Let’s answer first, why should you use our open house checklist for Realtors? Because open houses still work for real estate lead generation, and even to help sell your listings—but only if they’re done right. A thrown-together event with stale cookies and a half-hearted sign-in sheet won’t cut it in today’s competitive market. The good news? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You just need a high-impact open house checklist for Realtors that helps you plan, promote, and follow up like a pro. This printable guide walks you through every step to make sure your open house leaves a lasting impression—and drives real results.
Before the Open House, Prep for Maximum Appeal
A successful open house starts long before the doors open. Here’s what to do in the week leading up:
☑ 7–5 Days Out
- Confirm date/time with seller
- Order professional photography & video
- Create listing flyers and open house signage
- Promote across MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com
- Schedule email and social media posts
☑ 3 Days Out
- Stage the home for visual flow
- Deep clean and declutter
- Confirm refreshments and printed materials
- Prep sign-in system (QR code, tablet, or form)
☑ 1 Day Before
- Walk the home as a buyer—fix anything off
- Place directional signs (if allowed)
- Post final reminders to social and stories
- Prep your talking points (highlight upgrades, comps, features)
Day-of Details That Make a Successful Open House for Realtors
The open house itself should feel welcoming, polished, and seamless. Use this checklist to stay on point:
☑ One Hour Before
- Open all blinds and turn on lights
- Light a mild candle or use essential oils
- Set out bottled water or light snacks
- Turn on soft music (instrumental, jazz, lo-fi)
- Have branded flyers, feature sheets, and business cards ready
☑ During the Event
- Greet each guest warmly—but don’t hover
- Offer a property flyer and highlight a unique feature
- Ask key qualifying questions casually
- Invite them to sign in or scan QR code for listing updates
- Track engagement and jot down hot leads
☑ Immediately After
- Pack up materials and signage
- Text or email seller a quick debrief
- Organize lead info into your CRM or follow-up system
Follow-Up Like a Pro: What to Do After
The follow-up is where most agents drop the ball—and lose the sale. Here’s how to stay top of mind:
☑ Within 24 Hours
- Send a “Thanks for coming” email or text
- Provide digital brochure or link to virtual tour
- Ask what they liked or didn’t like about the home
- Invite them to another open house or private tour
☑ Within 72 Hours
- Share relevant listings based on their feedback
- Add to your CRM with custom tags
- Send a market update or buyer guide
- Mark hot leads for weekly check-ins
💡 Pro Tip: Use automation tools like Mailchimp, Follow Up Boss, or kvCORE to make this process seamless.
Make Every Open House Count With This Checklist for Realtors
Open houses aren’t just about foot traffic but a golden opportunity to connect, convert, and grow your pipeline. With the right preparation, a memorable experience, and a thoughtful follow-up plan, you’ll turn a standard showing into a high-performing sales tool.
Want help creating a streamlined system that takes care of the details for you? Ollin Reach helps top agents build smart, scalable marketing strategies that save time and close more deals.
