Planning the Perfect Open House

A successful open house doesn't happen by accident. It requires deliberate preparation, smart scheduling, and strong follow-through. Whether you're an agent running the event or a seller wanting to understand the process, this step-by-step guide covers everything that needs to happen before, during, and after the open day.

Step 1: Choose the Right Day and Time

Timing is everything. The most well-attended open homes consistently follow these patterns:

  • Day: Saturday morning is typically the strongest, followed by Sunday. Weekday open homes tend to attract fewer buyers unless the property is positioned for investors or retirees.
  • Time: 10:00am–12:00pm is a popular window. Avoid clashing with major local events, school sports, or long weekends where many people travel.
  • Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour is the standard. Longer sessions rarely increase quality — they just extend the time commitment.

Step 2: Promote the Open House Effectively

Buyers won't come if they don't know about it. Promotion should begin at least 5–7 days before the open day:

  1. List the open home time on all major property portals (and ensure it's tagged as an "open for inspection" so it's searchable)
  2. Post on the agent's or property's social media channels with a short walk-through video or photo gallery
  3. Send an email or SMS to the agent's buyer database
  4. Place directional signs on nearby street corners on the morning of the event
  5. Notify neighbours — they often know interested friends or family

Step 3: Prepare the Property

The home should be staged and cleaned thoroughly (see our full staging guide). On the day itself, ensure:

  • All internal lights are on and blinds/curtains are open
  • The front garden is tidy and the path is clear
  • A welcome mat or clear entry point is established
  • Pets are removed from the premises
  • The temperature is comfortable — heat or cool the home 30 minutes before opening

Step 4: Set Up a Sign-In Sheet

Collecting visitor details is essential. A simple sign-in form — physical or digital tablet — should capture:

  • Full name
  • Phone number and/or email address
  • Whether they are buying with finance or cash
  • Their general timeline for purchasing

This information is gold for follow-up. It also gives the vendor a sense of how much genuine interest exists.

Step 5: During the Open House

Position yourself at the entrance to greet every visitor. Be welcoming but not pushy. Have printed brochures available with key property details, floor plan, and contact information.

Walk through the property periodically to answer questions, but give buyers space to explore and discuss privately. Pay attention to which rooms or features draw the most attention — this feedback is useful for the vendor and for refining your pitch.

Step 6: Follow Up Within 24 Hours

The follow-up is where open houses win or lose their purpose. Within 24 hours:

  1. Call (don't just email) every person who signed in
  2. Ask for their honest feedback on the property
  3. Gauge their interest level and timeline
  4. Invite any interested buyers to a private viewing if they want more time
  5. Report findings back to the vendor in a clear summary

Common Open House Mistakes to Avoid

  • Starting late or running over time without signage
  • Not having printed materials for visitors to take away
  • Leaving the vendor at home during the inspection
  • Failing to follow up with attendees
  • Running the open house on a day with strong competing listings nearby

A well-executed open house builds momentum and buyer confidence. When every step is done with care, it creates a sense of desirability around the property — and desirability drives competitive offers.