If you’re starting to dip your toes into the Marin real estate market—maybe driving through neighborhoods you love, browsing Zillow on Sunday mornings, or even stepping into a few open houses “just to see what’s out there”—you’re not alone.

For many buyers, attending open houses is the first real step in imagining a new chapter. It’s a low-pressure way to get a feel for the market, the architecture, and the neighborhoods that spark something in you. But while open houses can be fun and inspiring, knowing where to find the right ones—and how to make the most of your visits—can make a world of difference.

Let’s walk through how to find open houses in Marin, why your agent should be your not-so-secret weapon, and what to do next if you think you’ve found “the one.”

Where to Find Open Houses in Marin

1. Online Platforms
Sure, sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com are a great place to start. Most have open house filters and can show you homes by date, neighborhood, or price range. But be aware—some listings may not be 100% up to date, or they may already be under contract.

2. Local Real Estate Websites
Boutique teams (like Own Marin) often have open house schedules posted directly on marketing platforms like Google, email and social media. We also share exclusive coming soon listings, sneak peeks, and open house invites on social media—so it’s worth following us if you’re even thinking about buying to get a feel for new listings and what’s coming in the Marin market.

3. MLS Search Through an Agent
The most reliable and real-time source of information? Your agent’s access to the MLS. We can pull open house lists tailored to your budget, must-haves, and preferred neighborhoods—and sometimes we even know about homes before they hit the market, giving you an edge to finding your dream home.

4. Driving Through Neighborhoods
This might sound old-school, but weekend drives can still uncover hidden gems. Many sellers rely on traditional signage to pull in buyers, especially (but not limited to) areas that might get less traffic or are in more remote locations.

Why Having an Agent Early—Even Just “Browsing”—Matters

We get it. If you’re just getting your feet wet, committing to working with an agent might feel premature. But here’s the truth: partnering with a great agent early on doesn’t mean pressure—it means preparation.

Here’s what you gain:

Priority Access to Listings
We often know about homes coming soon to market that aren’t online yet. By the time they hit an open house, it could already be too late.
Insight You Won’t Get at the Door
When you walk into an open house solo, you’re on your own. But with us, we’ll tell you what to look for (and what to watch out for), where there’s room to negotiate, and whether a home is truly worth pursuing.
A Stronger Offer Strategy
If you do find “the one,” time is of the essence. Having an agent already in your corner means you’re ready to act—and submit a competitive offer that actually gets accepted.

Making the Most of Your Open House Visits

Whether you’re visiting your first open house or your fiftieth, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Take notes (just in case you forget the details later)
Ask questions—even basic ones. You’re not expected to know it all.
Look beyond the staging—it’s about the bones and the location.
Check out the street and neighbors—what’s the vibe?
Snap photos (if allowed) to remember what you loved—and didn’t.

Final Thoughts: The Right Home, the Right Guide

Open houses are a fantastic way to explore Marin’s incredible communities and start visualizing your next chapter. But when it comes to actually finding and securing your dream home? That’s where having the right team in your corner makes all the difference.

At Own Marin, we help buyers at every stage—from the casually curious to the ready-to-write-an-offer. We’ll guide you, advocate for you, and keep the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

So even if you’re just starting out, let’s connect. We’d love to help you explore Marin—and maybe even find the place you’ll soon call home.