Using Open Houses To Sell OTHER Listings

Let’s be real. In a market with more inventory and slower activity, like what we’ve seen in the Arizona housing market lately, pricing matters more than ever. A lot of homes are sitting unsold. And it’s not just the market, it’s the agents.

The 80/20 Rule Isn't Just A Cliché

Ever heard the saying that 20% of real estate agents do 80% of the business? This isn't just a saying. And it shows in how listings are priced and marketed.

Some agents will take any listing they can get, even when it's overpriced. Why? Because they want a reason to sit open houses. They want something to advertise. They want to look active. Whether or not the home actually sells is often secondary.

Also Read: The Top 5 Signs A Buyer Isn’t Serious About Buying Your Home

It’s About Sitting Opens, Not Selling Your Home

A listing gives agents visibility. A sign in the yard, an open house ad, social media content. That activity builds their profile, but it doesn’t move your property if the price is wrong.

• Agents use open houses to meet new buyers
• They rarely sell the house they’re sitting in
• Open houses are more about lead generation than results
• Most visitors are browsing, not buying

And yes, open houses carry real security risks. You’re letting complete strangers walk through your home. They see the layout, your belongings, your entry points. Think about that.

We’re not saying open houses are never useful. In rare low-inventory markets, they can make sense. But most of the time? They benefit the agent more than the seller. We explained that more in a recent article here.

Overpricing Hurts Sellers, Fast

Here's what happens when your home is overpriced:

• It sits on the MLS for too long
• Buyer agents skip right past it when pulling comps
• It looks stale before most buyers even step inside
• You eventually have to lower the price anyway
• Worse, you might end up delisting and relisting

Buyers and their agents notice. They track time on market. And once a home has been sitting for a while, people start to ask—what’s wrong with it?

Why Some Agents Don’t Push Back

We get it. A homeowner wants a certain number. It’s tempting for an agent to just nod, sign the paperwork, and get the deal. But at Williams Luxury Homes, we take a different approach. If a property is priced too far above reality, we won’t list it. Period.

Why? Because listings that don’t sell hurt everyone, especially the seller. And no amount of open houses, ads, or social media will make up for bad pricing.

Also Read: Setting The Proper Price For A Golf Course Home To Sell Quickly

Mistakes That Stick With You

When your home sits too long, expires, or gets pulled off the market, it leaves a trail. New agents or buyers might look at your relisted home and say, “Hmm, it sat forever. What’s wrong with it?”

Even if nothing was wrong, the damage is done. And all because the original pricing was wrong and the agent didn’t push back.

Where It All Ties Together

In July 2025, we saw a major drop in inventory in Greater Phoenix. Homes came off the market. Sellers gave up. Many of those listings were overpriced. We covered that in detail here.

This stuff matters. Listings that don’t move drag the market. They frustrate sellers. They mislead buyers. And they happen when agents are more concerned with optics than outcomes.

At Williams Luxury Homes, we price things properly from the start. Because we’re not here to play the listing game. We’re here to help you sell.