From Sign to Showtime: How Long Until Your First Open House?
One of the first questions sellers ask when they decide to put their home on the market is simple: How long will it take before buyers are actually walking through the door?
The short answer is usually about one to two weeks, but the real answer depends on how prepared you and your home are when you sign with your realtor. Let’s break down the steps that happen between agreeing to list your home and hosting that first open house.
Step 1: Signing the Listing Agreement (Day 1)
Once you agree to work with your realtor, the first step is signing the listing paperwork. This makes it official and allows your agent to begin marketing your home. At this point, we’ll also talk about your goals, set a timeline, and outline what needs to be done before the property goes live.
Step 2: Preparing the Home (Days 2–5)
Before buyers come through the door, your home should be shown in its best light. This stage often includes:
Decluttering and cleaning each room
Handling small repairs or touch-ups
Light staging to highlight your home’s best features
One of the biggest challenges sellers face is figuring out where to put things while they prepare. Renting storage space is one option, but that adds extra cost at a time when most sellers are focused on saving money. Over the years, I’ve had clients who didn’t have many storage options, so I did whatever it took — including using my own basement and garage to help them clear out their home and get it market-ready.
The goal is to remove distractions and show buyers the full potential of your home. Sometimes that means finding creative solutions, and I’m always ready to help make that happen.
Step 3: Photos, Video, and Marketing Prep (Days 5–7)
Professional photos are key to making your listing stand out. Your agent will schedule photography (and sometimes video or drone shots), and once that’s done, marketing materials can be created.
That includes:
Writing the MLS listing description
Designing brochures or flyers
Preparing social media and website features
Step 4: Listing and Scheduling the Open House (Days 7–14)
Once everything is ready, your home is listed on the MLS and promoted across multiple channels. The first open house is often scheduled for the following weekend to maximize buyer turnout. Timing is important — most buyers are available on Saturdays or Sundays, so you want to launch when you can take advantage of that traffic.
What Can Change the Timeline?
Not every home follows the same schedule. Factors that may speed up or slow down the process include:
Seller readiness – Homes that are already clean and staged can go to market faster.
Professional schedules – Photographer or stager availability can affect timing.
Market demand – In a fast-paced market, it may make sense to list sooner.
Seller preference – Some homeowners prefer extra time before showing the home.
The Bottom Line
From the moment you sign with your realtor, most sellers can expect their first open house within about 7 to 14 days. This gives enough time to prepare the home, create strong marketing, and schedule for maximum visibility.
Working with an experienced agent helps make this process smoother and ensures that when buyers do walk through your door, they’re seeing your home at its very best.
Why Work with 1-Stop-Steve?
Homes in desirable towns like Wayne, Kinnelon, Riverdale, Montville, Pompton Plains, and Pequannock are selling quickly. Being prepared is key if you want to take advantage of this fast-paced market.
Working with an experienced realtor is the best way to stay ahead. With years of experience in New Jersey’s real estate market, I know what it takes to buy or sell a home here. I can guide you through the process and make sure you’re ready to act when the right opportunity comes up.
Whether you’re just starting or ready to make a move, I’m here to help with expert advice and personalized service.
Your Next Step
Ready to get started? Whether you’re listing and selling your home or looking to buy your dream home here in Wayne NJ, Kinnelon NJ, Riverdale NJ, Montville NJ, Pompton Plains NJ, or Pequannock NJ, I’m here to help. Let’s make your real estate goals a reality—call or text me at (973) 476-1728.
About Stephen Tinney
Stephen Tinney, Owner of 1-Stop-Steve and Coldwell Banker Sales Agent
I help my clients sell homes in Wayne NJ, Kinnelon NJ, Riverdale NJ, Montville NJ, Pompton Plains NJ, or Pequannock NJ and surrounding areas. My goal is to make the real estate process simple and successful.
I’m both a licensed Real Estate Agent and Mortgage Broker. This allows me to guide clients through every step of buying or selling a home.