Hosting an open house is one of the most powerful ways to showcase a property — but only if it’s done right. In today’s competitive 2025 real estate market, buyers expect more than a quick walkthrough. They want a polished, immersive experience that helps them envision life inside the home.
Whether you’re selling a primary residence or a turn-key investment property, these open house strategies that actually work will help you drive more traffic, create stronger offers, and stand out in your local market.
1. Promote the Open House Across Multiple Platforms
Visibility is everything.
Make sure your open house is posted on:
- Zillow, Realtor.com & Redfin
- Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok
- Local community groups and neighborhood pages
- Email blasts to your buyer list
- SMS reminders for warm leads
A mix of organic and paid promotion ensures that your open house reaches the right audience at the right time.
2. Use High-Quality Photos & Short Video Teasers
Before buyers show up in person, they choose the houses they want to visit online.
Strong visuals = higher turnout.
Include:
- A 15–30 second Instagram Reel
- Horizontal video walkthrough for Facebook
- Clean, bright, wide-angle property photos
- A virtual tour for remote buyers
Professional visuals increase trust and help build early excitement.
3. Create a Welcoming First Impression
Your curb appeal sets the tone.
Checklist:
- Pressure wash driveway & entry
- Add fresh mulch or potted flowers
- Clean windows & exterior lighting
- Use open house directional signs with arrows
The goal is to make buyers feel like the home is well maintained and move-in ready.
4. Stage Key Rooms to Highlight the Home’s Best Features
Staging doesn’t have to be expensive — but it does have to be intentional.
Focus on:
- Living room (first impression)
- Kitchen (top decision-making area)
- Primary bedroom (comfort & lifestyle)
- Outdoor areas (patios, decks, usable space)
Neutral colors, decluttered surfaces, and simple décor help buyers visualize the home as their own.
5. Offer Take-Home Information Packets
Buyers visit multiple homes in one day.
Give them something that keeps your listing top-of-mind.
Include in your packet:
- Property flyer
- Floor plan
- ROI/rental estimate (for investors)
- Neighborhood highlights
- Your contact details
This small detail boosts the chances of follow-up questions and offers.
6. Capture Buyer Information at the Door
An open house is only successful if you can follow up.
Use:
- A digital sign-in form (QR code)
- A guest card with key questions
- Incentives like: “Enter to win a $25 gift card for signing in!”
Collecting buyer info helps you convert open house traffic into actual offers.
7. Create an Experience — Not Just a Showing
Buyers stay longer (and engage more) when they feel comfortable.
Consider:
- Light refreshments (water, cookies, snacks)
- Soft background music
- A scent strategy (clean linen, vanilla, etc.)
- A printed “Features & Upgrades” sheet
A great experience creates emotional connection — a major factor in home-buying decisions.
8. Host a Bonus “Investor Hour”
This works especially well for REI America’s audience.
During investor hour:
- Provide cap rate estimates
- Discuss potential rent ranges
- Highlight neighborhood appreciation trends
- Share estimated renovation ROI if applicable
This helps attract serious, data-driven buyers ready to make decisions fast.
9. Follow Up Within 24 Hours
Most agents wait too long.
Buyers forget details — fast.
Follow up with:
- Thank-you messages
- Additional photos or videos
- Answers to any questions
- An invitation for a private tour
Quick follow-ups create urgency and build trust.