Why Open Houses Still Matter - For Buyers, Sellers and Neighbors Alike

There’s something undeniably inviting about an open house. The door is open (literally), the lights are on, and there’s a fresh bouquet of flowers on the kitchen island. Maybe it’s a home you’ve driven by a hundred times and wondered about. Maybe it’s a neighborhood you love, or maybe it’s just your curiosity calling. Either way, open houses continue to serve as one of the most effective and engaging ways to showcase a home—and they offer far more than just a chance to walk through someone else’s living room.

This weekend, that spirit is being celebrated in full force as Sotheby’s International Realty hosts "Paint the Town Blue," a nationwide open house event that invites communities everywhere to get out, explore and experience the Sotheby’s difference in their local markets. Here on the Monterey Peninsula, it’s a great excuse to do what we already love—explore beautiful neighborhoods, admire well-styled homes and keep a pulse on the local real estate market.

Why Open Houses Still Work in 2025

In a world of virtual tours and AI-generated staging, open houses may seem old-fashioned to some—but they continue to work, and here’s why:

They create energy. The presence of multiple visitors walking through a home often triggers a sense of urgency and interest for potential buyers. People begin to visualize themselves in the space, compare feedback in real time, and sometimes even feel compelled to act quickly if they sense competition.

They increase exposure. Not every buyer schedules private showings with their realtor, especially early in their search. Open houses bring in casual browsers who may not have otherwise seen the home—and many times, those browsers become buyers.

They showcase the home at its best. Homes are typically staged and spotless for an open house, giving the property the best possible presentation. A sunny afternoon with doors open, light streaming in, and fresh flowers on the table can create a mood no listing photo can match.

They make real estate feel human. Buyers can connect directly with the listing agent, ask questions, and get a feel for the neighborhood—not just the home. And for sellers, the agent gets a chance to hear candid feedback that can help with pricing or positioning.

Why Neighbors (Yes, You!) Should Attend

Even if you're not in the market to buy or sell, open houses can be an incredibly valuable tool for staying informed.

Get a sense of market value. There’s no better way to understand what homes are really going for than to walk through a few and compare layout, location, condition and price. It’s great information to have, whether you're planning to sell this year or five years from now.

Stay in tune with your neighborhood. Who’s moving in? What’s the vibe of recent listings? Are new styles or renovations becoming the norm? The more informed you are, the more confidently you can talk about your area—and the better prepared you'll be when it's time for you to make a move.

Find inspiration. Even if you're not buying, open houses are a great way to gather design ideas, landscaping tips or renovation inspiration. Think of it as a free home and garden show, Monterey-style.

Support your community. A well-attended open house reflects a neighborhood where people are engaged and invested. Your presence helps give the event momentum and shows pride of place.

“Paint the Town Blue”: A Celebration of Homes

This weekend, Sotheby’s International Realty is bringing a unified splash of blue across the nation with our “Paint the Town Blue” open house event. It’s a celebration of the homes we represent, the communities we love, and the people—like you—who make it all special.

Locally, you’ll see Sotheby’s blue balloons and pen house signs all across the Monterey Peninsula: from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, and Carmel Valley to Seaside. Our agents will be hosting dozens of open houses, all open to the public and ready for your visit.

Whether you're actively shopping, thinking about your next move, or just curious about how the home down the street looks inside—this is your chance to explore.

Make a Day of It

Here’s how to take full advantage of this weekend’s “Paint the Town Blue” open house event:

Plan a route. Check the list of participating homes and make a loop through your favorite neighborhoods. Start in Carmel, cruise down to Pebble Beach, and finish with a coffee in Pacific Grove.

Bring a friend (or your pup!). Many homes welcome well-behaved visitors of all kinds, and it’s always more fun to tour with someone you trust.

Ask questions. Our Sotheby’s agents are here to help, whether you're wondering about interest rates, remodeling tips, or just what that tile is called.

Take notes. If you're looking for ideas or comparing homes, jot down details and impressions. They’ll blur together quickly.

Be open-minded. You might fall for a neighborhood or floor plan you hadn’t considered before. Let the Peninsula surprise you.

Featured Canning Properties Group Open Houses This Weekend

Come visit us at these incredible properties across the Monterey Peninsula during our “Paint the Town Blue” open house weekend:

4158 El Bosque, Pebble Beach – Sat & Sun 1-3

4155 Shuler Street, Marina – Sat 11-1 & Sun 1-3

25380 Telarana Way, Carmel – Sat & Sun 1-3

64 Spanish Bay Circle, Pebble Beach – Sat & Sun 2-4

867 Grove Street, Monterey – Sat 2-5 & Sun 11-2

3022 Westwood Court, Marina – Sat & Sun 1-3

The Final Word

Open houses are more than just marketing—they're part of the fabric of real estate culture, and they play a meaningful role in how we connect to our homes, our communities and to each other. So whether you’re thinking of selling or buying, exploring the market, gathering inspiration or just love visiting beautiful homes, this weekend is your invitation to step inside, look around, and enjoy what makes the Monterey Peninsula such a special place to live. We’ll have the doors open.