Open House Kit: An Easy Hack For Turnkey Hosting

Wondering what to bring to an open house? This guide breaks down everything realtors need in a ready-to-go open house kit—from signage and snacks to marketing tools and tech—to stay prepared, look professional, and generate more leads.

Written by Seth Cox

Jun 19, 2025 / Open house planning

There’s nothing quite like that moment right before an open house starts. You’ve got the lights on, the playlist queued up, the scent of fresh cookies (or at least an air freshener pretending to be cookies) in the air—and suddenly, you realize you forgot pens. Or flyers. Or your phone charger. Or worse… the sign-in sheet.

That’s why smart agents don’t leave open houses to chance—they have a trusty open house kit packed and ready to go. Think of it as your real estate survival kit. It lives in your car or office, and it’s filled with all the essentials (and a few clever extras) that make every open house more professional, and a whole lot less stressful.

The best part? Once your kit is dialed in, you never have to think twice. You can roll into any listing confident that you’ve got everything you need to turn that empty house into a lead-generating machine.

So, what exactly goes in an open house kit for realtors? More than just brochures and breath mints. From signs and staging touch-ups to tech tools and snacks, we’re covering it all—plus how to keep it organized, easy to restock, and even a little bit fun.

Let’s build your ultimate open house kit—and make sure you never show up unprepared again.

What Is an Open House Kit?

An open house kit is your on-the-go toolkit for real estate success. It’s the bag (or bin or box or trunk organizer) that holds all the little things that make a big difference when you’re setting the stage for buyers. Some agents keep it in their car. Others stash it at the office. The best ones? They treat it like a travel-sized version of their business—always ready to roll.

Think of it as the perfect blend of marketing materials, hospitality touches, tech tools, and just-in-case items. It’s not just about looking prepared—it’s about being able to actually pull off a great open house, even when the unexpected happens (looking at you, missing lightbulb or mystery odor).

A great open house kit should be:

Portable: Easy to grab and go, whether you’re hosting downtown or in the suburbs.
Pre-packed: No more “did I remember the sign-in sheets?” panic.
Customizable: Your listings aren’t one-size-fits-all, and your kit shouldn’t be either.
Restockable: Use it, replenish it, repeat.
Full of stuff you’ll actually use: No gimmicks. Just real tools that make your life easier.

Bottom line: if you’ve ever arrived at a showing and had to borrow a pen from a neighbor or tie a sign to a bush with dental floss (we’ve all been there), it’s time to build your open house kit.

Why Every Agent Needs an Open House Kit

You wouldn’t show up to a listing appointment without your market stats. So why show up to an open house without your essentials? Having a dedicated open house kit isn’t just helpful—it’s how seasoned agents stay cool, calm, and collected while the rest of the world scrambles for a roll of tape or a Sharpie.

Whether you’re hosting a high-end listing with custom staging or a cozy starter home in the suburbs, the basic formula is the same: be prepared, stay organized, and make it easy for visitors to picture themselves living there. Your kit helps you do exactly that—every single time.

Here’s what a good open house kit gives you:

Consistency: Every listing, every time—you’ve got the same tools ready to go.
Confidence: You’re not hoping the seller left pens out. You brought your own (and backups).
Professionalism: You walk in and set up like a pro. No stress, no scrambling, no chaos.
Lead generation: The better the setup, the better the guest experience—and the more likely they are to sign in and stay in touch.
Time savings: Forget the store runs. You’ve got everything you need in one kit.

Think of it like meal-prepping… but for real estate. A little effort upfront, and you’re set for weeks of smooth showings.

Open House Kit Essentials: What to Include

Now for the fun part—what actually goes in your open house kit? You don’t need to bring the entire office with you, but you do want a well-rounded mix of items that help you stay prepared, look professional, and connect with guests.

Here’s a breakdown of the must-haves, grouped by category to keep things organized:

Marketing & Sign-In Supplies

These are the tools that help you showcase the listing and collect leads.

Property flyers or brochures
Business cards
Listing disclosures, floor plans, or neighborhood maps
Sign-in sheet or a digital QR code sign-in app like Showable
Clipboard or iPad stand for easy sign-ins
Pens (and backups for your backups)

Pro tip: Go digital. With Showable, guests can sign in using a QR code, and you can instantly capture leads—no messy handwriting, no data entry later.

Signage & Setup Tools

Let’s get people in the door—and make it easy for them to find you. Your are going to need a place to store and transport all your open house signage:

Directional arrow signs
A-frame or sandwich board sign
Yard sign rider with the open house date/time
Zip ties, stakes, tape, or a small mallet to secure signs
Extra balloons or flags for visibility

Pack these in a collapsible tote or rolling crate to make setup quick and painless.

Interior Touch-Up Supplies

Because sometimes you walk in and... it smells like takeout and the lights are all burnt out.

Air freshener (plug-in or spray)
Lint roller
Paper towels or microfiber cloth
Small bottle of Windex or all-purpose cleaner
Spare lightbulbs
Shoe covers or a small shoe rack
Doormat or welcome sign

Hospitality Items

Make your visitors feel welcome—without turning it into a catered affair.

Bottled water
Mints or individually packaged snacks
Disposable cups and napkins
Small trash bag or bin
Hand sanitizer and tissues

Dig deeper: Open House Food Ideas: What To Serve To Make Buyers Feel At Home

Tech & Power Supplies

Don’t let a dead phone ruin your day.

Phone charger and portable power bank
Extension cord or multi-outlet adapter
Hotspot or backup Wi-Fi (if you're using tablets or sign-in apps)
iPad, tablet, or phone with your digital open house sign-in system
Headphones or mic if you're filming a live walkthrough

How to Store and Transport Your Open House Kit

You’ve got the goods—but how do you keep everything organized and ready to go without turning your trunk into a real estate yard sale? A well-packed open house kit should be portable, tidy, and easy to reset after every showing.

The goal is to grab it and go—no hunting for missing signs, loose pens, or melted chocolate from last weekend’s snack stash.

Keep your kit in tip-top shape

Use a trunk organizer or rolling crate: Bonus points if it has dividers or removable bins.
Group items by type: Keep signs together, tech gear in its own pouch, and hospitality items in a sealed container.
Keep backups nearby: Stash a few extras (flyers, water bottles, tape) in your car or office just in case.
Label everything: A few sticky tags go a long way when you’re in a rush.
Restock after each use: Don’t wait until 10 minutes before your next showing to realize you're out of sign-in sheets.

Pro tip: Treat your kit like a carry-on bag for real estate. If it’s bulky, messy, or takes more than 30 seconds to find what you need, streamline it.

Whether you’re heading to back-to-back open houses or just want peace of mind that you’re always ready, a clean, organized setup can make a huge difference in how confidently—and efficiently—you work.

Open House Kit Add-Ons for a Luxury Experience

If you’re working with higher-end properties—or just want to stand out in a crowded market—your open house kit can do more than cover the basics. A few thoughtful upgrades can elevate the experience for your guests and leave a lasting impression that says, this agent doesn’t miss a detail.

Think of this as the “next-level” version of your open house setup. You don’t need to go overboard—but when you’re showing a million-dollar home, a folding card table and a stack of crumpled flyers just won’t cut it.

Luxury-friendly extras to consider

Branded water bottles: It’s a small detail that feels high-end and professional.
Fresh flowers or greenery: A simple bouquet or arrangement at the entry sets a tone.
Stylish serving trays: Use them to display snacks or marketing materials.
Glass drink dispensers or carafes: Perfect for lemonade, spa water, or even wine (if appropriate).
Guest feedback cards: Classier than a clipboard—and shows sellers you’re serious.
Scent diffusers: Subtle, upscale scent (no overbearing vanilla candles, please).
Small branded gifts: Think: local treats, mini candles, or notepads with your logo.

Luxury buyers expect a luxury experience. You don’t need to stage like a hotel, but your setup should match the vibe of the home—and reflect your brand. Consider these luxury open house ideas.

If you’re hosting on behalf of another agent or team, even one or two of these items can instantly make the event feel more polished and personalized.

Final Thoughts: Your Open House Kit Is Your Secret Weapon

If there’s one thing every successful agent knows, it’s this: preparation wins listings—and leads. A well-stocked open house kit for realtors is one of the simplest ways to stay organized, look professional, and create a smooth experience for every guest who walks through the door.

When you have your open house supplies packed and ready—signs, marketing materials, hospitality items, tech tools—you’re no longer scrambling before each showing. Instead, you’re walking in confident, efficient, and fully equipped to make a great impression on buyers and sellers.

Whether you're just starting out or refining your real estate systems, investing time in building your kit now means fewer headaches later. Think of it as your personal real estate open house checklist—but packed neatly in a bin, ready to go whenever you are.