5 Steps to a Successful Open House
An open house isn’t just a showing—it’s a stage where you sell the home and showcase yourself as the go-to agent. Every open house is a golden opportunity to grow your business, generate leads, and build your brand. Here’s how to make sure your next open house is a success.
1. Market The Listing
Tell people about your listing! Promote and market using ListAssist, or through more traditional methods. Send out Just Listed postcards, tell buyers agents, and inform your database and farm on social media. Chances are, even if your database isn't interested, they know someone who might be. Make sure you have up-to-date outdoor signs to put up in front of the property and around the neighborhood. It also wouldn’t hurt to tell neighbors about the listing. No one knows the area better than they do, and they might know friends or family interested in moving in. Send them information on the listing, host a private open house showing if they seem interested, and give them a heads-up about any additional traffic the listing may bring.
Pro Tip: Use Corefact’s Just Listed postcards with a QR code to drive traffic to the open house or the property's landing page.
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2. Want a proven open house marketing plan?
Download our free Open House Marketing Strategy Timeline to map everything—from “Coming Soon” postcards to your post-event follow-up. It starts 30 days before your open house and covers every touchpoint.
Planning an open house takes more than just picking a date. Our free Open House Marketing Strategy Timeline breaks down exactly what to do—starting one month before your open house and ending with a strategic follow-up campaign to help you win more listings.
Here’s a quick look at what’s included:
- - 30 Days Before: Send a Coming Soon postcard to build early buzz
- - 2–3 Weeks Before: Mail a Neighbors Only open house invitation note card
- - 1 Week Before: Mail a Just Listed postcard with a general time range (e.g., “Every Sunday in June, 11–2”)
- - During the Open House: Ask visitors to share their mailing address for follow-up
- - Post-Event: Send a handwritten Thank You note and later, a Just Sold postcard to 200–300 nearby homes
3. Make a Memorable First Impression
Impress potential buyers right from the get-go. This includes more than just focusing on curb appeal. Focus on appealing to all five senses. Open the blinds and windows and let natural light shine in, making rooms look brighter and bigger. If the owners have pets, remove them from the premises during the open house. Freshly baked cookies leave the entire house smelling nice, overpowers any pet odors, and are a delicious snack to offer potential buyers.
4. Connect with Visitors
Greet each person—but don’t follow them around the house. Give them space to tour the property leisurely and at their own pace. Before each person leaves, make sure you’ve connected with them, gotten their contact information, and answered any questions they might have. Ask them if they have any feedback or suggestions: there’s no better way to ensure your listing is being marketed effectively.
Pro Tip: Have a few conversation starters ready, like “Are you familiar with the neighborhood?” or “What are you looking for in your next home?”
5. The Proof Is in the Paperwork
Listing information, brochures, and your business card should be displayed prominently. Include a link to the listing's Single Property Website. Print out property information, inspection reports, and comparable sales data for serious prospects. Highlight the market data, local stores, schools, and neighborhood statistics to show the advantages of the location.
Pro Tip: Include your Corefact Market Trends Report for extra local value.
Bonus. Most Importantly: Follow Up
The most powerful way to connect with potential buyers is through face-to-face communication. However, following up with everyone who visited after open houses is a must. Ensure you get visitors' contact information and follow up with them immediately. Follow up with the hottest prospects first, but make sure you’ve reached out to all the prospects no less than 24 hours after the open house.
Pro Tip: Send a personalized follow-up postcard using Corefact’s variable data printing—stand out even after the visit.
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