7 Steps to a Great Open House

By OH Dibs Team | September 23, 2025 | In: Real Estate Tips Open House Sign - Open House Tips for Realtors

**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: gain experience and generating potential leads. Most importantly, it's your first opportunity to impress the listing agents in your office and establish yourself as a 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: Call Dibs on the Open House Opportunity And Make Sure YOU are ready!

  • Call Dibs on the Open House opportunity on OHDibs. If the if the agent has allowed you to select the date and/or time, make sure to call or text and confirm with them. Be sure to let them know you claimed it on OHDibs and sign your name in the text or let them know immediately your information on the call.
  • Make sure you are ready. Set-up your Supra Key and test it on a lockbox. There are always some in the office. You could also find a vacant home on the MLS and test it out. You don't want to be caught the day of the open house with a Supra Key that doesn't work. Also - download and read the KW Open House Playbook. If you don't have the link, ask your Agent Services or your team leader for the link.

    • Step 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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.
  • Post on your social media that you are at the open house and invite your network to come!

    • Step 6: Follow Up

    The money is in the follow-up! Immediately after the open house:

    • Pick up the signs—this will save you money
    • 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

    Step 7: Thank Your Listing Agent for the Opportunity

    AGAIN! The money is in the follow-up! Immediately after the open house:

    • Post your open house activity in OHDibs for your listing agent
    • Send a Thank you Note to the Listing Agent
    • Brag online about your great open house!
    • Jot down lessons learned - start preparing for your next open house!

    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