5 Steps to a Great Open House
**Quick guide to becoming the hosting agent everyone wants to work with.**
Why Host Open Houses?
Hosting open houses for other agents is a win-win opportunity: earn $100-300 per event while building relationships, gaining experience, and generating potential leads. Most importantly, it's your first opportunity to impress the listing agent and establish yourself as their go-to hosting professional. This opportunity can translate into over $10,000+ in the next 30 days - that is the power of the open house opportunity.
Step 1: Ask the Listing Agent to Post the Open House on the MLS
Ask the listing agent to post the open house on the MLS—this makes sure it shows up on major real estate sites for consumers like Realtor, Zillow, Redfin etc. Claim the Open House on OH Dibs! Call or text the listing agent to thank them for the opportunity and assure them you intend to host the open house with complete professionalism. This builds your network and establishes trust that you'll represent their listing well.
Step 2: Create Marketing Materials
Develop three essential materials by Wednesday:
- Flyers with home photos, key details, your contact info, preferred lender information, and a compelling call-to-action like "Ask Me About My Price Reduction List"
- Registration sheet (digital or paper) to capture visitor contact information and buyer preferences
- Score cards to collect feedback on pricing, location, curb appeal, and favorite features while engaging guests
Step 3: Market the Open House
Start marketing Thursday with a multi-channel approach:
- Invite your database via email with flyers, followed by calls/texts for personal connection
- Door knock and circle prospect the neighborhood 1-2 days prior, inviting neighbors for a 30-minute early preview
- Post to social media with day/time, address, key home details, and engaging call-to-actions like virtual tours—be sure to tag the listing agent in the posts!
Step 4: Host the Event
Put out 5-7 open house signs at major intersections, neighborhood entrances, and throughout the area. Make sure there is a clear path with signs to the house. Start the night before for maximum exposure. Arrive early to greet neighbors during their preview time, take quick videos for social media, and ensure everything is ready. Turn on all the lights and ceiling fans in the house for the open house. Be sure to have toilet paper, bottled water and pre-wrapped snacks on hand. This can be your "kit" that you take to all open houses. Greet every visitor warmly, have them sign your registration sheet, and engage them with questions about their housing needs while collecting valuable feedback through your score cards.
Step 5: Follow Up
The money is in the follow-up! Immediately after the open house:
- Pick up the signs—this will save you money
- Post the feedback to OH Dibs
- Add all attendees to your database with notes about which open house they attended
- Contact everyone as soon as possible to categorize them as neighbors, looky-loos, or interested buyers
- The following Monday, call the same neighbors you initially prospected to provide feedback, offer market analysis, and ask for referrals
- Add customized follow-up plans to every new contact based on their level of interest
Remember: All houses can be great open houses when you follow this systematic approach. Open houses are primarily lead generation tools—while you might sell the listing, the real value is building your buyer and seller pipeline for future business.
This systematic approach transforms any property showing into a powerful lead generation event that can fuel your real estate business for months to come.
Ready to streamline your brokerage's open house coordination? OH Dibs connects listing agents with reliable hosts efficiently. Learn more at OHDibs.com