Open House can help you sell your house but it is not the most essential factor you should consider. It is not the primary marketing tool that agents depend on when selling a property. In fact, most agents no longer consider holding an open house a viable option. Agents feel that having an open house is more like fishing for prospective clients and not potential buyers.

And yet, a number of homeowners and real estate agents continue the traditional practice of open houses, still firm in the belief that it will lure even a few prospective clients. Studies on the effectiveness of open houses have shown that it takes the agent and homeowner at least 65-75 hours of work to hold the opening, before a deal is ever closed. While an open house does take a lot of time and effort to do properly, many people still believe in the concept for valid reasons.

Agents you employ to sell your house may not consider an open house important because they may not regard selling your house as a top priority. They may also have to deal with other listings, and they may not show your property to a prospective buyer because they don't believe it is suitable for them. Buyers have also been know to change their minds, and most of the time they do it without telling the agent. But there are still people who prefer to find a house on their own, and that can often happen at an open house. If a buyer doesn't think the details in the listing are what they're looking for, they usually won't take the time to call for an appointment to see the house. This is not the case for open houses. Prospective buyers will be more likely to come and look at the house then, because an open house is basically a chance to inspect the property without any obligations attached.

Homeowners wonder if the cost of staging their house is worth the money and the effort for an open house. Sellers may also have the suspicion that their agents are only using the open house not as a way to get potential buyers, but as a method to secure other clients. Another concern of sellers pertains to the safety of their house and their belongings inside it. They fear that some of their belongings could be stolen during the open house, or that the house may be vandalized at a later date by someone who attended the event. Some homeowners do not want anyone to enter their house, period. They may only feel comfortable opening their home to serious buyers, and keeping potential thieves and nosy neighbors at bay. Depending on what your preference is, there are times that not having an open house is an easier choice for both the seller and the agent.

Here is an important advice, if the real estate market is hot, meaning houses are selling rapidly, then there is no need for an open house. The Internet can also be an very useful tool when selling your home. If you can post good quality pictures online, then having an open house would be redundant.