When it comes to generating leads as a real estate agent, open houses have always been a go-to strategy. However, many agents today are more focused on going viral on social media platforms like TikTok than coming up with fresh open house ideas. But if you use the right tools, focus on making people feel welcome, and learn some simple strategies, open houses can still be a gold mine for lead generation.
In this article, we will explore 33 unique open house ideas that will help you stand out from the competition and attract more prospects through the door.
Preparing for the Open House
1. Use my Open House Checklist to Stay Relaxed, Focused & Organized
Believe it or not, using a simple checklist for the tasks you need to accomplish before, during, and after your open house can be a game-changer. Checklists create discipline, and when you're organized and focused, you'll have more time to engage with guests and build relationships that lead to solid leads.
Picture: Fashionable open house attendees enjoying swag and appetizers
2. Go Knock on Doors to Invite the Neighbors
Even though door knocking may not be the most popular activity, it remains an effective strategy to become the go-to agent in your farm area. Baby boomers, in particular, respect and appreciate courage in salespeople. By inviting neighbors to your open house, you're not only generating leads but also gaining their trust and establishing yourself as an expert in the area.
3. Greet Your Guests With Custom Welcome Signs & Business Card Holders
First impressions matter, and small touches can make a big difference. Welcoming your guests with custom signs and business card holders creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. It shows that you care about making everyone feel welcome and helps establish a positive rapport with potential leads.
Picture: Open house give-aways sitting in a basket with business cards on them
4. Welcome Your Guests With a Custom-branded Doormat
Adding a personalized touch to your open house can make a lasting impression. A custom-branded doormat not only makes guests feel welcome but also gives you an opportunity to start a conversation and show off your property marketing skills. It's a fun and unique way to showcase your personal brand while making guests feel comfortable.
Marketing & Branding Your Open House
5. Invest in High-quality Open House Marketing Materials
To stand out from the competition, invest in high-quality open house marketing materials. Coffee & Contracts is a real estate marketing company that offers thousands of social media templates specifically designed for agents. From Instagram Reels to carousels, they provide fresh content and options every month. Use the promo code THECLOSE to get $15 off your first month.
Visit Coffee & Contracts
6. Create Marketing Materials for Your Refreshments Table
If you prefer a subtle approach to personal branding, try placing your marketing materials on the same table as your snacks and drinks. Utilize a small business card holder or a branded folder to showcase your listings and provide useful information to guests. It's a simple yet effective way to promote yourself and keep potential leads engaged.
7. Work With Agents Who Have Nearby Listings & Plan an Open House Day Together
Collaboration with other agents can be highly beneficial for both parties. By teaming up with agents who have nearby listings, you can pool resources and advertise open house days collectively. This partnership not only increases your reach on social media but also attracts more visitors to your open house. Consider organizing additional activities like a raffle or scavenger hunt to make the event even more enticing.
8. Hire a Photographer to Take Pictures of Buyer’s Agents & Guests
Hiring a professional photographer to capture moments at your open house can be a great way to create engaging content and increase your online presence. People enjoy seeing themselves in action, and sharing these images on social media will not only make attendees feel special but also showcase your successful open house to potential clients. Remember to stage your listing to make the most of the photos and create impressive marketing materials.
9. Use QR Codes Creatively, Not Just for Signing In
QR codes have become increasingly popular, especially during the pandemic. They offer a touchless and convenient way for guests to access information. Instead of just using QR codes for sign-in purposes, think outside the box. Set up an iPad sign-in station or create QR codes that link to virtual room tours or slide shows of the property staged in different themes. This creative use of QR codes will attract attention and help you generate more leads.
Enhance Your Open House With Technology
10. Livestream an Open House Tour, Then Repurpose for Social Media
Livestreaming an open house tour can be an effective way to engage a wider audience, especially for potential buyers who may not be able to attend in person. Promote the in-person open house to ensure a lively and bustling atmosphere. Boost your social media post and send out email or text blasts to generate interest. After the livestream, create short snippets of the video for platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok to keep the momentum going.
11. Create a VR Experience
Virtual reality (VR) can add an innovative and immersive element to your open house. Offer a virtual tour of the property or a 3D mockup of potential renovations to help potential buyers visualize the space. Embracing VR technology demonstrates your tech-savviness and provides a unique experience for visitors.
12. Virtually Stage a Room & Offer to Text It to Open House Guests
Help guests envision the potential of a space by virtually staging rooms. Showcasing different themes and purposes can inspire buyers to see the possibilities within a property. Offer to text these virtually staged images to guests, providing them with a memorable takeaway and a reminder of the property's potential.
13. Create a Branded Infographic With Neighborhood Info
Arm your visitors with valuable neighborhood information by creating a branded infographic. Highlight key data points such as school quality, housing appreciation rates, crime rates, and income levels. This demonstrates your expertise and preparation while providing potential buyers with useful insights about the area.
Engagement & Networking
14. Practice Open House Scripts & Ice Breakers That Get Phone Numbers
Scripts can be powerful tools to guide conversations and collect important contact information from potential leads. Even if you consider yourself a social butterfly, having prepared scripts and ice breakers can help steer conversations in the right direction. Practice these scripts to build confidence and increase your chances of capturing valuable phone numbers.
15. Focus on 3 Features That Make Your Listing Stand Out From Comps
Highlighting standout features of your property can make a lasting impression on potential buyers. Focus on three unique aspects of the home and weave them into your conversations. Authenticity is crucial here - if the property doesn't have three standout features, it's better to emphasize the one unique aspect rather than trying to fabricate additional selling points.
16. Boost Your Open House on Hyperlocal Social Networks
While social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can reach a wide audience, they may not attract people who live in the neighborhood. To target locals specifically, promote your open house on local Facebook Groups and Nextdoor. These platforms have highly engaged local audiences and can help you generate leads from within the community.
Visit Nextdoor
17. Host a Private Open House for Neighbors & Former Clients
Don't focus solely on reaching potential buyers; consider the long-term potential of generating leads from local homeowners. Hosting a private open house exclusively for neighbors and former clients allows you to strengthen relationships and showcase your expertise. Personalize the event by providing higher-quality refreshments and using direct outreach methods such as Slydial voicemails and door hangers.
18. Get Creative With Your Circle Prospecting
Circle prospecting is not just effective for just-listed or just-sold properties; it can also greatly benefit open houses. Explore different strategies such as Slydial voicemails, door hangers, open house flyers, and door knocking to engage with potential leads in the neighborhood. Make personal connections and seize every opportunity to capture valuable contact information.
19. Partner With a Local Brand or Shop to Create a Memorable Experience for Guests
Collaborating with local brands or shops can elevate your open house and create a memorable experience for guests. Arrange a fashion show at a boutique, offer bespoke refreshments from a restaurant or mixology bar, host a concert at a music school, or showcase an art exhibit at an art gallery. These partnerships not only make your open house more enjoyable but also generate buzz and expand your reach through the brands' own promotional efforts.
20. Hold Other Agents’ Open Houses & Make It a Win-Win!
If you specialize in a particular neighborhood but currently have no listings, consider holding open houses for other agents. This arrangement benefits both parties involved. By paying a referral fee to the listing agent, you gain access to potential clients while helping them provide additional services to their sellers. Utilize your own branded open house signs to build your brand in the neighborhood.
21. Set Up a Financial Consultation Area
Buyers often have questions about mortgages, down payments, and affordability. By having a lender present at your open house, you can offer visitors financial advice and address their concerns directly. Create a designated area with comfortable seating and informative materials to facilitate these conversations and demonstrate your commitment to helping buyers navigate the financial aspect of purchasing a home.
Hospitality & Amenities
22. Offer Neighbors Goodie Bags With Your Business Card
Meeting neighbors can be a valuable opportunity for networking, even if they are not potential buyers. To ensure your business card reaches their hands, offer free goodie bags with your business card attached. Fill these bags with neighborhood-themed treats like local candies or baked goods, creating a memorable gesture that introduces you and your brand to the community.
23. Serve Trendy Food & Drinks That Spark Conversation
When selecting refreshments for your open house, opt for items that will encourage conversation among guests. Instead of traditional cookies, consider serving trendy drinks or snacks that will create a buzz and give attendees an easy conversation starter. Kiwi mojito mocktails or popular local bakery treats can pique curiosity and encourage guests to engage with one another.
24. Get a Junior Agent or TaskRabbit to Check In Guests While You Mingle
To ensure a smooth running open house and allow yourself time to engage with guests, consider hiring a junior agent or a freelancer from TaskRabbit to assist at the front door. This way, you can focus on building relationships and answering questions, creating a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere for potential leads.
25. Invest in a Bootie Machine
Showing attention to detail and offering small touches of hospitality can leave a lasting impression on guests. Consider investing in a bootie machine to protect your seller's floors and showcase your commitment to going the extra mile. Not only does this demonstrate your professionalism, but it also makes for a fun conversation starter with visitors.
26. Childcare Corner
Parents attending open houses often struggle to keep an eye on their children while exploring the property. Create a designated childcare corner with toys, coloring books, and child-friendly entertainment options. Offering a space where parents can relax and focus on the open house will make their visit more enjoyable and increase their engagement with you.
27. Offer Custom Water Bottles Branded With Your Business Card
Looking for a unique way to give your business card to open house guests? Try offering custom water bottles with branded hang tags attached. These thoughtful and useful gifts will help keep you top of mind and serve as a subtle reminder of the open house experience. Choose colors that match your personal brand or the season to add a personalized touch.
Going the Extra Mile
28. Raise Money for Charity at Your Open House
Being a community leader and giving back to the local community can help establish your reputation and generate leads. Use your open house as an opportunity to raise money for a charity that you're passionate about. This demonstrates your social conscience and attracts like-minded individuals who appreciate your commitment to making a positive impact.
Visit Charity Navigator
29. Give Out Small Branded Gifts as Party Favors
While branded items may not be the best choice for closing gifts, they can be effective as party favors at open houses. Offer small branded gifts that guests will find useful, such as dishtowels, potholders, compact mirrors, or change purses. These items serve as a reminder of your open house and help keep you top of mind for potential leads.
30. Local Art Showcase
Incorporating local artists into your open house is a win-win situation. Displaying their artwork creates an aesthetically pleasing environment and fosters a sense of community. It also provides an opportunity for conversation and engagement with guests, enhancing their overall experience.
31. Contests & Giveaways
Hosting a contest or giveaway can increase interest and attendance at your open house. Offering a prize relevant to the property or neighborhood, such as a gift card to a local restaurant, can incentivize participation. Creative ideas like scavenger hunts or interactive contests add an element of fun and encourage guests to explore the property.
Post-open House Activities
32. Remember That the Money Is in the Follow-up
Follow-up is crucial after an open house to maintain engagement and nurture leads. Predictive analytics apps like SmartZip use AI and extensive data points to identify potential leads. By leveraging such tools, you can identify prospects who are likely to move and tailor your follow-up accordingly, increasing your chances of converting leads into clients.
Visit SmartZip
33. Use Open House Follow-up Email Templates to Engage New Leads
Crafting compelling follow-up emails is essential for keeping leads engaged and moving them closer to a transaction. Writing attention-grabbing subject lines is particularly crucial. Incorporate clever subject lines like "Your Private Invite: Get the Best Listings BEFORE They Hit the Market!" or "Coffee This Week? (on me)" to increase the chances of your email being opened. Remember, the first email is crucial, so make it count.
Now armed with these 33 open house ideas, you can take your lead generation efforts to the next level. By implementing these strategies, you'll stand out from the competition and create a memorable experience for potential leads. Remember that the success of an open house lies not only in generating leads but also in building lasting relationships with prospects.
