OPEN HOUSES
Why Do We Host Open Houses at John L. Scott Silverdale?
Believe it or not, the main purpose of hosting an open house isn’t always to sell the home on the spot. At John L. Scott Silverdale, we see open houses as powerful tools for both marketing and lead generation. Here’s why we prioritize them:
Hosting open houses is part of our commitment to our sellers. It’s a key component of the listing broker’s marketing plan to increase exposure and foot traffic. It’s one of the most effective ways for brokers—especially newer ones—to meet potential buyers and start building their client base.
Hosting a successful open house takes time, intention, and follow-through. When done right, it can create an excellent opportunity to grow your business and gain buyer leads.
Tip: While weekends are traditionally the best time for open houses, don’t rule out weekdays or holidays. Non-traditional timeframes may work—just remember to plan ahead and promote strategically.
Getting Started: 2–3 Days Before the Open House
Connect with Your Manager: Let your manager know you're looking to host. They can help match you with a seasoned broker who has an upcoming open house opportunity.
Post on Integrity Insider: Let the office know you’re available for open houses—visibility helps!
Review the MLS Listing: Print and study the listing so you’re fully prepared to speak about the home. Coordinate with the Veteran Broker: Confirm the date, time, and location works for both of you. Once you commit, add it to your calendar.
Prep Week: What to Discuss with the Veteran Broker
Schedule a time (in-person or phone) to go over the details of the open house:
Occupancy: Is the home vacant or occupied?
Seller Instructions: Are there any special notes or showing preferences from the seller?
Seller Presence: Will the seller be gone during the open house?
Preview Access: How do you schedule a preview before hosting?
Pets: If pets are on the property, how should they be handled?
Marketing: Will there be any print or online advertising? Who is covering the cost?
At John L. Scott Silverdale, we believe in setting you up for success. Open houses are more than a showing—they’re a chance to elevate your professionalism, grow your network, and serve the community.
Open House Preparation with a Veteran Broker
As you coordinate with the veteran broker, be sure to clarify and discuss the following:
MLS Posting: Will the veteran broker be adding the open house to the MLS, or would they like your assistance in doing so?
Sign Placement Strategy: Ask if they have specific suggestions for open house sign placement to optimize visibility.
Seller Precautions: Confirm whether the broker has spoken with the seller about securing valuables and prescription medications.
Marketing Assets: Request permission to download photos from the MLS or obtain the veteran broker’s original listing photos for marketing and flyer use.
Property Disclosures: Gather any important property information such as unpermitted spaces, outbuildings, or well and septic locations.
Public Records: Access and print public records unless already provided by the listing broker.
Safety Preview: Schedule a time to preview the property ahead of the open house and assess any safety or accessibility concerns.
Sign Location Plan: Strategize the best high-traffic spots to place open house signs for maximum exposure.
Pick Up JLS Signs: Remember to grab your 3 complimentary open house signs from the Silverdale office.
Marketing Flyers: Coordinate with a preferred lender for co-branded flyers or use the JLS Marketing Center to create your own.
MLS Tour Participation: Attend the MLS tour to gain exposure and practice accessing lockboxes.
Open House Tools:
Print a sign-in sheet and consider offering an incentive (e.g., coffee gift card drawing) to encourage guest sign-ins.
Prepare and print your open house flyers in advance.
Week of the Open House: Additional Promotion and Preparation
Optional Promotions:
Send postcards to nearby residents or your personal sphere inviting them to the open house.
Door-knock in the neighborhood to personally invite nearby homeowners. Record a quick video of the neighborhood to post on social media for added reach.
Helpful Resources to Bring:
Printed current market stats.
A snapshot of the neighborhood’s recent sales and listings.
A list of alternative properties in case this one doesn’t meet a buyer’s needs.
Time Management Tip:
Bring a productive task for any downtime during the open house—this could be a great moment to write handwritten notes or thank-you cards to your sphere.
Prepare Your Open House Kit
Having a fully stocked open house kit ensures you're ready for anything. Here’s what to include:
Tote Bag: Use a durable tote to carry all supplies.
Serving Tray or Bowl: For individually wrapped treats like candy, cookies, or brownies.
Napkins: For serving any food items.
Business Cards: Keep a stack easily accessible.
Property Flyers: Printed and ready to hand out.
Sign-In Sheets: A must for gathering contact info.
Pens: Bring extras for guests and personal notes.
Folding Chair: Especially useful for vacant homes.
Toilet Paper: Just in case—don’t assume it will be stocked.
Morning of the Open House: Checklist
Load your open house kit and directional signs into your vehicle.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for setup.
Place signs at pre-determined high-visibility locations.
Park your car away from the home, ideally down the street to leave space for guests.
If there’s a flyer box outside, remove outdated flyers and replace with new ones.
Upon entering, lock the door behind you as you set up.
Inside the Property: Setup Steps
Set up a sign-in station with your sheet, pen, flyers, and snacks.
Open window coverings to let in natural light.
If weather permits, open windows or sliding doors for fresh air. Turn on all lights throughout the home—including closets.
Ensure toilet lids are closed in all bathrooms.
Wipe down the kitchen sink—it should be spotless.
Put away any visible kitchen knives or sharp utensils.
During the Open House
Set up a mobile workspace: Be ready to access the MLS, check new listings, or respond to emails during downtime.
Double-check for valuables or prescription medications left in plain sight—notify the listing broker if found.
Assume that video/audio surveillance may be active—maintain professionalism at all times.
Keep your keys and phone with you at all times.
Once you're fully set up and ready, unlock the front door and welcome your guests!
During the Open House
✅
Welcoming Guests
Make a great first impression by greeting every guest warmly and professionally. A suggested greeting:
“Hi, thank you so much for stopping by the open house! My name is [Your Name], and I’m with John L. Scott Real Estate – Silverdale. Feel free to explore the home, and if you have any questions about this property or the market, I’d be happy to help!”
Keep your tone friendly and approachable.
Avoid hovering—let guests settle in and look around comfortably.
✅ Engaging in Conversation
Once guests seem relaxed—either after a self-guided tour or once they’ve explored a bit— gently initiate conversation with simple, open-ended questions. Aim to build rapport, not sell.
Examples to start the conversation:
“Are you from the area?”
If No: “Where are you moving from?” / “What brings you to Kitsap County?”
If Yes: “Where in the area do you live now?” / “How long have you lived there?”
Follow-up questions:
“What types of homes have caught your eye so far?”
“Are you currently renting or do you own your home?”
“What’s your timeline for making a move?”
“How have you been searching for homes?” (This helps identify if they’re working with a broker.)
“How did you hear about today’s open house?”
“How does this home compare to others you’ve toured?”
“Do you think this home might meet your needs?”
�� Pro Tip: Be genuinely curious and listen more than you talk. Your goal is to build trust, not pressure.
✅
Additional Hosting Tips
Encourage Sign-Ins: Kindly ask every visitor to sign in. If they’re working with another broker, make a note.
Let Guests Explore: Encourage self-guided tours and make yourself available for questions. Answer What You Can: If you don’t know an answer, say so confidently. Let them know you’ll follow up—and collect their contact info so you can.
Take Notes: Jot down key details about each visitor to personalize your follow-up
Contact the Listing Broker: If urgent questions come up, always reach out to the listing broker—not the seller.
Selling Yourself During the Open House
As you engage with visitors, remember—this is also an opportunity to showcase you as a knowledgeable, approachable, and trustworthy broker.
Ask:
“How have you been going about looking for homes?”
If they’re not already working with a Realtor®, let them know: “I’d be happy to assist you with any of your real estate needs—now or in the future.”
This isn’t about being pushy. It’s about offering support with sincerity and professionalism.
If the house doesn’t seem like a fit, ask:
“What features worked for you in this home?” “What didn’t quite meet your needs?”
If they seem open and are not represented by another broker, offer to:
Pull up listings on your device that better match their criteria. Schedule a follow-up to view homes that suit their preferences.
With your device on hand, you can input their home criteria and quickly show them tailored options. If there’s a good connection, offer to meet the following week to explore those properties, while being mindful not to spend more than 30 minutes per prospect. Remember, your first responsibility is to host the open house professionally and represent the listing broker well.
When the Open House Ends
Secure the property: Lock the front door as you begin to wrap up. Double-check: Ensure all doors and windows are closed and locked. Reset the home:
Close blinds or curtains you opened. Turn off all lights.
Replace any items you moved (e.g., knives in the kitchen). Repack your open house kit.
Secure the lockbox: Return the key and ensure it’s properly locked. Restock flyers in the outdoor box (if applicable).
Remove signage and pack your vehicle.
If the seller arrives before you leave, be courteous and let them know you’ll be following up with the listing broker, who will provide a full report.
Reporting & Follow-Up
Contact the listing broker via call, text, or email with a full open house summary:
Total number of groups that visited Level of interest or feedback received Questions or concerns that came up
Any observations to share
If another broker’s client visited, be sure to follow up with that broker to inform them of their client’s attendance.
12–24 Hours After the Open House
Set up buyer searches for any promising leads.
Call visitors to thank them for attending and ask how you can assist further. Ask about their home search criteria.
Collect additional contact details (email, mailing address, etc.).
If you don’t have a phone number, send a follow-up email instead.
Post-Open House Follow-Up
Send handwritten thank-you notes to all visitors who provided a mailing address— personal touches go a long way in building relationships. Draw a prize winner (if you offered an incentive) and contact them to arrange prize delivery or pickup.
Update your CRM or network database with visitor contact info: Categorize leads (e.g., hot, warm, or prospects).
Set them up on appropriate follow-up or drip campaigns. Write a thank-you note to the listing broker to express appreciation for the opportunity and your collaboration.
Realtor® Safety Tips
Your safety is always a priority. Keep these practices in mind for every open house:
Never host alone—arrange for a co-host, team up with another broker, or bring a trusted buddy.
Plan your exit—stay aware of door locations and never allow yourself to be cornered or blocked in a room.
Let someone know—tell a family member, friend, or colleague where you'll be and what time.
Keep your phone and keys on you at all times for quick access. If at any moment you feel unsafe, leave immediately and call 9-1-1.
Checklist: Wrapping Up Your Open House Preparation
I have scheduled my first open house hosting opportunity
I know which title company I will contact to order a listing kit or property Trio I know which lender I will work with for co-branded flyers — or I’ve created my own using the JLS Marketing Center
I have a clearly outlined safety plan for open house hosting
Action Items / Homework
Pick up your open house signs from the office
Assemble your open house kit
Schedule or shadow an upcoming open house to gain hands-on experience
