Open House Checklist for Real Estate Agents

Over the years, I’ve learned that a well-thought-out plan can mean the difference between an event that merely attracts passersby and one that brings in truly potential buyers ready to fall in love with the property.

A comprehensive open house checklist is my go-to tool to make sure no detail gets overlooked. With a complete open house checklist in hand, I can confidently prepare every corner of the home and execute a successful open house that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.

Trust me—when you follow an ultimate open house checklist, it’s like having a secret playbook that guides your steps from start to finish.

Download Our Comprehensive Open House Checklist for REALTORS®

PDF | Excel | Google Sheets

Open House Checklist Example

Task	Actionable Steps	✔️
Plan Ahead	Decide on a date and time for the open house.
	Coordinate with your realtor or agent to confirm scheduling.
	Notify neighbors about the event to avoid surprises.
	Create and distribute promotional material online and offline (e.g., social media, flyers).
Deep Cleaning	Clean all surfaces, including floors, counters, and baseboards.
	Scrub bathrooms, focusing on sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets.
	Wash windows inside and out to allow maximum light.
	Dust furniture, light fixtures, and ceiling fans.
Remove Personal Items	Take down family photos, religious items, and personal collections.
	Remove clutter like toys, bills, or paperwork from counters.
	Store personal toiletries and clothing out of sight.
Professional Staging	Arrange furniture to maximize space and highlight key rooms (e.g., living room, master bedroom).
	Use neutral decor to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
	Bring in plants or flowers to add warmth and charm.
Storage Unit	Pack and store seasonal items, old furniture, and excess belongings offsite.
	Arrange for a storage unit or temporary storage solution to keep the home clutter-free.
Open House Signage	Place directional signs at busy intersections leading to the property.
	Use clear and attractive signage, including an Open House banner outside the home.
Sign-In Sheets	Create a guest sign-in sheet or set up a digital registration platform for visitors.
	Place the sign-in sheet at the entrance with pens or a tablet.
Marketing Materials	Prepare brochures or flyers with property details and photos.
	Include neighborhood highlights, such as schools, parks, and amenities, in the materials.
	Post the open house online on real estate platforms and social media.
Notify Neighbors	Send personal invitations or notifications to nearby neighbors.
	Encourage them to stop by and help spread the word.
Pets and Barking Dogs	Arrange for pets to stay with a friend, at a kennel, or out of the house during the showing.
	Remove all pet accessories (beds, food dishes) from common areas.
Lighting and Curtains	Open all curtains and blinds to bring in natural light.
	Turn on all lights, including lamps and overhead fixtures.
Valuable Belongings	Lock away jewelry, electronics, and other valuables in a safe place.
	Avoid leaving cash, checks, or credit cards visible.
Follow-Up Emails	Send thank-you emails to attendees after the event.
	Include a survey or request for feedback on the property.
Create an Inviting Atmosphere	Light scented candles or use air fresheners to create a pleasant aroma.
	Play soft background music to set a welcoming tone.
	Offer light snacks and water for guests.
First and Lasting Impressions	Ensure a clean and appealing exterior, including landscaping.
	Add fresh flowers or a welcoming doormat by the entrance.
	Make the entryway spacious and clutter-free.
Prepare Closets	Organize closets to showcase ample storage space.
	Remove half of the items in the closets to make them appear larger.
Schedule and Timing	Choose a weekend or popular day for maximum attendance.
	Set a convenient time range (e.g., 12-3 PM) to accommodate visitors’ schedules.
REALTOR® or Agent Presence	Ensure your realtor or agent is prepared to answer questions and offer tours.
	Confirm their arrival time and presence throughout the event.
Doors and Entryways	Clean the front door and polish any hardware.
	Ensure all doors open and close smoothly without squeaking.
Valuable Leads and More Leads	Gather insights from sign-in sheets or digital registrations to generate new leads.
	Follow up on attendee interest to turn leads into valuable clients.

Get More Open House Tools

I always make it a priority to use tools like an open house sign in sheet to gather useful information from guests, but I’ve also embraced technology by switching to a digital sign in sheet for efficiency.

These small, simple tools provide me with valuable insights about my guests’ needs and preferences, helping me better serve them and turn leads into sales. Your open house event needs to be seamless, welcoming, and memorable.

With the right preparation and strategy, you can attract the right buyers, showcase your professionalism, and ensure every open house results in meaningful connections and serious offers. After all, success in real estate is all about being prepared and staying one step ahead.

Join Our Real Estate Agent Network

I get so much energy from connecting with real estate agents and exchanging insights about the industry. There’s nothing better than sitting down to discuss hosting open houses, maximizing attendance, and making that unforgettable first impression for buyers.

Together, we talk about strategies for home staging, placing signs in high-traffic areas, and showcasing properties in the best possible light so every seller feels confident.

Sharing tips like how to highlight key features, appliances, and design elements creates a simple way to ensure every house feels like a dream home to potential buyers. This is all about building stronger businesses, finding more ways to attract clients, and helping them discover their perfect home.

Join our network and let’s work together to make the future of real estate even brighter.