Do Open Houses Still Work In 2025?

Are open houses still a good way to generate real estate leads in 2025? The real estate market has changed — and so have buyer expectations. We broke down what’s working (and what’s not) when it comes to open houses this year.

Written by Seth Cox

Apr 28, 2025 / Open Houses

The real estate world is changing fast, but one thing remains true: open houses are still a powerful source of leads in 2025. That said, just putting a few balloons out and waiting by the door isn't enough anymore. To truly win, agents need smarter tools — like a modern open house sign-in app — and a fresh approach to lead capture. Here’s why open houses still work, and how you can maximize every opportunity with tools like Showable.

Why Open Houses Still Work in 2025

Even with all the technology buyers have at their fingertips — virtual tours, AI-driven recommendations, 3D walkthroughs — many still prefer the classic open house experience. It’s about feeling the neighborhood, the vibe of the home, and meeting a real human being they can trust.

Here’s what makes open houses unbeatable for lead generation:

Face-to-face trust: Buyers trust agents they meet in person more than agents they find online.
Double-lead potential: Many buyers are also sellers who need to list their own home soon.
Neighbor opportunities: Curious neighbors visiting your open house often turn into seller leads.
Content creation: Open houses give you real-world footage for Instagram Reels, TikToks, and Stories.

However, if you're still using paper sign-in sheets (or worse, no sign-in at all), you're losing out on these opportunities.

The Problem With Paper Sign-In Sheets

Paper sign-ins are outdated — and honestly, they can make your open house look unprofessional. Worse yet:

Hard to read handwriting = lost leads.
No automatic follow-up = cold leads go colder.
Data entry headaches = wasted time.

Transform Open Houses Into Lead Machines

The biggest shift in open houses today isn’t that fewer people attend — it’s that expectations are higher. Visitors expect a smooth experience, from signing in to getting follow-up information afterward.

Instead of old-school paper sheets, many agents are moving to digital sign-in apps that make it easier to:

Quickly collect visitor information
Send a friendly follow-up automatically
Organize leads without manual data entry
Track visitor engagement after the event

Apps like Showable offer a simple way to set up branded digital sign-ins and manage open house leads more efficiently. Some platforms even let you customize the sign-in flow, send instant thank-you messages, and connect directly to your CRM. The goal isn’t just to collect names — it’s to create a memorable first impression and start a relationship that can turn into future business.

Pro Tips for Open House Success in 2025

Want to squeeze every drop of value out of your next open house? Try these tips:

Promote early and often: Start hyping the open house 7–10 days in advance on social media, email, and local groups.
Have a magnetic "hook": Offer a raffle (gift card, smart home device) to encourage visitors to sign in.
Use QR codes: Make it simple for guests to sign in with their own phones if they prefer.
Create social moments: Snap photos, record a quick walkthrough, and post in real time.
Follow up fast: Send a personalized thank-you text or email within 24 hours.

Open Houses Are Evolving — Are You?

In 2025, open houses are no longer just about selling one home — they’re about building relationships and growing your future business.

With the right strategy and the right tools, your next open house could be your biggest source of high-quality leads yet.