Hosting a successful open house is more than just unlocking the door and waiting for buyers to walk in. It’s an opportunity to showcase a property, generate leads, and build relationships with potential clients. To make your open house stand out, you need the right tools, marketing strategies, and thoughtful touches that leave a lasting impression.
Here’s the ultimate checklist for hosting a smooth and effective open house.
1. Essential Supplies & Setup
First impressions matter! Make sure the home is in top shape and ready for visitors.
🏡 Open House Signage
Proper signage guides visitors to the home and maximizes foot traffic. The general rule of thumb is 10 to 15 open house signs, but this may vary based on the location and neighborhood layout.
✔ Main roads & intersections: Place signs at major intersections leading to the property.
✔ Neighborhood entrances: If the home is in a subdivision, position at least two signs at the entrance.
✔ Every turn: Ensure buyers can easily follow the path by placing signs at each turn leading to the home.
✔ In front of the home: Have at least one large sign and a directional rider confirming they’ve arrived.
💡 Pro Tip: Use balloons or flags to make the signs more noticeable, especially on busy streets!
🚪 Welcoming Entryway
✔ Agent-Branded Welcome Mat – A stylish, branded mat (like those from Gear Up Real Estate) sets a professional tone.
✔ Clean & Staged Home – Ensure the home is clean, decluttered, and well-lit for maximum appeal.
✔ Inviting Scent – Use light, welcoming scents like agent-branded wax melts for a cozy atmosphere.
🌡️ Set the Right Temperature
A comfortable home encourages buyers to stay longer and feel at ease.
- Winter: 68-72°F (20-22°C) – Warm and cozy, but not too hot.
- Summer: 72-76°F (22-24°C) – Cool and refreshing, but not freezing.
💡 Pro Tip: In summer, use fans or lightly scented wax melts to keep the air fresh. In winter, light the fireplace (if available) and offer warm drinks like coffee or cider.
2. Marketing Materials & Lead Capture
Don’t let potential leads slip away—have materials ready to collect their information and provide key details about the home.
✔ Sign-In Sheet or Digital Check-In – Use a tablet or printed sheet to capture visitor information. Grab this FREE sign-in sheet from Gear Up Real Estate.
✔ Flyers & Brochures – Provide detailed property info, neighborhood highlights, and financing options.
✔ Business Cards – Ensure visitors can easily contact you after the open house.
✔ Pop-By Gifts – Small, branded giveaways (like customized pop-by tags from Gear Up Real Estate) create a lasting impression.
3. Items of Value for Guests
Providing useful resources helps showcase your expertise and keeps you top-of-mind.
✔ Neighborhood Guide – Highlight local schools, restaurants, and community amenities.
✔ Market Insights – Share a printed or digital market report with recent trends.
✔ Financing & Mortgage Handouts – Provide options for loan programs, mortgage rates, and buyer incentives.
4. Refreshments & Comfort Items
A small snack or refreshment can make visitors feel welcome and encourage them to stay longer.
✔ Bottled Water & Coffee – Simple drinks create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
✔ Light Snacks – Cookies, granola bars, or packaged treats work well.
✔ Branded Napkins or Cups – A subtle branding opportunity that keeps your name in front of clients.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider using snacks that match the season (e.g., hot cocoa in winter, lemonade in summer).
5. Safety & Preparedness
Protect yourself and the homeowners while ensuring a smooth event.
✔ Birdie Safety Alarm – Keep a personal safety alarm on hand for emergencies.
✔ Secure Valuables – Remind sellers to lock away personal items before the event.
✔ Have a Plan – Know the nearest exit points and have emergency contacts saved.
6. Post-Open House Follow-Up
After the event, following up with attendees keeps the conversation going and builds relationships.
✔ Thank You Emails or Texts – Send a quick message thanking them for attending.
✔ Personalized Follow-Ups – If a guest showed interest, send additional details or schedule a private showing.
✔ Social Media Recap – Share highlights from the open house to engage your audience online.
Make Your Next Open House a Success!
A well-planned open house can generate new leads, showcase your expertise, and help you sell homes faster. By using this checklist, you’ll ensure every event is professional, engaging, and memorable.
Ready to elevate your open house experience? Visit Gear Up Real Estate for branded gifts, marketing materials, and tools designed to help real estate agents succeed!
