Open House vs Private Showing: Which One Gets You the Advantage in Toronto?

If you’re in the market for a new home in Toronto—or even just browsing the listings—you’ve likely stumbled upon a few open house events. But are open houses really the best way to view homes? Or do private showings provide a more strategic advantage?

The reality is that each option has its purpose. Depending on where you are in your home-buying journey, one might be significantly more effective than the other.

In Toronto’s competitive real estate landscape—where desirable homes can sell quickly—understanding how and when to tour properties is just as crucial as knowing what you want in a home.

Let’s break it down.

What’s the Purpose of an Open House?

Open houses are typically scheduled on weekends, shortly after a property is listed. They aim to generate interest and attract a large number of potential buyers in a short time frame.

For buyers, open houses are beneficial for one primary reason: they’re easy to access. You don’t need an appointment or an agent to step inside. If you’re just starting your search or exploring different neighbourhoods in Toronto, open houses can be an efficient way to gather information.

The Pros:

• Low-pressure browsing: You can visit multiple homes in one afternoon without any commitment.
• Market research: Open houses allow you to compare price points, layouts, finishes, and neighbourhoods—especially useful if you’re narrowing down your options.
• Observing demand: A crowded open house indicates competition, while a quiet one might suggest a potential opportunity.

The Cons:

• Surface-level access: With other visitors around, it’s tough to take your time or ask in-depth questions.
• No privacy: You won’t have much space to reflect or explore the home at your own pace.
• Missed opportunities: By the time you decide you’re interested, another buyer may have already booked a private showing or submitted an offer.

When Private Showings Give You the Advantage

Private showings require a bit more effort. Your agent needs to arrange them, and you’ll often need to be pre-approved, but they offer a more in-depth and strategic experience.

If you’re a serious buyer, private showings are where the real exploration happens. You get to see the home on your terms, without distractions, and you can ask detailed questions and make meaningful observations.

The Pros:

• Focused attention: Your agent is there to discuss pros, cons, and context—like price history, time on market, or comparable listings.
• Unfiltered experience: You can check closets, assess storage space, test natural lighting, and explore layout flow without an audience.
• Better timing: With private showings, you can often get in before an open house is scheduled, giving you time to evaluate whether to act.

The Cons:

• Requires coordination: You need to schedule a time with your agent and the seller’s agent, which may limit access depending on availability.
• Less spontaneous: Unlike an open house, you can’t just walk in on a whim—you’ll need to plan ahead.
• Expectations of readiness: Especially in competitive markets, agents may assume that anyone requesting a private showing is ready to make a decision quickly.

What Buyers Often Overlook

Many buyers don’t realize that when and how you tour a home can significantly impact your ability to compete for it.

Imagine a new listing goes live on a Thursday. The open house isn’t until Sunday. Serious buyers working closely with an agent might book private showings on Friday or Saturday—and submit offers before the open house even takes place.

This scenario is common in Toronto’s market. It serves as a reminder: if you're relying solely on open houses, you might already be a step behind.

Private showings provide you with more time to think critically, more privacy to evaluate what truly matters, and more opportunity to act quickly if the right home comes along.

When to Choose One Over the Other

If you're just starting your home search and still figuring out what you want, open houses are an excellent way to begin. They let you casually explore different layouts, neighbourhoods, and price points without any commitment or the need to coordinate with an agent.

As you refine your criteria and start seeing homes you could genuinely picture yourself living in, it’s time to transition to private showings. Use open houses to gather ideas, but rely on private showings to make confident decisions.

Once you're ready to buy, private showings should be your primary strategy. They allow you to act quickly, examine homes in detail, and submit strong offers without waiting for a crowded weekend event. If you’re relying solely on open houses at this stage, you could miss out on the best opportunities.

Touring Tactics: What to Focus on in Either Setting

• Natural light: Check how the lighting changes at different times of day if possible.
• Noise: Is the home near a busy road, school, or construction site?
• Storage: Closet and cabinet space often gets overlooked during quick tours.
• Layout: Walk through as if you're living there—does the flow feel right?
• Condition: Look past staging. Are there signs of deferred maintenance?

Bring a checklist, take photos (if allowed), and debrief with your agent after each tour so your impressions remain fresh.

Bottom Line: The Advantage Lies in the Strategy

In fast-moving markets like Toronto, buyers need more than just property alerts—they need a plan. This includes understanding the best way to tour homes based on their current stage, urgency, and market conditions.

Open houses are a valuable tool for exploration. But if you’re serious about buying—or trying to secure the right home in a competitive market—private showings provide you with more clarity, context, and control.