It’s no secret that open houses are tedious. It’s a very manual process that gets boring really quickly; plus, it very rarely leads to a quick sale. While that may be the case, any agent worth their salt knows that it’s more than just marketing a house — it’s about creating connections, letting potential sellers know you’re willing to go the extra mile, and building your local reputation.

Biases aside, it’s not like it can’t be easy and exciting for both you and your attendees; a number of technological advancements have made for some simple ways to make your open house a bash. Here are a couple of real estate open house ideas you can use to up your open house game.

Nail down the basics

Preparing for an open house is pretty straightforward, but forgetting the little things that could help ensure your event’s success is easy. It’s as simple as preparing a checklist and scripts, inviting neighbors and past clients, and working with other agents in the area.

1. Use an open house checklist to stay organized.

• 

  
  
  Cost:
  
  Free

  Using a checklist to track open house necessities like home staging, posting on social media, and preparing handout materials keeps you on task so that you’re not scrambling around at the last minute. Preparation also maximizes your lead potential since you’ll feel more relaxed and confident interacting with guests instead of worrying if you forgot something.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Create an open house checklist of all the tasks you must do before, during, and after your open house. If you’re short on time, check out The Close’s open house checklist — and there’s a free downloadable for you to use.

2. Knock on doors to invite the neighbors.

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  Cost:
  
  Free

  Door-knocking is a tried-and-true way to become a top agent in your area. The personal connection it offers is hard to beat. In fact, data from PropertyRadar predicts that out of 100 doors knocked on, 20 of those typically lead to a meaningful conversation — and around 10% of those turn into quality leads.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Having a script ready can make this effort easier and faster for you. Check out our comprehensive article with door knocking tips and scripts.

3. Reach out to past clients to boost attendance.

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  Cost:
  
  Free

  If you’ve been doing real estate right, you’ll know how important it is to keep close to past clients. Besides potentially offering referrals, some may even be interested in moving into a new home — and given that they’ve worked with you before, they’ll be more inclined to attend your event.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Take a more personal approach. If they’re near you, pop by. Otherwise, a simple call would go a long way, allowing you to reconnect, stay at the top of their mind, and possibly increase your open house’s attendance.

4. Work with other agents in your area.

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  Cost:
  
  Free to $500, depending on what help you need

  Real estate agents should see fellow agents as teammates, not competitors. You can team up with nearby agents for a joint open house day, promoting the event together and attracting more visitors, especially if the listings are similar. You can also work with other listing agents and hold their open houses for them or even request help from a junior agent to manage your attendees and make your open house a bit smoother on the event day.

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  Use these tips when working with other agents:
  

  • When advertising group open house days, a little creativity can go a long way. Hold a raffle that people can only enter if they visit every home on the list — or even try a scavenger hunt for the kids.
  • To make hosting an open house for a listing agent a benefit to them, agree to pay them a referral fee for any client you pick up from the open house. Note that referral fees can vary by location and are entirely negotiable among the agents involved.
  • Working with junior agents will help you keep things running smoothly and ensure that attendees don’t feel neglected. Find $50 or so to have someone cover the door for an hour or two — you won’t regret it.

5. Prepare an open house script & practice delivering it.

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  Cost:
  
  Free

  Even if you’re a pro at chatting with everyone at an open house, using real estate scripts will still steer your conversations toward getting contact details. So unless you’re hosting open houses just to make new pals and discuss gardening, practicing scripts will help you gather more leads. It’s as simple as that.

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  Use this tip:
  
  If you want some persuasive scripts to get you started, check out our best open house scripts. Oh, and don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone you rehearsed them!

Spruce up your marketing & branding

Marketing and branding play a huge role in throwing a killer open house. From setting up a simple yard sign to creating eye-catching promo materials, your marketing game can seriously impact the number of people who show up and the success of your open house.

6. Use an open house yard sign.

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  Cost:
  
  $50 to $200

  It might be predictable, but very few things can market your event as easily as having huge open house signs. Not only does a yard sign clearly show your attendees who may be new to the area exactly which house is the one you’re showing, but it also encourages walk-ins. Ensure that your sign is designed well, with clear typography and personal branding.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Before posting your yard signs, check local regulations and HOA rules — you don’t want to get fined unknowingly and ruin the vibe of your open house.

7. Invest in high-quality open house marketing materials.

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  Cost:
  
  $40 to $150

  Investing in high-quality open house marketing materials is crucial for creating a positive and professional impression on potential buyers. Well-designed materials like flyers, brochures, and signage showcase the property effectively and reflect positively on the hosting agent or agency. High-quality materials convey attention to detail, help build trust, and leave a lasting impression for increased engagement and potential leads.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Use the help of a real estate marketing company with branding elements. Coffee and Contracts, for instance, offers thousands of social media templates designed specifically for agents. These include templates for Instagram Reels, carousels, and Broke Agent memes. As a subscriber, you’ll access fresh content and new options every month. For more information, read our Coffee and Contracts review.

8. Hire a photographer to take pictures

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  Cost:
  
  From $50 an hour

  If you want your fellow real estate agents to like you, think about hiring a photographer to snap some pictures of them in action at your open house. Agents always love having more pics of themselves for social media, and these images can also come in handy for your next listing presentation.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Hiring a professional photographer is a good idea, as these pros can deliver great results without you figuring it out yourself. You may also consider hiring a drone photographer; it’s fun and results in great photos you can share. It can also help potential clients see exactly what’s in the area at a glance. However, if a professional is too costly, you can try doing it on your own — check out our real estate photography tips for better results.

9. Create a branded infographic with neighborhood info.

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  Cost:
  
  Free neighborhood overviews, $30 per detailed report

  Creating branded real estate infographics with all the neighborhood info gives potential buyers what they need to know about it. You can show off the local amenities, schools, and parks; you can even throw in some fun facts about the neighborhood. Plus, it adds credibility to market trends, property values, and community demographics.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Grab a neighborhood profile for free, take four or five of the most interesting stats, and whip up an infographic in Canva. It’s easier than you think, and your preparation will impress your clients.

Enhance your open house with technology

Incorporating technology can take your open house to the next level, providing an engaging experience for agents and potential buyers. From virtual tours and interactive floor plans to smart home devices, using tech can really wow visitors and showcase properties in exciting and modern ways.

10. Livestream an open house tour and share it on social media.

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  Cost:
  
  Free

  Livestreaming an open house tour allows potential buyers to see the property in real time, ask questions, and get a sense of the space. Sharing livestreams on social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, can help reach a younger audience and make the property more visible on different platforms. This multi-platform approach can create more interest in the property and potentially lead to a quicker sale.

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  Here are some livestream open house tips:
  

  • Create and boost a social media post to advertise and boost your virtual open house.
  • Send out an email or text blast announcing your virtual open house. Don’t forget to contact other agents in your office or farm area. Even if they’re too busy to attend in person, it might be the perfect home for one of their buyers.
  • Use short snippets of the video to market yourself on social media. Record your live stream and cut it into quick-hit videos for Instagram real estate Reels or Stories and TikTok. You can use them as “day in the life” videos or show how your property marketing can fill a room with people!

11. Create a VR experience.

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  Cost:
  
  $25 to $450

  Virtual reality (VR) is still super cutting-edge but catching on quickly. That’s why adding it to your open house toolkit can show everyone that you’re a tech-savvy agent. Give visitors a virtual tour of the property or a 3D mockup of potential renovations to help them see the space in a new way.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Snag a decent VR headset and preload it with interactive tours. Play around with it to ensure your visitors don’t run into issues.

12. Virtually stage a room & allow attendees to play around with it.

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  Cost:
  
  $7 to $50, depending on approach

  Virtual staging for open houses helps potential buyers envision the potential of a space by virtually furnishing and decorating it, making it more appealing. It also allows showcasing different design options and layouts to influence buyer decisions and presents the property in its best light, ultimately attracting more potential buyers.

  To make it even more fun and interactive, bring some devices on the day of the open house with the virtual staging applications preloaded. That way, attendees can play with the staging themselves and see how the home can look exactly the way they want it to.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Offer to email or, better yet, text them the pictures of the staging they created. Check out our guide to the best virtual staging software if you need some options.

13. Use QR codes creatively.

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  Cost:
  
  From $50 an hour

  QR codes have become popular, but many agents still don’t know how to use them to get leads at their open houses. Here are easy ways to use QR codes at your next open house to get more leads:

  • Set up an iPad sign-in station using a QR code creator at the front door — or, better yet, on your refreshments table.
  • Create a free QR code (using a site like QR Code Generator). Print it onto your welcome sign and ensure the QR code links to your open house sign-in sheets.
  • Create QR codes that link to slideshows of each room, virtually staged in different themes. Print out the codes on signs and post them in each room with a copy such as, “See this room staged as a home office!”

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  Use this tip:
  
  For a budget option, you can use Curb Hero — one of our top-recommended open house apps. It is 100% free for agents and lets you create QR codes for touchless sign-in, postcards, signs, or anything else.

14. Showcase smart and sustainable home features.

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  Cost:
  
  $50 to $500

  While sustainable and smart home features aren’t new, potential home buyers are bound to have many questions about how they work and what it would mean to own one. Simple brochures can go the distance here, but a walkthrough of these features and showcasing the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact would really put this into perspective for your attendees.

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  Use this tip:
  
  If you have the budget, consider partnering with local green energy experts or companies to co-host the event. They can provide objective insights or even discounts for attendees, further adding value to their attendance at your open house.

Prioritize engagement & networking

Engagement and networking at an open house are crucial for building connections and generating leads. From interacting with visitors to facilitating meaningful conversations, effective engagement and networking strategies can significantly impact the success of your open house event.

15. Boost your open house on hyperlocal social networks.

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  Cost:
  
  Free

  Advertising your open house on Facebook and Instagram can work well. However, at the end of the day, you’re still paying to reach people who could be hundreds of miles away, so it’s great for brand awareness but lousy for actually getting people through the door. By posting on local Facebook Groups and Nextdoor, you will reach fewer people — but those people almost certainly live in the neighborhood.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Nextdoor and Facebook Groups have some of the most engaged local audiences online. If you offer trendy food and music or use the other tips above, you might get neighbors talking about your open house for free. For your posts to get more traction, check out our real estate social media marketing tips.

16. Partner with a local brand or shop.

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  Cost:
  
  Free to $500

  Experiential real estate marketing is about creating an awesome experience for local influencers to talk about, which helps draw them in. But to keep them interested, you need something more than just a cool backyard.

  Partnering with a local company or brand — like a boutique, restaurant, mixology bar, music school, or art gallery — can excite your open houses and get people chatting. Plus, the brands you team up with might even promote your event on their social media, reaching a whole new audience for your business.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Find businesses that align with your target market, define clear objectives, create an engaging experience, cross-promote the event, and show appreciation afterward. This can help you build successful partnerships and enhance your open house events.

17. Set up a financial consultation area.

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  Cost:
  
  Free

  Buyers have questions about mortgages, down payments, and how much they can afford, especially with the current rates. To address these concerns and provide a whole new level of service for clients, have a lender tag along to your next open house. They can keep you company and provide visitors with advice. It’s a win-win for both of you since creating that financial relationship can be the first step for buyers.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Set up the area with comfortable chairs and a desk. Try to keep it separate from the main space for privacy. You can even offer some financial FAQs for buyers to grab and read later.

Don’t forget the hospitality & amenities

When it comes to open house hospitality, it’s all about making guests feel at home. Offering snacks, cozy seating, and helpful info can really make people feel welcome. By creating a chill and friendly vibe, hosts can leave a great impression on potential clients.

18. Serve trendy food & drinks that spark conversation.

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  Cost:
  
  $1 to $5 per serving

  An open house idea that’s more a classic staple than anything — don’t forget to offer food and drinks. There’s nothing quite like the cozy, welcoming vibe of fresh-baked cookies greeting your guests at the door. But if you want to get folks chatting, serve unique and easy-to-eat dishes that will spark conversations, even on the go. When the conversation starts to flow, so do the connections.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Try serving kiwi mojito mocktails or baked treats that always have a line at the local bakery on Sunday mornings. This will give your guests a great reason to chat and mingle. Remember, the goal isn’t to show off your cooking or mixology skills but to make it easy for everyone to break the ice and start conversations. Check The Close’s guide on open house food ideas if you’re struggling to think of what to whip up.

19. Offer water bottles branded with your business card.

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  Cost:
  
  From 45 cents each, in bulk

  Everyone could use a bottle of water, especially when walking around — and that’s no different a case when it comes to walking through your open house. To ensure you get your business card to your attendees, use water bottle giveaways by attaching your business card to the tag!

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  Use this tip:
  
  Grab different colors to match your brand or the season. These are perfect to offer your guests as a to-go item on a hot day.

20. Have a childcare corner.

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  Cost:
  
  Free to $200

  Parents can sometimes find it challenging to focus on their open house while trying to keep an eye on their kids. Set up a play area with toys, coloring books, and kid-friendly shows, making their visit to your open house more relaxed and enjoyable, even if only for a few minutes.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Consider hiring a babysitter for young families and putting up a sign for the kids’ corner. To make it even more memorable for both parents and children, give the kids a small goodie bag with your branding, adding in some coloring materials, healthy snacks, and a cute little squish toy to entertain them.

21. Give out small branded gifts as party favors.

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  Cost:
  
  $2 to $5 per branded gift

  Branded items are perfect for open houses. Your open house guests probably don’t know you from Adam, so a small gift with your brand on it helps keep you at the top of their minds, especially when they like the item you gave. While it might not pay off immediately, the simple name recall when using your items is enough to grow your client base.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Give small branded gifts to your open house visitors that they will actually keep and use. Consider useful items like dishtowels, potholders, compact mirrors, or change purses.

Go the extra mile

Putting in the extra effort at your open house can really make a difference. When hosting, finding unique ways to impress potential buyers and leave a lasting impression is key. From organizing charity activities to partnering with local artists, these thoughtful touches can set your open house apart and help you generate valuable leads.

22. Raise money for charity at your open house.

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  Cost:
  
  Free

  Being a leader in your community is part of the job of a real estate agent. It’s not just about selling houses; it’s also about positively impacting the community. Think about it this way: If you were selling your own home, wouldn’t you prefer working with an agent known for giving back to the community?

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  Use this tip:
  
  There are several approaches to this. You can organize a charity raffle or silent auction during the open house. You could also pledge to donate a part of your commission from any sales made during the event to a chosen charity. Another idea is to set up a donation booth or pledge drive so that visitors can contribute directly to the charity. Just be transparent about which charitable foundation the proceeds go to.

23. Showcase local art and artists as part of staging.

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  Cost:
  
  Free

  Local artists are always on the lookout for opportunities to display their work. By featuring their pieces at your open house, you’ll get some cool staging and visual charm for free while building a sense of community. It’s also a great way to spark conversations!

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  Use this tip:
  
  Contact some local artists and offer to display their work. Ensure you’ve got a specific area for the art and cards for the artist so your visitors can learn more about the pieces as well.

Related Article

15 Home Staging Tips to Sell a House Fast

24. Host contests & giveaways.

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  Cost:
  
  Free to $50

  Hosting a giveaway can increase your attendance immediately. People love free stuff! It adds a fun twist to your open house, even if it’s just a simple raffle or a more elaborate contest, like a scavenger hunt.

  Besides engaging your attendees, it’s an easy and creative way to grab visitor’s contact info. Be transparent and say that you’ll be sending the prize via email — it’ll give you a chance to snag participants’ contact details without overtly pushing them into it.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Keep the contest relevant to the property or neighborhood. For instance, make the prize a gift card to a local restaurant. Or, you could do something interactive, like asking guests to find the three small red stickers you’ve placed around the house for a prize.

Make time for the post-open house tasks

After a great open house, it’s time to keep the ball rolling with some post-event activities. These help nurture relationships with potential clients and increase the chances of turning leads into successful sales.

25. Follow up with all guests.

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  Cost:
  
  From $300 per month

  Like all lead generation strategies, the follow-up is crucial. The only problem is determining whom you must follow up with and how often. This is where predictive analytics comes in — using such platforms will help you determine exactly who to reach out to.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Use a tried-and-tested platform, like Smartzip. It uses AI and a billion data points to tell who is likely to move before they even think about an agent. The provider says its AI is so accurate that it has an accuracy of 70% when predicting future listings. Learn more about it in our review of Smartzip.

26. Use follow-up email templates to engage new leads.

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  Cost:
  
  Free

  While getting emails and phone numbers at your open house is great, you might as well not bother if you can’t keep them engaged until they’re ready to transact. While some CRMs offer done-for-you drip campaigns to add to, that first email you send is vital to establishing a lasting relationship with potential clients. To ensure it hits home, use one of our open house follow-up email templates.

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  Use this tip:
  
  Writing great subject lines is crucial — after all, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Here are five clever email subject lines you can use to increase the odds of getting your email read:

  1. Your Private Invite: Get the Best Listings BEFORE They Hit the Market!
  2. Coffee This Week? (on me)
  3. I Have to Ask…
  4. Did You Hate It…?
  5. If You Liked {your open house address}, You’ll LOVE These!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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Bringing it all together

Open houses don’t have to be boring — some creativity can go a long way not just to engage potential leads but also to make it a bit more interesting for you. By using the tips in this article, you can create a welcoming atmosphere that attracts potential buyers and heightens engagement. Do you have some open house ideas that are working for you? Drop it in the comments below to help other agents out!

The post 26 Open House Ideas That Will Actually Get You Leads appeared first on The Close.