How to Run a Successful Open House
November 22, 2024
A well-planned open house can turn a property listing into a fast-selling success. This guide covers everything from advertising strategies and ideal scheduling to home staging and hospitality tips. Use these strategies to maximize your chances of impressing buyers, generating offers, and securing sales quickly for open houses in Canada and beyond.
How to Run a Successful Open House
Organizing an open house is a pivotal part of the real estate sales process. It allows realtors to showcase a property to multiple prospective buyers at once. We have compiled a table to help you prepare for the open house. Keep a checklist with you so you can complete your tasks on time:
Open House Preparation Checklist Table
Task | Details | Tips |
Advertise Across Multiple Channels | Use platforms like MLS, Realtor.com, social media, and direct mail | Begin advertising at least 1-2 weeks prior |
Choose the Best Date & Time | Typically, on weekends, mid-morning to early afternoon | Consider local events and weather |
Home Cleaning & Staging | Clean, declutter, and depersonalize | Use neutral decor and remove personal items |
Prepare Technology & Data Collection | Use tablets for sign-ins and lead-tracking apps like Jotform | Prepare forms for accessible data collection |
Create Brochures & Handouts | Include photos, key features, and contact info | Print colorful flyers for takeaway |
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere | Offer refreshments, greet visitors warmly | Ensure lighting and temperature are comfortable |
Follow-Up Post Event | Contact attendees to gather feedback | Offer private tours for interested buyers |
12 Tips to Conduct the Best Open House
In Canada and across the globe, open houses remain an effective strategy for connecting buyers with their dream homes. Here's how to execute an open house effectively, from optimal marketing and preparation to creating an unforgettable experience for attendees.
1. Use a Variety of Media for Your Ads
Spreading the word is the first step to a successful open house. Advertising your event across several media will attract more people to purchase tickets. Use direct mail, social media, and online real estate sites, including Zillow, Realtor.com, MLS, and email campaigns.
Real estate agents' attendance can be increased by having a solid online presence on websites such as Nextdoor or even running focused ads on social media. This advertising effort is expected to generate more turnout, drawing possible homebuyers browsing open houses.
2. Choosing the Best Time
Everything hinges on timing. The busiest times usually fall in the mornings and early afternoons since most people take the weekend off from work and have more free time. Since most people's Saturdays are full of errands and activities, open houses on Sundays are typically more sought after.
Attending an open house at a timed event aligned with the listing's launch will help prospective purchasers get ahead of the competition.
3. Make Sure the House Is Ready
Proper cleanliness and a warm welcome are the foundations of a successful open house. Insist that homeowners clean and declutter their homes, taking out sentimental belongings like pictures of loved ones or awards. The point is to remove the present owner's belongings so potential buyers can imagine themselves living in the house.
An essential component of a successful open house in Canada and abroad is a "camera-ready" appearance, which can leave a lasting impression on guests.
4. Collect Data Through Technological Means
Successful real estate agents know the importance of building a contact list. Modernize and streamline data collection during open houses with digital tools like sign-in apps. Give guests the option to use a tablet instead of a handwritten sheet to fill out their information.
Apps like Jotform can help you get a jump on following up after the event. These apps make it simple to gather RSVPs, monitor attendees, and qualify prospective leads.
5. Establish a Friendly Environment
First impressions are important. Make sure the house radiates warmth and welcome and greets guests at the door with a friendly smile. Turn on the lights, open the blinds, and arrange the cars out of the driveway to improve curb appeal. Create a display board emphasizing the best aspects of the property—including, if at all possible, its year-round appeal based on its rich summer vegetation or holiday décor.
6. Make Thorough Brochures and Handouts Available
In the competitive real estate market, giving guests a memento to take home increases the likelihood that they will remember the property. Keep the property in their thoughts with high-quality brochures that feature vivid photos, square footage, room details, and unique selling points. Include a business card and your contact info so they can quickly get in touch if they have any questions or are interested.
7. Keep Pets and Their Traces Under Wraps
Although many guests love pets, having them around can be annoying and even offensive if people have allergies or are concerned about their cleanliness. To keep your pet safe from these hazards, hide their bowls, toys, litter box, and any other items they might carry. Prospective purchasers will have the best possible impression of the house after this.
8. Incorporate Top-Notch Staging
An attractive, neutral-colored home staging set can do wonders for a property's marketability. Potential buyers will spend most of their time in rooms like the kitchen, main bedroom, and living room. Thus, it's crucial to rent premium pieces for these spaces. Thanks to well-staged pictures, homebuyers are more likely to offer when they can see themselves living in the property.
9. Make Drinks Available
Set the mood with seasonal and time-appropriate light refreshments to make everyone feel at home. Morning events call for pastries and coffee, evening shows call for wine and cheese, and winter calls for hot beverages. Guests are more likely to linger after receiving treats, which increases the likelihood of offers and deeper engagement.
10. Interact with Site Visitors and Get Their Opinions
Find the sweet spot during the open house where you can assist buyers while letting them explore independently. Respond to questions regarding the house and surrounding area, including how good the schools are, how close the shops are, and what the HOA rules are. Ask the guests for their opinions on the house, then use that information to fix problems or improve.
11. Arrange for Prospect Follow-Ups
The last person to leave an open house doesn't mean it's over. Using the information you gathered, contact the attendees as soon as possible. Inquire further about their interest in a private tour or if they have any other questions. Timely and polite follow-ups can reinforce connections and increase the likelihood of offers.
12. Relax and See Open Houses as Chances for Growth
The outcome of every open house is not guaranteed to be an instant offer. Keep an eye on the big picture and be patient. Anyone you talk to today, whether they're "just-looking" or passing neighbors, has the potential to become a customer or a valuable referral. Make the most of every open house opportunity to gain knowledge, meet new people, and build your network.
Final Thoughts
Real estate agents in Canada and beyond can effectively showcase properties, attract serious buyers, and maximize their chances of closing a sale by mastering the art of running successful open houses. Focus on preparation, hospitality, and consistent follow-ups to turn your open house event into a significant selling opportunity.
