How should Markham sellers prepare for an open house?Prepare the home as you would for photos, put away valuables and medication, and plan to be out with your pets. During the open house, the agent greets visitors, collects names and answers questions. Afterward, the feedback, the number of visitors and any follow-up interest help decide whether to hold another open house or adjust the plan. With 1,122 Markham listings active in September 2026, presentation matters.
Open houses bring neighbours, curious buyers and serious buyers through the door in a few hours. For a seller, the day can feel busy and a little personal. Knowing what to expect makes it easier.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, plans each open house with sellers so the home shows well and the follow-up is clear.
Before: the day-before list
- Clean, declutter and open blinds.
- Lock away valuables, documents, medication and small electronics.
- Remove family photos if you prefer more privacy.
- Set the temperature comfortably and turn on lights.
- Plan where you and your pets will be for the afternoon.
During: what happens
| Step | What the agent does |
|---|---|
| Arrival | Greets visitors and asks them to sign in |
| Touring | Answers questions and points out features |
| Security | Keeps an eye on rooms and exits |
| Wrap-up | Checks the home and locks up |
Many Markham open houses run on weekend afternoons, often for two to four hours.
After: follow-up
- Number of visitors and how many were working with a REALTOR®
- Comments on price, layout and condition
- Requests for private showings or disclosure documents
- A plan for the next week, based on what was learned
Planning to list soon?
Michael John Lau can walk you through the open house and marketing plan for your home.
Request a home evaluationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
What an open house can and cannot do
An open house brings visibility and useful feedback, and some buyers find their home this way. Most offers still come through buyers working with an agent and private showings. Treat the open house as one part of the marketing plan, not the whole plan.
A note on timing
In September 2026, Markham homes averaged 34 days on market, according to TRREB. Holding open houses early, while the listing is new, often draws the most interest. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information to plan the right approach.
A well-prepared open house gives buyers a reason to come back. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Should I be home during my open house?
Usually not. Buyers feel more comfortable looking around when the owners are out.
How long does an open house last?
Often two to four hours, commonly on a weekend afternoon.
What should I put away?
Valuables, documents, medication, keys and small electronics.
Do open houses sell homes?
Some buyers find homes this way, but most offers come through private showings.
What happens to visitor information?
The agent uses sign-in details to follow up and share feedback with you.
How many open houses should I hold?
It depends on interest. Early weekends after listing often draw the most visitors.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Active listings and days on market are from TRREB Market Watch, September 2026. Open house practices are general guidance. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
