Hosting an open house best practices
Get the most out of every open house you host with these exceptional best practices!
National Open House Hosts
We're your go-to, on-demand, open house hosts. We understand that your clients may not always ask for an Open House to be conducted at the most opportune time. They may ask when you're already booked, out of town, or are out sick. No matter the scenario, our Open House hosts are happy to help.
Why You May Need An Open House Host
- If two of your sellers would like for you to host an open house on the same day
- You're on vacation and are unable to assist at the time your seller requests an open house
- Your listing is 1+ hour away and makes more sense to have an agent in the area host it for you
- You've come down with a cold or stomach bug and don't want to cancel on your seller
Rental Open House
Our open house agents can help with your rentals. When you have numerous potential tenants wanting to see the house back-to-back, order a rental open house.
Open House App Requests
Showami Platinum members can request open houses via the Showami app. Download our app and start requesting open houses today!
Requesting Tip
Clear communication and expectations are key to making this a good experience for both agents and the sellers whose house is being held open. We have prepared the following basics in hopes that it creates a basic framework for successful open houses. We have broken it down into three sections. Before - During - After
Open House Responsibilities
Preparations Before the Open House
Prepare Seller for the Open House
- Hide/Remove Valuables (computers, phones, jewelry, prescription drugs, spare keys to house and auto, bills, sensitive paperwork.)
- Mow lawn and make exterior look awesome.
- Open window blinds and turn all lights on.
- Clear off countertops in baths and kitchen.
- Make sure temperature is comfortable for time of year.
- Remove/hide pet beds, bowls, litter boxes and pet toys.
- Smell - No strong odors. Light clean smell is best.
- Soft music - Classical is best in main room.
- Video and Sound recording/security (give notice of recording in progress).
- Offer snacks and bottled water (typically individually wrapped cookies).
Agent Preparation before Open House
- 48 Hours Prior to event (social media posts about Open House)
- Give seller information to post on their social media and nextdoor.com about listing and open house date/time.
- Enter Open House info in MLS (if applicable).
- Deliver Open House flyers/notifications to properties in area.
- Prepare property brochures and leave them in a stand with business cards.
- Have a basket at entry with shoe covers and/or remove shoes signage.
- Make sure walkways are clean without obstructions or trip hazards.
- Purchase Open House signs (A Frame are best - see below).
During the Open House
Agent Actions Day of the Open House
- Arrive early and put signs out (5 or more is best and at major road intersections going both directions)
- Review Open House safety protocols. Also suggest placing a sign out that says "Smile Video Cameras in Use" at entry.
- Have a registration sheet ready or use app like Curb Hero.
- Put out water and snacks.
- Open window blinds and turn all lights on.
- Make sure temperature is comfortable for the time of year.
- Be warm and friendly (Watch Loida's video).
After the Open House
Agent Actions After the Open House
- Clean Up house, shut off lights, and lock up.
- Pick up signs.
- Give feedback to agent (if hosting somebody else's listing) or seller.
- Follow up with people who registered or their agent if represented.
Division of Responsibilities
If you are hosting another agent's Open House through Showami, please communicate with the other
agent to be clear what your responsibilities and expectations are. Everyone does Open Houses a
little differently and it's best to understand what the other agent needs you to do.
Listing Agent
- Prepare the seller for the Open House.
- Pre Open House Marketing and Social Media
- Post Open House in MLS, etc.
- Prepare property brochure.
- Have a basket at entry with shoe covers and/or remove shoes signage.
- Provide access info to agent hosting the Open House.
Open House Agent
- Arrive early enough to put signs out and prepare the house (typically 1/2 hour before start time).
- Put Open House signs out at intersections and in front of house.
- Review Open House safety protocols.
- Have registration sheet ready or use a registration app like Curb Hero.
- Open window blinds and turn all lights on.
- Make sure temperature is comfortable for time of year.
- Be warm and friendly.
- Clean up house, shut off lights, and lock up.
- Pick up signs.
- Give feedback to initiating agent.
Schedule An Open House
Showami Platinum makes scheduling open houses so easy! You'll have the ability to set a duration and set your expectation for the open house. Schedule an open house today!
How to Host an Open House for Another Real Estate Agent
Hosting an open house for another agent goes beyond your standard open house.