The Open House Checklist For Real Estate Agents: A Step By Step Guide

Want to turn your next open house into a powerful lead magnet? This step-by-step open house checklist for real estate agents covers everything from prep to follow-up. Learn how top producers maximize every showing to win more clients and close more deals.

Written by Seth Cox

May 28, 2025 / Open Houses

When it comes to real estate marketing, few tools are as effective—or as overlooked—as the open house. According to the National Association of Realtors, 41% of buyers say they visited an open house during their home search (NAR, 2023). But while buyers walk through the front door hoping to find their dream home, savvy agents know the real win lies in generating leads, building trust, and creating momentum for both the listing and their business.

That’s where a well-crafted open house checklist for agents becomes your secret weapon. This guide is built specifically for real estate professionals who want to take control of the entire open house process—from first invitation to final follow-up. Whether you’re new to real estate or a seasoned pro looking to streamline your workflow, this comprehensive checklist will ensure you never miss a step.

Why Every Agent Needs an Open House Checklist

Open houses are more than weekend events—they’re high-ROI marketing campaigns. Without a system, agents risk forgetting key details like signage placement, lead capture tools, or post-event follow-up. And that can cost you more than just a few hours on a Sunday—it can cost you listings.

With a proven checklist, you can:

Create a repeatable open house system that builds your brand
Make a strong impression on sellers, buyers, and neighbors
Capture more sign-ins and convert more leads
Maximize your chances of securing future listings from attendees

Top-producing agents don’t “wing it.” They run open houses like campaigns—and this guide shows you how.

What This Real Estate Open House Checklist Covers

This is the most detailed open house checklist for agents you’ll find online. It walks you step-by-step through every phase of the open house process—helping you attract more visitors, convert more leads, and impress every seller you represent.

You’ll learn how to:

Plan and promote your open house 7–10 days in advance (see The Best Times to Hold an Open House)
Prepare the property using a pre-event staging checklist
Set up a successful open house with signage and visitor flow
Capture contact info with an agent-ready sign-in system (see Free Printable Open House Sign-In Sheet Templates)
Follow up like a pro with automation and scripts
Avoid common mistakes that cost agents listings

Phase 1: 7 Days Before – Plan Your Open House

Planning early gives you the best shot at a successful, lead-generating open house. This phase helps you align with the seller and start marketing with enough lead time to drive serious foot traffic.

Choose the best day and time

Pick a date based on local buyer patterns
Aim for Saturday or Sunday, 11 AM–3 PM
Try weekday twilight opens for upscale homes

(See: Best Times to Hold an Open House)

Confirm details with the seller

Confirm time and duration
Arrange for pets to be removed
Ensure seller vacates the property
Flag off-limits rooms

Update the MLS and syndication sites

Add open house info to your MLS
Double-check time and your contact details
Highlight top features or upgrades

Launch your marketing campaign

Post teasers on Instagram and Facebook
Schedule 2–3 more promotional posts
Create a Facebook Event and invite your contacts
Email your CRM list
Personally text top buyer leads

(Need assets? See: Free Canva Templates)

Print materials for the event

Branded flyers with property highlights
Business cards and paper sign-in sheets
QR codes for digital brochures or lead forms

Notify the neighbors

Drop off postcards or door hangers
Personally invite nearby homeowners
Offer a 15-minute “neighbors-only” preview

(Use these: Scripts to Convert Neighbors)

Phase 2: 2–3 Days Before The Open House – Prepare the Property

Your marketing is rolling, now it’s time to make the home shine. The environment must be clean, bright, and emotionally appealing.

Stage the home for maximum appeal

Declutter surfaces and remove personal items
Add fresh towels, pillows, and light decor
Ensure lighting is consistent and welcoming

(Data source: NAR Profile of Home Staging)

Deep clean everything

Vacuum carpets and mop floors
Sanitize kitchens and bathrooms
Eliminate odors from pets, food, and mildew

Improve curb appeal

Mow, trim, and edge the lawn
Power wash porches and walkways
Add seasonal plants, wreaths, or a welcome mat

Place signage strategically

Plan locations at major intersections
Use branded directional signs
Ensure signs are visible from the street

Phase 3: Day Of The Open House – Real Estate Agent Hosting Checklist

This is your time to shine. A seamless experience boosts credibility and lead conversion.

Open house setup checklist

Turn on lights and adjust thermostat
Open blinds for natural light
Tidy up one last time

Create a welcoming atmosphere

Play soft background music
Use a mild air freshener or candle
Set out bottled water or snacks

Use a lead capture system

Use Showable to capture sign-ins
Display flyers and neighborhood guides
Include QR codes and brochures

Be a professional—not a shadow

Greet each visitor warmly
Offer info without following them room to room
Emphasize key features only when appropriate

Watch for buying signals

Note who asks specific questions
Track those who stay longest in key rooms
Record behavior and cues for follow-up

Phase 4: After the Open House – Follow-Up

Most deals are won (or lost) after the open house. Your follow-up matters.

Segment and qualify your leads

Export and categorize your sign-ins
Tag hot, warm, and cold leads in your CRM
Log notes about questions or concerns

Send same-day thank-you messages

Email or text each attendee
Mention a specific feature they liked
Include your contact info and listing link

(Get help: Open House Follow-Up Scripts)

Call or text hot leads personally

Invite them to private showings
Offer similar listings
Ask about their timeline and goals

Debrief with the seller

Share visitor stats and feedback
Provide next-step recommendations
Reassure them with your proactive strategy

Nurture long-term leads

Add cold/warm leads to your CRM campaigns
Send monthly updates and listings
Segment by interest for targeted outreach

Track performance and optimize

Review which marketing drove traffic
Evaluate your follow-up results
Update your checklist for next time

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced agents make costly errors. Here’s how to sharpen your strategy.

Advanced tips for real estate open houses

Use branded sign-in experiences
Offer printed neighborhood guides
Post setup photos to Instagram Stories
Include QR links on flyers

Common open house mistakes

Failing to follow up within 24 hours
Skipping digital promotion
Being overly aggressive with guests
Ignoring neighbors as potential clients
Relying only on MLS exposure

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a real estate agent bring to an open house?

Business cards, flyers, a sign-in app like Showable, and light refreshments. Don’t forget a fully charged phone and QR codes.

How do I make an open house successful as an agent?

Start with a clear plan, promote it well, create a warm experience, and follow up like a pro. This checklist covers every step.

How do agents follow up after an open house?

Send a thank-you message within hours, call hot leads directly, and use drip campaigns to stay top of mind.

Final Thoughts: Use This Open House Checklist to Grow Your Business

Open houses aren’t just about the listing—they’re about building your brand and growing your pipeline. With the right preparation, execution, and follow-up, you can turn every open house into a lead-generating machine. Bookmark this checklist. Share it with your team. Use it as your go-to playbook for listing success. Want more tools? Explore the Showable Open House Sign-In App.