Open Houses

Quick Takeaways

Check for competing events
Partner with local businesses for cross-promotion
Be sure to follow up on leads

Source: The Ultimate List of Open House Ideas for 2024 (Market Leader, Jan. 11, 2024)

Make your open house a success! Hold your first open house the weekend after the property goes up for sale for maximum exposure. Create a flyer with important information from the homeowner, such as heating and utility costs. Don’t forget to bring three things when touring an open house. Prepare for an open house by walking the property, unlocking doors, and taking advantage of natural light.

Use a checklist for thorough preparation. Preparation is the key for a great open house experience. Clean, declutter, and depersonalize the home. Pay attention to the curb appeal, too. UpNest has great preparation tips including getting the temperature and the lighting right.

Safety is vital for everyone at the open house. Have the homeowners hide or remove pets, valuables, prescription drugs or sensitive personal information such as checkbooks. For REALTORS®, work with a buddy at your open house and check in with your office. Ask for identification, don’t give out garage or door codes and limit the number of people in the house for a safer open house. Working with a REALTOR® is the best way to avoid home buying scams.

See References for more information.

References

NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.

The Value of Open Houses

Unlocking the Potential: The Power of Open Houses in Real Estate (TechBullion, Jun. 30., 2024)

Open houses are poised to remain a valuable tool in the real estate industry. As technology advances, virtual open houses and interactive experiences may become more prevalent, offering convenience and accessibility to buyers worldwide. However, in-person open dwellings’ personal touch and immersive nature will likely endure, fostering meaningful connections and driving successful real estate transactions.

Are Open Houses Worth It? When One Might Make Sense (Home Light, Nov. 12, 2024)

In a competitive market where homes are selling quickly, your property may be under contract before you even have a chance to host an open house. However, in certain situations, an open house can still be a powerful tool to increase exposure and attract competitive offers. For example, if your home has unique features like a mother-in-law suite, or if you live in a high-demand area with desirable amenities like trendy local shops and easy access to popular attractions, an open house can showcase these advantages.

REALTOR® Open House Events: Media Talking Points (National Association of REALTORS®)

Realtor® open house events not only bring buyers and sellers together, it is also an opportunity for Realtors® to connect with consumers in their communities about the housing issues that matter most to them.

Tips for Success

How to Host the Perfect Open House: A Step-by-Step Guide for Agents (A Brilliant Tribe, Jan. 16, 2025)

Eye-Catching Signage: Place directional signs days before the event for maximum visibility.

Door-to-Door Invitations: Distribute flyers to neighbors who may know potential buyers or are curious about the listing.

Timing is Everything: The Best Time to Have an Open House (OWN Real Estate, Jun. 28, 2024)

Spring: Typically the busiest season for real estate, with many buyers looking to move before the summer. Properties often show well with blooming flowers and pleasant weather.

Summer: While still active, summer can see a slight dip as families go on vacation. However, longer daylight hours are advantageous for evening open houses.

Fall: Activity picks up again as buyers seek to close deals before the holiday season. Cooler temperatures and fall foliage can enhance the appeal of your home.

Winter: The market slows down due to holidays and cold weather, but serious buyers remain active. A well-staged, cozy home can stand out in a less competitive market.

10 Tips for a Successful Open House (Sibcy Cline)

Good lighting can make your home feel more spacious and inviting. Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light and replace any dim or burnt-out light bulbs with bright, warm-toned bulbs. For darker rooms or corners, add extra lamps to create a cozy glow. If your open house is in the evening or on a cloudy day, well-placed lighting can ensure the home feels cheerful and welcoming.

33 Open House Ideas That Will Actually Get You Leads (The Close, Sep. 24, 2024)

When describing a home, focus on three genuinely special features, but don’t force it. If there’s only one outstanding feature, stick to that rather than creating filler. The goal is to highlight what makes the listing unique and memorable. Trying to oversell common features may have a negative impact.

Preparing for an Open House

How to Prepare Your Home for an Open House (United Country Real Estate Southern Lifestyle Properties, Feb. 14, 2025)

Stage Strategically: Arrange furniture to highlight the home’s best features and create a natural flow. Neutral colors and simple decor work best for appealing to a wide range of buyers. If needed, consider hiring a professional stager for expert advice.

Preparing for Open Houses: Do’s and Don’ts for Sellers (Midwest Farm & Land Co., Apr. 17, 2024)

Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions are crucial, so make sure the exterior of your home is inviting. Consider adding some plants, painting the front door, or fixing any landscaping issues to create a welcoming entrance for potential buyers.

Open House Safety & Security

How to Stay Safe When Selling Your Home (Lee County Association of REALTORS®, Jun. 21, 2024)

Part of being a Realtor is prioritizing safety, not just that of clients and their homes, but their safety. Realtors typically have a screening process to help identify serious buyers.

As a seller, ask your Realtor about the steps taken to ensure safety during showings and open houses.

7 Items Not to Leave Out at an Open House (Wellington Home Team)

Certain items should remain confidential and private, so they should be kept out of sight and stored away:

Personal Letters and Correspondence: Ensure that personal letters, diaries, or any written correspondence are stored away.
Sensitive Personal Information: Any documents or items that contain sensitive personal information should be stored securely.

How to Keep Your Home Safe During an Open House (Realty Times, Feb. 25, 2024)

Doing a sweep of medicine cabinets is another important step. Thieves have been known to target open houses specifically for the purpose of finding prescription drugs.

How to Avoid Getting Robbed from an Open House (Maximum Real Estate Exposure, Jan. 19, 2024)

Once you and the Realtor have arranged the house for showing, take photos of all the rooms and areas in the home so you have a reference after the visitors are gone.

This will allow you to spot any alterations or missing things quickly. If you do notice a probe, you can contact the authorities with confidence and an easy reference to show police.

Safety First: 8 Tips to Protect Yourself When Showing Your Home (realtor.com®, Nov. 2, 2021)

Don’t give any garage or door codes out for showings. “Instead, consider creating a specific code for showings instead of the one that family members use,” says Ameer. Then change the code every couple of days. If the property has an electronic lockbox, have the listing agent program it so that you receive a notification the minute the lockbox is opened. That way you’ll know when someone is about to enter your property.

4 ‘Danger Zones’ in Your Daily Work Routine (REALTOR® Magazine, Sep. 16, 2021)

The end of an open house is potentially the most dangerous time of the event. “People can hide in drapes, closets, showers,” Judd said. “Be sure to talk to someone on the phone while you are checking the house.”

Opioid Safety and Open House Practices (National Association of REALTORS®, Aug. 26, 2019)

Although we encourage homeowners to altogether remove prescription drugs from the home prior to the open house, we believe it is key for REALTORS® to communicate with their clients about ways to secure any sensitive items before prospective buyers are invited into their home.

eBooks & Other Resources

eBooks.realtor.org

The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:

Consider It Sold (eBook)

Do Your Own Home Staging (eBook)

Home Makeovers That Sell (eBook)

Home Sweet Home Staging (eBook)

Home Staging (eBook)

Home Staging for Dummies (eBook)

Home Staging That Works: Sell Your Home in Less Time for More Money (eBook)

Secrets of Home Staging (Audiobook)

Seven Steps To Sold (eBook)

The Complete Idiot's Guide Staging Your Home to Sell (eBook)

Staged to Sell (or Keep) (eBook)

Books, Videos, Research Reports & More

As a member benefit, the following resources and more are available for loan through the NAR Library. Items will be mailed directly to you or made available for pickup at the REALTOR® Building in Chicago.

Your Key to Open House Success: Advanced Strategies for Real Estate Agents of All Levels (Charleston, SC: Jands Publishing, 2015) HF 5387 En7

Home Staging: the Winning Way to Sell Your House for More Money (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2006) HF 5438 Sch9

Home Staging: Creating Buyer-Friendly Rooms to Sell Your House (Arlington, MN: Center Stage Home, 2004) HF 5438 M43

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