Open Houses
Open houses are still one of the best ways to connect with buyers, build relationships, and get more eyes on your listings. But let’s be real—throwing an open house isn’t just about unlocking the door and hoping people show up. To make it count, you need a solid game plan, smart systems, and some creative ideas to stand out.
In this journal entry, we’ll walk through the entire process: how to plan, promote, host, and follow up on open houses effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, these strategies will help you run open houses that generate leads, build your network, and strengthen your brand.
Why Open Houses Still Work
Even with all the digital tools at our disposal, open houses offer something unique. They let people explore a home at their own pace, ask questions in real-time, and connect with you—an actual person, not just an online profile.
Here’s why they’re worth your time:
Meet Buyers Face-to-Face: You’ll connect with people who might not have reached out otherwise. And, every encounter is an opportunity.
Boost Property Exposure: Not every buyer checks online listings obsessively—open houses attract those who prefer to see things in person.
Build Future Leads: Even if attendees aren’t ready to buy now, they may turn into clients down the road.
Plan Smart: Timing Matters
The right timing can make or break an open house. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
When to Host: Weekends between 11 AM – 3 PM are ideal, but in certain neighborhoods, weekday evenings (like 5-7 PM) can draw working professionals.
Avoid Conflicts: Check for community events, sports games, or holidays that could impact attendance.
Spread the Word: Promote Like a Pro
You can’t rely on a couple of yard signs and expect people to show up. Promoting your open house requires a mix of old-school strategies and online outreach.
Social Media Blitz: Post on Instagram, Facebook, and neighborhood groups. Create countdown stories to build excitement.
Direct Mail or Flyers: Drop off postcards in nearby neighborhoods—neighbors often know someone looking to move into the area.
Email Marketing: Reach out to your contact list with the open house details. If you know specific buyers looking in the area, send them a personal invite.
Make the House Shine: Prep Like a Pro
First impressions are everything. Use this simple system to make sure the property is ready to impress:
Declutter and Clean: Pay attention to the curb appeal, remove personal items, and deep-clean every corner.
Stage with Purpose: Arrange furniture to highlight the home’s best features. Adding a few flowers or a subtle fragrance (nothing too strong!) makes a difference.
Set the Mood with Lighting: Open all the curtains and turn on every light to make the space feel open and bright.
Pro tip: Provide your sellers with a checklist to keep the home “show-ready” throughout the listing period—it’ll save you both some stress when showings pop up unexpectedly.
On the Big Day: Create a Great Experience
The day of the open house is your time to shine. Here’s how to run things smoothly and make the most of every interaction:
Clear Signage: Place 6-10 branded signs along major streets and intersections to guide visitors.
Use a Sign-In System: Collect visitor information digitally with a tablet (using Google Forms) or use a simple printed sign-in sheet. Make it easy for people to leave their contact details without feeling pressured.
Engage, Don’t Hover: Greet everyone warmly and give them space to explore. Be ready to jump into conversations with open-ended questions:
“What kind of home are you hoping to find?”
“How do you like the neighborhood so far?”
Offer Something Useful (And Memorable)
Make sure visitors walk away with more than just a flyer. Offer something they’ll actually find helpful:
Neighborhood Guide: Include info on local restaurants, parks, and schools.
Mortgage Estimates: Provide a simple breakdown of what monthly payments could look like.
Digital Follow-Ups: Create textable templates with the property details and your contact info so visitors can refer to the home later without cluttering their pockets with brochures.
Follow Up (Fast!) to Stay Top of Mind
This is where a lot of agents drop the ball. Following up the same day keeps you top of mind and shows you’re serious about helping.
Immediate Follow-Up: Send a friendly text or email thanking them for coming. Mention something specific from your conversation to make it personal.
Email Campaigns: Add attendees to your Leads Tracker with tags like “hot lead” or “future buyer.” Automate follow-up emails with updates on the property, market trends, or new listings that match their criteria.
Review and Refine: Track What Works
After each open house, take a few minutes to reflect on what worked—and what didn’t. This helps you fine-tune your approach for future events.
Track Visitor Count: Which marketing strategies brought the most people?
Lead Quality: How many visitors became serious leads?
Feedback Patterns: Pay attention to recurring comments about the property or staging to improve your future open houses.
Creative Ways to Stand Out
If you want to go the extra mile, try these ideas to make your open houses more memorable:
Themed Events: Host a “Coffee & Croissants” morning or an evening “Twilight Tour” to showcase the home in a unique way.
Giveaways and Raffles: Offer a small prize or gift card for visitors who sign in—it’s a fun way to encourage participation.
Partner with Local Vendors: Collaborate with a nearby bakery or coffee shop to provide refreshments, adding a local touch to the event.
Virtual Options: Use live streaming or a video tour to give out-of-town buyers a chance to join.
Remember
Open houses are more than just a way to sell a home—they’re an opportunity to build relationships and grow your business. But to really make them work, you need solid systems in place. From promoting the event to following up with visitors, every step should be intentional.
With the right planning, a little creativity, and a reliable follow-up system, your open houses will become one of the most powerful tools in your business. After all, it’s not just about selling one home—it’s about building connections that lead to future business.
Now get out there, host an awesome open house, and make the most of it!
Reflection Questions
What challenges have you encountered with your open houses, and which strategies from this journal entry can help you overcome them?
Which new promotional ideas—like social media countdowns or themed events—feel the most exciting or relevant for your market? How will you incorporate them into your open house strategy?
How can you improve your follow-up process to maintain meaningful connections with attendees while keeping communication professional and timely?
What systems could you implement to make your open house process more efficient and consistent?
How can you enhance the overall visitor experience to ensure your open houses leave a lasting impression and generate future leads?
Shop Related Products
All-in-One Open House Package
Enhance your Open House with this complete package designed to streamline guest sign-ins and gather feedback. This package includes two Google Forms—one for sign-in and another for feedback—with questions to gauge interest in the property and your services. You’ll also get Canva templates for printed materials, such as Welcome and Thank-You signs with QR codes, sign-in and feedback sheets, a checklist, and a 2-sided listing flyer. Setup is easy: display the QR-coded signs, letting guests sign in upon arrival and provide feedback as they leave. Afterward, follow up with a textable thank-you card to leave a lasting impression.
