Open House Tips for Real Estate Agents

In this episode, we share open house tips to help realtors maximize their efforts and gain new clients. Whether you’re new to real estate or a seasoned agent, you’ll learn strategies for success, safety, and follow-up.

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Listener-Requested Topic: Open House Tips

This episode was inspired by a listener request from Jessica Harville, a RE/MAX agent in Bossier City/Shreveport. Open houses are a key part of real estate, and they tie into many essential skills—safety, mindset, lead generation, and database building.

We’ll cover everything from preparing for an open house to interacting with buyers and following up effectively. If you want better results, open house strategies are crucial to your business.

Open House Strategies: What Works and What Doesn’t

When starting in real estate, Alyssa hosted open houses almost every weekend. Since she didn’t have her own listings, she found an agent with multiple properties and focused on two specific areas.

By consistently working in the same location, she built brand recognition and even had repeat visitors. She maintained a sign-in sheet and used an email list to send personal invitations for upcoming open houses. Over time, this strategy led to listing opportunities because sellers saw her dedication.

Katie, on the other hand, prefers to host open houses the first weekend a property is listed. This method reduces the number of private showings while creating urgency for buyers.

Mindset Matters

A key takeaway from episode 3 on mindset is that open houses work if you put in the effort. You can’t hold two open houses and claim they don’t work. The agents who succeed are the ones who stay consistent and engaged.

Even if foot traffic is slow, an open house is an opportunity to:

• Practice conversations with buyers
• Refine your knowledge of listings
• Build your database
• Increase brand awareness

Approach each open house with a positive mindset, and the results will follow.

How to Prepare for a Successful Open House

To get the best results, open house preparation should start early in the week. Alyssa follows a checklist to maximize exposure and attendance.

Steps to Prepare

1. Update MLS photos – Add “Open Sunday 2-4 PM” to the main image.
2. Schedule the event on Zillow and Realtor.com – This ensures it appears on popular home search sites.
3. Email agents – Notify agents who recently closed or showed homes in the same subdivision.
4. Use directional signs – Place signs strategically in high-traffic areas.
5. Run Facebook ads – Allocate a small budget to target local buyers.
6. Post on social media – Share on personal and business pages to reach a broader audience.

Some agents rely on newspaper ads, but online promotion is more effective today. It’s crucial to track how visitors heard about the open house to refine future marketing efforts.

What to Bring to an Open House

Alyssa and Katie have different approaches, but both focus on simplicity and professionalism.

Alyssa’s Open House Essentials

• Laptop – For emails, notes, or quick research.
• Sign-in sheet – Asks for name, email, agency status, and timeline.
• Pre-filled sign-in names – To encourage visitors to fill out all details.
• Flyers – Includes home details and neighborhood information.

Katie’s Open House Essentials

• Snacks & drinks – Cookies and bottled water to make guests feel welcome.
• Listing binder – Contains property disclosures, utility details, and more.
• Portable speaker – Plays soft background music to create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Candles – Adds warmth and makes the home feel inviting.

Regardless of what you bring, staying engaged with visitors and making them feel comfortable is key.

Follow-Up Strategies After an Open House

Following up is just as important as hosting the event. Here’s how to convert attendees into clients:

1. Send a thank-you email – Keep it simple and express appreciation.
2. Add to an email list – If they provided their subdivision, send monthly market reports.
3. Set up on a CRM – Organize leads and track future interactions.
4. Personalize outreach – If they showed strong interest, send a follow-up text or call.

Many agents host open houses to find new buyers, so consistent follow-up is critical for turning visitors into clients.

Open House Safety Tips

While open houses offer great opportunities, safety must come first. Here are essential precautions:

• Park in the street – Never get blocked in.
• Keep your keys and phone in your pocket – Always be prepared to exit quickly.
• Stay aware of surroundings – Don’t enter rooms before visitors.
• Step outside if needed – If you feel uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation.
• Educate sellers – Advise them to lock up valuables, electronics, and prescriptions.

Some agents place “Smile, you’re on camera” signs at the entrance, which can deter potential criminals.

Final Thoughts on Open Houses

Open houses aren’t just about selling a home—they help agents build relationships and attract new clients. Whether you hold them weekly, monthly, or occasionally, they can be a valuable part of your business.

If you take intentional steps to market, prepare, and follow up, you’ll see results over time. Most importantly, stay safe, stay engaged, and keep a positive mindset.