What’s the best time of day for showings?
You’re losing buyers — here’s the best time of day for showings that turns lookers into offers.
Quick answer: Best time of day for showings
If you want speed and offers, schedule weekend mid-day showings and weekday early-evening windows. Specifically: aim for Saturday–Sunday 11:00 AM–2:00 PM for maximum foot traffic, and weekday 5:00 PM–7:00 PM for higher-quality, decision-ready buyers. These windows balance buyer availability, natural light, and agent schedules.
Why timing matters more than price tweaks
Buyers decide on emotion and clarity. Timing controls both. When a home is shown in bright daylight with high foot traffic, buyers compare and compete. When it’s shown after work, buyers who can commit to a second visit often appear. Poor timing costs attention and urgency. Good timing creates urgency.
Data-driven reasoning (what the market analytics show)
- Buyer availability peaks on weekend mid-days. Brokerage showing logs and MLS trends repeatedly show the highest showing counts in those hours. More showings = more feedback + faster offers.
- Weeknight showings produce more qualified traffic. Buyers who take time after work are usually actively searching and have fewer scheduling barriers.
- Morning showings (before 11:00 AM) tend to attract planners and contractors, not competing buyers. Those can be useful for trades or pre-inspections but rarely create bidding pressure.
These patterns are consistent across urban and suburban markets. Adjust for local factors like school schedules and public transit rush hours.
Tactical blueprint to use the best time of day for showings
- Open-house strategy: Run open houses Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM. Promote aggressively 48 hours out.
- Weeknight strategy: Hold private showings 5:00 PM–7:00 PM on Tuesday–Thursday. Use 90-minute showing blocks to preserve scarcity.
- First 7–10 days: Concentrate showings in the high-traffic windows. Early momentum brings better offers.
- Staging and light: Ensure natural light is maximized during showings. Turn on all lights, open curtains, remove clutter.
- Feedback loop: Track how many showings convert to offers by hour. Measure and repeat what works for your neighborhood.
When to break the rule
If your market is dominated by shift workers, retiree communities, or international buyers, shift windows accordingly. Luxury properties often perform better with private, appointment-only evening showings.
Final direct advice
Timing is a marketing lever you can control today. Use weekend mid-days for volume. Use weeknights for committed buyers. Track what converts in your ZIP code and double down on it.
To get a custom showing schedule tuned to your neighborhood and price range, contact Tony Sousa — Local Realtor who uses data to sell faster and for more. Email: tony@sousasells.ca | Phone: 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
