Open House Plan

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:

• Plan and execute a successful open house event
• Create preparation checklists for staging and presentation
• Build visitor registration and lead capture systems
• Design follow-up sequences that convert visitors into buyers

DO NOT use this skill for virtual tours, property photography shoots, or listing launch events. This is for in-person open house planning and execution.

Core Principle

AN OPEN HOUSE IS NOT A TOUR — IT IS A LEAD GENERATION EVENT. EVERY ELEMENT FROM SIGNAGE TO FOLLOW-UP SHOULD CAPTURE AND CONVERT INTERESTED BUYERS.

Phase 1: Event Planning

Required Inputs

GATE: Confirm date, property details, and goals before building the plan.

Phase 2: Preparation Checklist

One Week Before

• Confirm date and time with seller — ensure property is available
• Create and schedule social media posts (at least 3 posts across platforms)
• Send email blast to buyer leads and agent network
• Order directional signs (minimum 5 signs at key intersections)
• Print sign-in sheets or set up digital registration (tablet with form)
• Print property flyers with photos, specs, and your contact info
• Prepare a property highlights sheet for visitors

Day Before

• Walk through the property — check cleanliness, lighting, temperature
• Stage any empty rooms with minimal furniture or accessories
• Remove personal photos and clutter (coordinate with seller)
• Test all light switches and replace burned-out bulbs
• Confirm refreshments (water, light snacks)
• Charge tablet or phone for digital sign-in

Day Of (1 Hour Before)

• Arrive 60 minutes early for final setup
• Place directional signs from main roads to the property
• Open all blinds and curtains — maximize natural light
• Turn on all interior and exterior lights
• Set comfortable temperature (68-72°F)
• Place sign-in materials at the entrance
• Set out property flyers and business cards
• Light a subtle candle or use a light air freshener (nothing overwhelming)
• Play soft background music at low volume

Phase 3: Visitor Experience

Registration System

Capture every visitor's information:

## Open House Sign-In

**Property:** [Address]
**Date:** [Date]

| Name | Email | Phone | Currently Working with an Agent? | How Did You Hear About This Open House? |
|------|-------|-------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| | | | Yes / No | Social / Sign / Zillow / Agent / Other |

Digital Alternative

Use a tablet with a simple form (Google Forms, Open Home Pro, or Spacio):

• Faster for visitors
• Automatically syncs to your CRM
• Reduces illegible handwriting issues
• Can trigger automated follow-up emails

During the Open House

• Greet every visitor at the door — introduce yourself and hand them a flyer
• Ask what brought them in and what they are looking for
• Let visitors explore freely — do not follow them room to room
• Be available for questions but not pushy
• Point out key features as they pass through: "The kitchen was fully renovated in 2023"
• Collect feedback: "What is your overall impression?"

Phase 4: Follow-Up System

Same-Day Follow-Up (Within 4 Hours)

Subject: Thanks for visiting [property address] today

Hi [Name],

It was great meeting you at today's open house at [address].

I'd love to know — what was your overall impression of the property?

If you're interested in scheduling a private showing, making an offer,
or viewing similar properties, I'm happy to help.

[Your name]
[Phone]
[Email]

Follow-Up Sequence

Feedback Collection

Ask every visitor (verbally or via form):

1. What did you like most about the property?
2. Any concerns or drawbacks?
3. How does it compare to others you have seen?
4. Are you pre-approved for financing?
5. What is your timeline for purchasing?

Post-Event Seller Report

## Open House Report — [Address]

**Date:** [Date]
**Duration:** [Time range]
**Total visitors:** [Number]
**Visitors with agents:** [Number]
**Visitors without agents:** [Number]

### Visitor Feedback Summary
- **Most praised feature:** [Feature]
- **Most common concern:** [Concern]
- **Price perception:** [Feedback on pricing]

### Recommended Next Steps
- [Action 1 based on feedback]
- [Action 2]

Anti-Patterns

• No sign-in process — visitors who walk through without registering are lost leads. Make sign-in easy but required.
• Overselling during the tour — hovering and narrating every feature makes visitors uncomfortable. Let them explore.
• No follow-up — the open house is worthless if you do not contact visitors within 24 hours.
• Poor staging — dark rooms, clutter, and personal items make properties feel smaller and less appealing.
• Only promoting on MLS — social media, email, signs, and agent networking drive attendance. Use all channels.

Recovery

• Low attendance: Increase signage, promote on social media with property photos, and consider a weekday evening open house as an alternative.
• All visitors are already represented by agents: Focus on relationship-building with those agents. They may bring future buyers.
• Negative visitor feedback: Report honestly to the seller and discuss pricing or staging adjustments.
• No leads captured: Improve your sign-in process. Use a digital form that requires email before viewing property details.
• Seller wants too many open houses: Set expectations — 1-2 open houses in the first 2 weeks of listing, then evaluate based on results.