How long are showings?
How long are showings? Most sellers guess wrong — here’s the actual timeline buyers use.
Real, no-fluff answer: how long are home showings?
Private showings usually run 15–45 minutes. Condos and quick look properties: 10–20 minutes. Average single-family homes: 20–35 minutes. Luxury or large homes: 45–90 minutes. Open houses run 2–4 hours, but individual buyers stay for 5–45 minutes.
Why the wide range? Because showings are a function of intent, property type, market heat, and who shows up. A motivated buyer with a pre-approval will move faster. A casual browser will drift and take more time.
What determines showing length
- Buyer intent: serious buyers move fast. Browsers take longer.
- Property size and layout: large homes need more time.
- Staging and condition: staged, decluttered homes get in-and-out viewings.
- Agent style: some agents tour every room; others do a quick walk.
- Market speed: in a hot market buyers rush. In a slow market they linger.
- Seller presence: buyers stay shorter if the seller is home.
Proven plan for sellers living in the home
You’re selling while living there. Keep showings short, controlled, and predictable.
Before the showing
- Set a 30–45 minute window by default. It’s long enough to impress and short enough to maintain your day.
- Agree with your agent on expected duration per showing type.
- Have a 15-minute prep checklist: lights on, surfaces cleared, pets secured.
During the showing
- Leave the property. Buyers talk freely when the seller is gone. That shortens time and improves feedback.
- If you must stay, withdraw to a quiet room or step outside. Limit interactions.
After the showing
- Ask your agent for exact time on/off and buyer feedback. You’ll learn what shoppers focus on.
- Block recovery time: schedule 20–30 minutes between showings to reset the house.
Timing tips that protect your life and sell faster
- Peak windows: evenings 5–8pm and weekends 11am–3pm. These get the most traffic.
- Limit weekday showings to 3 per day to keep your routine.
- For vacant-showing requests, ask agents to confirm buyer intent; prioritize pre-qualified buyers.
Staging and speed
Faster showings come from great first impressions. If buyers find what they want in 10–20 minutes, they move to offers sooner. Good staging and clear pathways speed decisions.
Bottom line
How long are showings? Expect 10–90 minutes depending on property and buyer. For sellers living in the home, default to 30–45 minutes, leave during the showing, and give yourself recovery time between appointments. This keeps your life sane and your listing competitive.
Tony Sousa is a Toronto real estate agent who helps homeowners sell while living in their homes. Want accurate show-time planning and fast results? Contact Tony: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
