Will an Open Inspection Help Sell My House?

Selling a house in South Australia in 2024 just feels different, doesn’t it?

Buyers are more tech-savvy, the market’s constantly shifting and evolving, and new digital tools like virtual tours are becoming more and more popular.

So, you might be wondering: Are traditional open houses still effective, or are they a thing of the past?

With more and more buyers embracing digital methods to search for property, it’s tempting to think that traditional open home inspections might be fading out.

Some vendors might even be wondering whether they should bother with them at all.

However, the reality is more nuanced.

Here, we explore whether open homes still have a place in modern selling strategies, how they compare to digital alternatives like virtual tours, and help you decide which approach will get the best results for your property.

What are open home inspections?

An open home inspection is a scheduled event where multiple potential buyers can walk through a property at the same time.

The idea behind this traditional selling strategy is to create a welcoming environment where buyers can freely explore the home, ask questions, get a feel for the space and—ideally—encourage some healthy competition and urgency around your sale.

Simple, right?

But do traditional open homes still work in today’s digital-first world?

According to Natalie Jones, Sales Director at We Connect Property, they do—but only if done right.

“Open homes give potential buyers the opportunity to connect emotionally with your property,” Natalie explains.

“They get to imagine what their own life could be like living there, and that often drives higher interest.”

For many, seeing a home in person, touching the fixtures and feeling the atmosphere firsthand can have a powerful impact on their decision-making.

It’s not just about showing off the space; it’s about creating an experience—and that’s something even the best virtual tour can’t always pull off.

What’s the difference between private inspections vs. open homes?

So, what about private inspections?

Private inspections are where individual buyers are invited to physically view the home at a mutually convenient time.

Some sellers prefer them because they feel more personal, and they let serious buyers come through without all the fuss of a crowded open home.

You or your real estate agent get one-on-one time with each buyer, which can feel more exclusive and controlled.

They can also be ideal for vendors seeking a quieter, less intrusive process.

But open homes often generate more foot traffic, attract multiple buyers at once and, often, lead to quicker sales.

They also create more of a ‘buzz’, bringing in buyers who might be on the fence but get swayed by seeing other people checking out the place.

Natalie is pragmatic when it comes to making a choice between one or the other.

“Every property is different. With private inspections, we can build a stronger connection with serious buyers who are further along in their decision-making.

“Open homes, on the other hand, create excitement and give us the chance to attract a wider audience—sometimes including buyers who didn’t even know they were in the market until they stepped inside.

“Plus, when buyers see others showing interest, it often pushes them to make decisions faster.”

So in a market like South Australia’s, where competition can be fierce, an open home might be just the push a buyer needs.

The role of a real estate agent

You might think an open house is just unlocking the door and letting people wander in.

But there’s a lot more that goes into making an open home successful.

A lot goes on behind the scenes to make it run smoothly, and this is where a real estate agent's expertise becomes invaluable.

An agent helps set the stage—literally.

From carefully timing the event to making sure your home looks its best and managing the flow of visitors, they take care of the details that can make or break a successful open house.

“A great first impression at an open home inspection can see serious offers made within days—or even hours,” says Natalie.

Having a professional who knows how to create the right atmosphere and engage potential buyers in a way that keeps the momentum going after the open house ends is key.

By guiding the process, an agent can help sellers navigate everything from staging their home to securing the best possible price.

And who doesn’t want that?

Are traditional open homes becoming obsolete?

Virtual home tours are popping up everywhere, and it’s easy to see why.

The onset of COVID-19 in 2020 saw many people unable (or unwilling) to attend in-person open homes.

But while this digital alternative seemed novel for a while, the trend has continued.

Why? They’re convenient!

In their simplest form, virtual tours allow buyers to "walk through" a property from the comfort of their own homes whenever it suits them best.

A virtual tour lets potential buyers explore your home at their own pace, without needing to be there in person—they can check out homes anytime, anywhere, with no need to book a visit.

Virtual tours also make it easier for interstate or international buyers to view properties they otherwise might not have considered, and they’re especially suited to a generation of younger, more tech-savvy homebuyers who often prefer the convenience of browsing properties online and are accustomed to shopping online.

But does that mean open homes are on their way out? Not quite.

"While virtual tours are fantastic for showcasing a home to buyers outside the area, we still find that not everyone wants to rely on a digital impression. Many local buyers still want to physically walk through the space themselves before they make a decision," says Natalie.

“That’s because there’s something about seeing a home in person—the atmosphere, the light, the feel and flow of the place—that can’t be fully appreciated through a screen.

"At We Connect Property, we make sure we’re set up to meet buyers where they’re most comfortable, whether that’s in-person or online," Natalie says.

The power of combining traditional and digital open home inspections

So what’s the best approach for your property?

The good news is, you don’t have to choose!

With each strategy offering its own unique benefits, combining both often works best—virtual tours to pull in interest, and traditional open homes to offer serious buyers the full experience.

Taking a hybrid approach means you won’t miss out on anyone, no matter how they prefer to shop for a home.

By casting a wider net—reaching both local buyers who crave an in-person walkthrough and interstate or international buyers who rely on virtual tours—you maximise your chances of finding the right buyer.

“In South Australia’s dynamic market—where the buyer pool can be diverse—we’ve seen firsthand how using both traditional and digital strategies together expands your reach,” Natalie shares.

"It’s about making sure your property is seen by the right people, at the right time, and through the right channels. A well-rounded strategy that blends both methods often leads to better results than relying on just one approach."

So while some may question the relevance of traditional, in-person open homes in today’s digital-driven market, are they actually on their way out? Definitely not.

They’re still a valuable tool in any real estate strategy, especially when combined with digital marketing like virtual tours.

It’s all about knowing your market, understanding buyer preferences and using a mix of strategies to appeal to them so your property sells for the best price.

But remember, the sales process doesn’t stop at open homes or virtual tours.

It’s all part of a bigger picture.

At We Connect Property, we specialise in tailoring marketing strategies to each individual property and seller, and are here to help you choose the best approach for your property.

Why not get in touch with us today to discuss the best approach for your property sale and make the most of South Australia’s excellent selling conditions.

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DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.