Many homeowners assume that when it’s time for an open house, their job is to stick around and help sell the property.
After all, who knows the home better than the owner?
You know every upgrade.
You know the neighbors.
You know the local parks.
You know the reasons you loved living there.
So naturally, many sellers ask:
👉 “Should I be there during the open house?”
The short answer?
Usually, no.
In fact, one of the best things you can do during an open house is leave.
That surprises a lot of sellers.
They assume buyers want information directly from the homeowner.
But in reality, buyers tend to feel far more comfortable exploring a home when the seller isn’t present.
They’ll spend more time looking around.
They’ll talk more openly.
They’ll ask more honest questions.
And most importantly, they’ll have an easier time imagining the home as their future home instead of your current home.
If you’re getting ready for an open house in Minnesota, understanding your role can help reduce stress and create a better experience for everyone involved.
Let’s walk through what sellers should—and shouldn’t—do during an open house.
🏡 First, Understand the Purpose of an Open House
Many homeowners think open houses exist solely to generate offers.
Sometimes they do.
But often, the goal is broader than that.
An open house helps:
✔️ Generate exposure
✔️ Attract buyers who may not schedule private showings
✔️ Create interest in the listing
✔️ Increase neighborhood awareness
✔️ Encourage future showings
✔️ Build momentum around the property
Not every visitor will become a buyer.
But every visitor is an opportunity.
🏡 Leave Before the Open House Starts
The best thing most sellers can do is make plans to be elsewhere.
Why?
Because buyers behave differently when homeowners are present.
They may avoid discussing:
✔️ Concerns
✔️ Renovation ideas
✔️ Pricing opinions
✔️ Room functionality
✔️ Negative reactions
Buyers don’t want to offend anyone.
So they often become less honest when sellers are nearby.
When you leave, buyers feel free to experience the home naturally.
🏡 Let Your Agent Do Their Job
Your listing agent should be leading the open house experience.
They can:
✔️ Answer questions
✔️ Highlight features
✔️ Explain upgrades
✔️ Gather buyer feedback
✔️ Manage visitors
✔️ Protect your interests
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is trying to take over the role of the agent.
You hired a professional for a reason.
Trust them to guide the process.
🏡 Make the Home Look Its Best Before You Leave
Open houses usually attract multiple visitors over several hours.
That means preparation matters.
Before leaving:
✔️ Make beds
✔️ Clean bathrooms
✔️ Wipe counters
✔️ Empty trash
✔️ Put away dishes
✔️ Remove clutter
✔️ Open blinds
✔️ Turn on lights if needed
The goal is helping buyers focus on the home rather than everyday distractions.
🏡 Remove Personal Items
One of the simplest ways to improve an open house is reducing highly personal items.
This may include:
✔️ Family photos
✔️ Personal collections
✔️ Sensitive documents
✔️ Political items
✔️ Religious displays
Buyers need room to imagine their own lives in the space.
Too many personal items can make that more difficult.
🏡 Have a Plan for Pets
If you’ve been following the previous articles in this series, you already know this one.
Pets should ideally be removed during an open house.
Even friendly pets can:
✔️ Distract buyers
✔️ Cause allergies
✔️ Create safety concerns
✔️ Increase stress
The best option is usually taking pets with you while the event is happening.
🏡 Don’t Try to Listen In
This can be tempting.
Some sellers want to stay nearby and hear what buyers are saying.
Honestly?
It’s usually not helpful.
Buyers may make comments like:
✔️ “The kitchen feels small.”
✔️ “I’d change this paint color.”
✔️ “I don’t love the carpet.”
Remember:
They’re evaluating whether the home works for them.
Their comments aren’t personal.
Your agent can provide useful feedback afterward without you having to hear every observation in real time.
🏡 Understand That Not Every Visitor Is a Buyer
Open houses attract different types of visitors.
You’ll often see:
✔️ Serious buyers
✔️ Curious neighbors
✔️ Future sellers
✔️ Relocating families
✔️ Casual shoppers
This is completely normal.
Don’t get discouraged if dozens of people visit and no offer appears immediately.
Exposure is still valuable.
🏡 Temperature Matters More Than You Think
Minnesota weather can be unpredictable.
Whether it’s January or July, make sure the home feels comfortable.
Buyers notice:
✔️ Homes that are too hot
✔️ Homes that are too cold
✔️ Poor airflow
✔️ Uncomfortable conditions
Comfort affects the overall showing experience.
🏡 Let Buyers Explore Naturally
One of the reasons open houses work is that buyers can move at their own pace.
They can:
✔️ Revisit rooms
✔️ Compare layouts
✔️ Discuss ideas privately
✔️ Spend extra time in important spaces
When sellers hover or insert themselves into conversations, that process becomes more difficult.
🏡 Don’t Worry About Every Small Detail
Many sellers stress over tiny imperfections.
Maybe there’s:
✔️ A scratch on the floor
✔️ An older appliance
✔️ Minor wear and tear
Most buyers expect some imperfections.
They’re buying a lived-in home, not a museum.
Focus on overall presentation rather than chasing perfection.
🏡 Curb Appeal Still Matters
The open house experience starts before buyers walk inside.
Take time to:
✔️ Mow the lawn
✔️ Clear walkways
✔️ Remove debris
✔️ Sweep entry areas
✔️ Add seasonal touches
First impressions happen fast.
🏡 Keep Valuables Secure
Open houses bring multiple visitors into the property.
As a precaution, remove or secure:
✔️ Jewelry
✔️ Cash
✔️ Important documents
✔️ Prescription medications
✔️ Small valuables
This is simply good practice.
🏡 Don’t Take Feedback Personally
After an open house, you may receive feedback.
Some comments will be positive.
Others may not.
That’s okay.
Remember:
Every buyer has different priorities.
A feature one buyer dislikes may be exactly what another buyer loves.
Feedback is information—not criticism.
🏡 Open Houses Can Create Future Opportunities
One thing sellers often overlook is that open house visitors don’t always buy immediately.
Sometimes visitors:
✔️ Schedule a second showing
✔️ Return with family members
✔️ Recommend the property to friends
✔️ Become interested later
The impact of an open house can extend well beyond the event itself.
🏡 Real Situation I See Often
A seller wants to stay during the open house because they believe they’ll help answer questions.
After discussing buyer behavior, they decide to leave.
The result?
Buyers stay longer.
They engage more freely.
The atmosphere feels relaxed.
And buyer feedback improves.
This happens all the time.
🏡 What You Should Actually Do During the Open House
Honestly?
Go enjoy yourself.
Many sellers use the time to:
✔️ Visit friends
✔️ Run errands
✔️ Go to lunch
✔️ Walk the dog
✔️ Explore their next neighborhood
✔️ Relax
Let the open house work while you take a break.
🏡 FAQ: What Should Sellers Do During an Open House?
Should I stay during the open house?
Most agents recommend leaving so buyers feel comfortable exploring the home.
Can I help answer questions?
Your listing agent can typically handle buyer questions and property information.
What should I do with pets?
Remove them whenever possible before the open house begins.
Should I clean before every open house?
Yes. A clean, organized home creates a stronger first impression.
What if I receive negative feedback?
Treat feedback as useful information rather than personal criticism.
🏡 Final Thoughts
Open houses can feel stressful for sellers.
But they don’t have to be.
The best thing you can do is prepare your home, trust your agent, and give buyers the freedom to experience the property on their own.
Remember:
Buyers aren’t just evaluating a house.
They’re imagining a future.
And the easier you make that process, the better your chances of attracting the right buyer.
🏡 Next Step
If you’re preparing to sell your Minnesota home and want expert advice on open houses, staging, pricing, marketing, and maximizing buyer interest, I’d be happy to help.
👉 https://sell.dreamhomesminnesota.com/
Lesley The Realtor is a Minnesota real estate agent helping homeowners successfully prepare, market, and sell their homes throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities metro area.