Open houses have long been a recognizable part of the real estate landscape in St. Albert, Edmonton, and communities throughout Alberta. Yet in recent years, local REALTORS® have noticed a steady decline in both attendance and overall effectiveness. While open houses still serve a purpose in certain situations, they are no longer the powerhouse marketing tool they once were. Below, we explore why open houses have lost popularity in St. Albert and what modern buyers and sellers are turning to instead.
Changing Buyer Behaviour in Alberta
Buyers in St. Albert and the greater Edmonton area now have access to more information than ever before—long before they step inside a home. Digital tools provided through the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), local brokerages, and Alberta MLS® systems have changed how people shop for homes.
- High-quality listing photos and video walkthroughs reduce the need for in-person previews.
- 3D tours and floor plans allow buyers to evaluate a home’s layout from their phone or laptop.
- Neighbourhood data, school ratings, commute times, and even zoning maps are now readily accessible online.
Because buyers can filter through dozens of homes virtually, they no longer rely on open houses to discover listings in St. Albert or Sturgeon County.
Safety and Privacy Concerns
Many sellers today are uncomfortable with the idea of strangers walking through their home without appointments. Even with a licensed REALTOR® present, open houses carry certain risks.
- Security concerns regarding valuables and personal belongings.
- Unqualified visitors or curious neighbours attending without genuine purchase intentions.
- Limited ability to manage foot traffic or guest information.
These concerns have caused some homeowners—especially those with families or unique property layouts—to opt for private showings instead.
Effectiveness vs. Time Investment
REALTORS® across Alberta acknowledge that open houses rarely produce a qualified buyer for the home being showcased. While they can generate leads for agents, they are not always the most efficient strategy for sellers.
Open houses often attract the following groups:
- Neighbours curious about the home’s interior or listing price.
- Casual browsers who are “just looking.”
- Buyers who are early in their search and not yet pre-approved.
Serious buyers typically prefer private, scheduled showings where they can take their time, ask detailed questions, and receive tailored guidance from their REALTOR®.
Digital Marketing Has Taken Centre Stage
Modern real estate marketing in St. Albert focuses heavily on digital exposure. A strong listing strategy now includes:
- Targeted social media campaigns across Alberta markets
- SEO-optimized property listings
- Professional photography and videography
- Virtual open houses or live-streamed tours
These methods reach far more qualified buyers than a two-hour open house window ever could. For many REALTORS®, digital marketing has become the most effective way to showcase a listing in St. Albert or Edmonton.
Are Open Houses Still Useful?
While less popular, open houses are not obsolete. They still make sense in certain scenarios, such as:
- New developments where builders want large foot traffic
- High-visibility neighbourhoods in St. Albert
- Unique properties that benefit from an open-door approach
- Hot markets where any additional exposure helps fuel competition
However, they should be considered just one tool among many in a comprehensive marketing plan—not the primary strategy.
Final Thoughts
The decline of open houses in St. Albert reflects a broader shift in how Canadians shop for homes. With powerful online tools, enhanced digital marketing, and more efficient ways to schedule showings, buyers now prefer convenience and privacy over drop-in events. For sellers and REALTORS® in St. Albert, Sturgeon County, and Edmonton, adapting to these modern expectations is key to achieving the best results in today’s Alberta real estate market.
