially in markets  where homes range from new construction to lakefront estates, open houses can help you stand out and drive up your final sale price. When executed well, open houses aren’t about looky-loos—they’re about connecting your home with buyers who are eager to see it in person. "Open houses aren't about quantity. They're about quality exposure. You only need one serious buyer to fall in love."

Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or testing the market, skipping this step could mean missing a valuable opportunity to connect with real buyers in real time.