The Ultimate Open House Checklist for Busy Real Estate Agents
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The Ultimate Open House Checklist For Busy Real Estate Agents

Open houses are one of the best ways to showcase a property, build relationships with buyers, and generate new leads — but let’s be real: they can also be time-consuming, chaotic, and easy to overlook when you’re juggling multiple listings. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, having a solid system in place can save you time, reduce stress, and increase your ROI from every showing.

Seth Cox

Written by Seth Cox

Apr 16, 2025 / Open Houses

Open houses are one of the best ways to showcase a property, build relationships with buyers, and generate new leads — but let’s be real: they can also be time-consuming, chaotic, and easy to overlook when you’re juggling multiple listings.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, having a solid system in place can save you time, reduce stress, and increase your ROI from every showing. That’s why we created this Ultimate Open House Checklist — and built a tool to help you actually execute it. Let’s dive in.

Prep the Property Like a Pro

  • Clean and declutter every room
  • Add fresh flowers or subtle scents (citrus > cookies)
  • Turn on lights and open blinds
  • Print marketing materials (or go digital — more on that soon)

Pro Tip: Don’t waste time printing sign-in sheets or brochures. With Showable, you can create a digital open house experience that captures leads automatically and shares info with visitors instantly.

Promote the Open House (Early & Often)

  • Add to your MLS and real estate platforms
  • Share on social media and community groups
  • Send emails or texts to your buyer list
  • Put out physical signs 24 hours in advance

Capture Every Lead — Without the Clipboard

  • Place your tablet or phone at the front door with a sign-in form
  • Ask qualifying questions (name, email, timeline, buying agent?)
  • Offer an incentive (e.g. entry into a giveaway or free home-buying guide)

Showable’s digital sign-in collects and organizes all guest info in one place, so you never lose a lead. Plus, it integrates with your CRM for effortless follow-up.

Know the Property Cold

  • Prepare answers to common questions (taxes, HOAs, recent upgrades)
  • Have your comps ready
  • Practice your opening line and closing pitch

Follow Up Fast

  • Send a thank-you text or email the same day
  • Add notes about buyer preferences or feedback
  • Schedule follow-up calls for hot leads
  • Send updates if price changes or offers come in

Showable automates your follow-up, so you can right after the open house — without lifting a finger.

Bonus: Your Reusable Open House Toolkit

Here’s what to have in your car or bag at all times:
  • Phone charger & portable battery
  • Sign-in tablet or iPad
  • Bluetooth speaker (for light background music)
  • Shoe covers or disposable slippers
  • Business cards

Final Thoughts

Open houses shouldn’t be a scramble. With the right checklist and tools in your corner, you can impress sellers, wow buyers, and capture more leads — all while staying one step ahead of your competition.

Want to streamline your next open house?

Try Showable for free and see how easy it can be to host smarter, more successful open houses — without the paperwork.