If you’ve bought or sold a home before, chances are you’ve encountered the term “open house.” For others, it may still feel like unfamiliar territory. While open houses can be a powerful tool for generating interest in a property, they come with their own set of pros and cons—especially if you don’t know who to expect walking through the door.
So, who actually attends open houses? And why should you care?
Understanding the types of people who show up can help you manage your expectations and better prepare for meaningful interactions—whether you’re a seller, agent, or even a buyer curious about your competition.
Here are the five most common types of open house attendees in real estate:
1. The Serious Buyer
This is the type of visitor every seller hopes to see: someone ready, willing, and able to make an offer. Serious buyers typically come pre-approved for a loan, understand the current lending environment, and are well-versed in the buying process. They know what they’re after and are actively hunting for it.
However, this group is less common at open houses than most people assume. Many serious buyers work closely with a buyer’s agent and may already be shortlisting properties privately—without needing to attend public inspections.
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2. The Real Buyer
This group includes individuals somewhere in the home-buying journey. Some are close to making an offer, while others are still testing the market. Either way, these attendees are genuinely interested in buying, just at different levels of readiness.
Subtypes of Real Buyers include:
- Emotional Buyers: These people are drawn in by feelings. They picture themselves living in the home, often driven by lifestyle changes like family growth, separation, or a fresh start.
- General Buyers: Your everyday house-hunters. They have the financial basics sorted but are still comparing location, price, and features.
- Bargain Buyers: Often investors, these individuals look for discounted properties—due to quick sales, financial distress, or separation events. They’re focused on getting value below market price.
3. The Curious Neighbour
This person isn’t looking to buy or sell—but they’ve been waiting for a chance to step inside. Maybe they live next door and want to compare renovations. Maybe they’re checking how much privacy they have from your deck. Or maybe, they’re just curious.
You’ll often spot them wandering through slowly, paying more attention to layout and materials than asking questions. While not a threat, they’re unlikely to be serious buyers.
4. The Other Agent
Buyers’ agents often attend open houses on behalf of their clients. Most are professional and respectful—but not all. Occasionally, you’ll witness awkward moments like agents criticising a property on the phone within earshot of others, creating discomfort for both sellers and fellow buyers.
Regardless, their presence often signals buyer interest from a more organised, pre-qualified source.
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5. The Professional Looker
This attendee is simply browsing. They might have seen the open house sign while walking by, or maybe they’re daydreaming about buying one day. These “window shoppers” often admit they’re not in the market and just want a peek.
They’re harmless, but not someone you should expect to convert into a sale.
Pros and Cons of Open Houses
Before you host or attend an open house, it’s smart to weigh up the potential benefits and risks.
Advantages
- Extra exposure for the property
- Opportunity for buyers to get hands-on experience
- Agents can meet new prospects
- No pressure environment for buyers
Disadvantages
- Attracts a wide range of unqualified visitors
- Can become overly crowded
- Risk of theft or property damage
- Low ratio of serious buyers
Open houses bring in a mix of curious neighbours, casual browsers, and—if you’re lucky—motivated buyers. The reality is that most attendees won’t be ready to make an offer on the spot. But with the right approach, they still serve a purpose: gathering interest, creating urgency, and giving buyers a chance to emotionally connect with the property.
By knowing who you’re likely to encounter, you can set your expectations and plan accordingly—whether you’re the host or simply considering a visit.
