What’s the Average Number of Showings it Takes to Sell a House?

Every seller wants a quick sale, but how many showings will it take to make that happen? The truth is, there’s no set rule—but there is a pattern. Knowing the average number of showings and the factors that influence this number can help you set expectations and navigate the home-selling journey with confidence. Whether you’re hoping for fewer showings or just trying to understand how the process works, this guide will help you figure out what to expect and how to make your home stand out at each showing.

At SOLD.com, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We’ve broken down the average number of showings, the factors that affect it, and how to maximize each showing to boost your chances of a smooth and successful sale. Ready to see how your home can sell faster? Let’s dive in.

What Is the Average Number of Showings to Sell a House?

On average, a home typically requires between 10 and 25 showings before it sells. However, the exact number can vary based on key factors like your location, the price, and the overall condition of your property.

In fast-moving markets, your home could be sold after just a handful of showings. On the flip side, in slower markets, you might need more than 20 showings before receiving a solid offer. It’s important to manage expectations during the selling process and understand that the number of showings doesn’t always reflect your home’s appeal—many factors are at play.

What Factors Influence the Number of Showings

While average numbers provide helpful insight, it’s important to remember that the number of showings your home receives will depend on several key factors. These elements go beyond just the price or condition of your home and can significantly affect how quickly you sell. Here’s a deeper look into the factors that will help shape the number of showings your home gets:

1. Market Conditions

One of the most significant factors that can impact how many showings your home receives is the state of the local real estate market. Whether it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market will directly affect buyer behavior, and in turn, how many showings are necessary to secure an offer.

• Seller’s Market: In a seller’s market, demand outpaces supply. Buyers are eager to secure a property, which often leads to quicker sales. You might only need a few showings before you receive multiple offers.
• Buyer’s Market: Conversely, in a buyer’s market, there are more homes than buyers. With more options, buyers take their time, and you may need more showings before receiving an offer.
• Market Seasonality: Seasonal trends also play a role in how many showings you’ll get. Spring and summer are typically busier times for home buyers, as the weather is better and families are looking to move before the school year starts. However, fall and winter may see fewer showings, but the buyers you do attract tend to be more serious and ready to make offers.

Understanding the ebbs and flows of your local market is essential. Whether you’re in a hot seller’s market or a slower buyer’s market, your home-selling strategy should reflect these dynamics.

2. Pricing Your Home Right

Setting the right price is arguably the most important factor that determines how many showings your home will get. Pricing too high can scare off potential buyers, while pricing too low could attract attention but leave you with less than the home is worth. Getting the price right from the start will help you attract serious buyers and reduce the need for excessive showings.

3. Condition and Presentation: First Impressions Matter

The condition of your home is a huge factor in how many showings you’ll get and how quickly those showings will turn into offers. Homes that are clean, well-maintained, and visually appealing tend to attract more buyers, resulting in fewer showings overall. Buyers are often drawn to homes that feel move-in ready, and when a home has visible signs of wear and tear, it can create a negative first impression and lower buyer interest.

Ensure your home is in top condition for showings with these tips:

• Home Improvements: Simple upgrades like fresh paint, decluttering, or fixing minor repairs can make a world of difference. Even small changes like updating hardware on cabinets or ensuring your home is move-in ready can attract more interest.
• Curb Appeal: The exterior is the first thing buyers see, so don’t overlook landscaping. A well-kept lawn, inviting front door, and attractive landscaping can make your home stand out and encourage more showings.
• Staging: Staging your home can create an inviting atmosphere that helps buyers visualize themselves living there. This doesn’t mean you have to invest in expensive furniture or decor; it’s about arranging your space to highlight your home’s strengths and make it feel spacious and welcoming.

Homes in excellent condition are often able to sell faster with fewer showings.

4. Location

Where your home is located plays a significant role in how many showings you’ll get. For example, homes in desirable neighborhoods or popular cities may naturally attract more buyers, leading to more showings. In contrast, homes located in less sought-after areas or remote locations might require more time and effort to gain traction in the market. Key factors that affect location include:

• Proximity to amenities: Schools, parks, shopping centers, public transportation, and highways can all make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
• Local demand: Are homes in your area in high demand due to job growth, schools, or overall development? If so, you may find that your home gets more attention and requires fewer showings to sell.
• Safety and neighborhood appeal: Neighborhoods that are perceived as safe, well-maintained, and family-friendly often see more showings. If your home is in a neighborhood that needs improvement or is less desirable for other reasons, it may take longer to attract buyers.

While these are not things that you as the seller can control, they are factors to keep in mind when setting your expectations for how many showings you may receive.

How Long Does It Take for a Home to Sell?

On average, homes in the U.S. stay on the market for around 26 days before going under contract. Of course, this time frame can vary depending on factors like your home’s condition, price, and the state of the local market.

With one to three showings per week, you can expect between 4 to 11 showings before going under contract. In a fast-moving market, you might experience 5 to 7 showings per week, leading to a sale after around 19 to 26 showings.

But remember, it only takes one showing to sell your home. Many sellers receive multiple offers after just one or two showings, particularly in competitive markets.

What Does a “Good” Number of Showings Look Like?

Understanding what constitutes a “good” number of showings can be a bit tricky, as it depends on a variety of factors. That being said, there are general benchmarks that can help guide your expectations.

• In a balanced market, where supply and demand are relatively equal, seeing 3 to 5 showings per week is a solid sign of interest from potential buyers. In this type of market, buyers have more options to choose from, so it’s normal for showings to be spread out over a few weeks.
• In a hot seller’s market, demand for homes significantly outpaces supply, and homes can sell much more quickly with fewer showings. In these markets, you may see more showings early on, often within the first week of listing, as eager buyers rush to secure their next home.
• In a buyer’s market, where there are more homes available than buyers, you may experience fewer showings over a longer period of time. Homes in a buyer’s market tend to take longer to sell because buyers have the advantage and can afford to be more selective.

It’s important to note that the number of showings is not the whole story.  Pay attention to quality over quantity. If buyers are touring your home but not making offers, it could be a sign that there’s an issue with pricing or the presentation of your property.

What Does It Mean If You Have Many Showings but No Offers?

If your home is getting plenty of showings, but you’re not seeing any offers, it can be frustrating and confusing. You might start to wonder why, despite all the foot traffic through your door, buyers aren’t taking the next step. While it’s encouraging that people are interested enough to schedule a showing, the absence of offers suggests that something is holding them back. It’s time to reassess a few critical areas to figure out what’s preventing potential buyers from pulling the trigger. Here are some of the most common reasons why many showings don’t translate into offers:

• Price Issues: One of the most common reasons for many showings without offers is that your home might be priced too high for the market, the area, or its condition. Price plays a massive role in a buyer’s decision-making process, and if they feel your home is overpriced, they may be hesitant to make an offer.
• Condition or Layout: Another reason you might have showings but no offers is if there are issues with the condition or layout of your home. Buyers often look for properties that are move-in ready, and any signs of wear and tear, outdated features, or awkward layouts could prevent them from making an offer.
• Presentation: Sometimes, the problem may not lie in the home itself but in the way it’s presented. Buyers often make quick decisions about whether a home is worth considering based on its visual appeal. If your home isn’t looking its best during showings, it could be the reason why you’re seeing plenty of foot traffic but no offers.
• Exposure: Even if your home is well-priced and in great condition, marketing plays a huge role in attracting the right buyers. If your home isn’t getting enough exposure or isn’t being shown to the right audience, it could lead to many showings but no offers.
• Timing: The market conditions might be contributing to the lack of offers. For instance, if you’re in a slower market or there’s low buyer activity due to factors like economic uncertainty, competition, or the time of year, it may take longer to get offers.

In situations where you’re getting lots of showings but no offers, feedback from your buyers and your agent can be your most valuable tool. If possible, ask for feedback from the buyers who came through. Buyers are often more willing to offer feedback after a showing, and this information can help you pinpoint what’s working and what needs improvement.

How to Reduce the Number of Showings to Sell Your Home Faster

While it’s impossible to guarantee how many showings your home will need, there are steps you can take to minimize the time on the market and increase your chances of selling quickly.

1. Price It Right

Ensure your home is priced based on the local market and comparable properties in your area. A well-priced home is more likely to attract serious buyers and may result in fewer showings.

Here are some things to consider when pricing your home:

• Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): Working with a real estate professional to conduct a CMA will give you an accurate price range based on similar homes in your area that have recently sold. This data helps ensure that your home is priced in line with market expectations.
• Price Adjustments: If your home isn’t attracting buyers or you’re not seeing enough showings, it may be time for a price adjustment. Buyers are often quick to notice when a property has been sitting on the market for too long without offers, so pricing adjustments at the right time can revitalize interest and help attract more showings.
• Market Trends: If your area is seeing an increase in home prices or there are strong signs of future price growth, pricing your home just above comparable sales might work in your favor. However, if prices are plateauing or falling, it’s important to adjust expectations accordingly to avoid a long, drawn-out selling process.

2. Stage Your Home 

A well staged home looks inviting and allows buyers to envision themselves living there. You don’t need to invest in expensive furniture, just focus on making your home the best version of itself by:

• Rearrange Furniture: Arrange your space to highlight your home’s strengths and make it feel spacious and welcoming. Ensure it is easy to navigate and rooms flow well together.  Move furniture away from the walls to create a more inviting flow. Place seating to encourage conversation and ensure the space feels cozy but spacious.
• Clean and Declutter: Clutter is one of the most distracting elements for potential buyers. When buyers walk through your home, they want to see the space, not your personal belongings. Remove knick-knacks, excess décor, and any unnecessary furniture that might be crowding the space. Clear off counters, shelves, and tables to give the impression of more room.
• Create Functional Spaces: When buyers walk into a room, they should be able to immediately visualize how the space can be used. If a room feels undefined, it can be hard for buyers to imagine themselves living there.

3. Invest in Quality Marketing

In today’s digital age, online marketing is crucial. Often a buyer’s first introduction to your home will be online. Ensure they have a good opinion of your home before they even step inside by investing in: 

• High-Quality Photos: The first thing buyers will notice is the online photos of your home. Professional, high-quality images that highlight your home’s best features can increase the likelihood of showings. Great photos can make a difference in catching a buyer’s eye online and encouraging them to schedule a visit.
• Virtual Tours and Video: Many buyers prefer to view homes virtually before deciding whether to visit in person. Offering virtual tours or a video walk-through of your home can help attract serious buyers who are ready to see the property in person.
• Wide Exposure: Your listing should be posted on multiple platforms, including real estate websites, social media, and even email newsletters to ensure maximum exposure. The more visibility your home gets, the more likely you are to attract potential buyers and schedule showings.

Conclusion

Understanding the average number of showings and the factors that impact it will help you set realistic expectations during your home-selling process. Every showing gets you one step closer to an offer, so be patient, stay flexible, and make sure your home is ready to impress potential buyers.

Ready to get your first showing in the books? Take our quiz to find the selling path that works best for you, and get personalized recommendations on how to make the most of your home sale.