A showing is a key part of the home buying process, giving a potential homebuyer the chance to walk through a property in person with their real estate agent. During a home showing, the agent highlights features, answers questions, and provides insights on the home’s value and neighborhood. This step is essential because it helps buyers experience the property firsthand, beyond what photos or online listings can provide.
Why are Home Showings Important?
Photos and videos are helpful when beginning the homebuying process, but nothing truly compares to the in-person experience of a home showing. Walking through a property allows buyers to see the layout firsthand, notice details that may be missed in listing photos, and gain a better sense of the space overall.
Beyond the physical features, a showing gives potential homebuyers the chance to experience the home’s natural light, atmosphere, and to see if the home could be the right fit for them. For many, this is the moment when a property starts to feel less like a listing and more like a place they can imagine calling home.
The Home Showing Process
The showing process can vary slightly from one situation to another, but it generally follows the same pattern. It often begins online, with a buyer browsing listings or receiving recommendations from their agent. Once a property catches the buyer’s interest, the agent works with the listing agent to set up a time for the potential homebuyer to tour the home.
When it’s time for the home showing, the agent walks the buyer through the property, pointing out features, answering questions, and noting their level of interest. This gives the buyer a chance to experience the layout, the surrounding neighborhood, and the overall feel of the home in person.
After the showing, the agent will often gather feedback to better understand the buyer’s thoughts. From there, the next step may be preparing an offer or, if the home wasn’t the right fit, continuing the search until the buyer finds the one that feels like home.
How Many Homes Do Buyers Usually See?
Every buyer’s journey is different, but on average, “a potential homebuyer will view around 10 homes over the course of 10 weeks before making a purchase.” (Sager 2022) Some find their dream home on the first tour, while others need more time to compare options and feel confident in their decision.
How Long Does a Home Showing Take?
Most home showings last about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the property and how closely the potential homebuyer explores it. Larger homes, or those with more land, can take 30-45 minutes to see the property. Buyers who are seriously considering a home often spend additional time looking over the details more carefully.
It’s also common for buyers in the early stages of the home buying process to schedule several showings back-to-back just to get a feel for the market. In many cases, they’ll narrow down their list and come back for a second showing at the homes that stand out the most.
What is a Group Showing?
A group showing is typically arranged for a group of investors who share the same buyer’s agent. To maximize efficiency, the agent coordinates a time and date for everyone to see the properties they’re interested in. This way, multiple investors can view several homes in one outing, while the agent makes the best use of their time. For buyers, it’s also a convenient way to compare properties side by side.
Difference Between a Showing and Open House
It’s common to wonder about the difference between a showing and an open house. Both give buyers the chance to view a property, but they serve different purposes in the home buying process.
A showing is a private, one-on-one tour between a real estate agent and a potential homebuyer. This type of appointment is tailored to the buyer’s specific needs and questions, making it a more personalized experience. The buyer can take their time walking through the property and focusing on the details that matter most to them.
An open house, on the other hand, is a scheduled event hosted by a real estate agent. During this time, any interested buyers can stop by to view the home, with or without their own agent. The agent hosting is there to welcome visitors, answer questions, and showcase the property.
Both options play an important role, but in different ways. Open houses are designed to create exposure and bring in a broad range of interested buyers. A private showing offers a more focused experience, helping buyers decide if a home truly fits their needs. For many potential homebuyers, it’s the showing that often turns curiosity into serious interest.
Showings in Today’s Market
The recent NAR Settlement has introduced new requirements that affect the home showing process. If you’re a buyer working with an agent who uses the MLS, you’ll now need to sign a written agreement before touring a home. This agreement explains the services your agent will provide and how they’ll be compensated. While it adds a step to the home buying process, it also creates more transparency and helps set clear expectations between buyers and agents.
Showings aren’t limited to home sales either. Rental showings give potential tenants the same opportunity to walk through a property, ask questions, and get a feel for the space before committing. Whether buying or renting, in-person showings remain one of the most important parts of making an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
So, what is a showing? It’s an essential step in the home buying process that gives every potential homebuyer the chance to connect with a property in person. From understanding the showing process to recognizing the difference between a showing and open house, these experiences help buyers make informed and confident decisions.
Whether it’s a quick walkthrough or a detailed property tour, home showings remain one of the most important steps in turning a listing into a future home.