Open House

Why Are Open Houses a Good Idea
Open Houses are a terrific way to produce leads, though they are not mandatory by CRIM Realty. If an Agent does not have a listing but would be willing to hold an Open House, the Agent can contact the Corporate Office or monitor the Company’s Internal Agent Facebook Group site.

Open House Guide: 1-2-3

At CRIM Realty we like to simplify your workload. This Open House Guide is as easy as one, two, three! Please use the following checklist for a successful Open House:

1. Prepare Before the Open House

• Confirm the date and time with the seller.
• Make sure you have the seller’s permission to hold the open house.
• Create and distribute approved advertising.
• Place approved directional/open-house signs.
• Review the listing details, price, features, disclosures, and neighborhood information.
• Prepare sign-in sheets or a digital sign-in system.
• Have business cards, brochures, property flyers, and other marketing materials ready.
• Make sure the property is clean, presentable, and ready for visitors.
• Arrive 15–30 minutes early to turn on lights, adjust the temperature, and do a final walkthrough.

2. Conduct the Open House

• Welcome visitors and introduce yourself.
• Ask visitors to sign in according to your brokerage’s procedures.
• Give visitors space to tour the property while remaining available for questions.
• Point out important features and benefits of the property.
• Never make statements about protected classes, schools, neighborhoods, or demographics that could create Fair Housing concerns.
• Keep track of visitors and potential buyers.
• Protect the seller’s property and personal belongings.

3. Follow Up After the Open House

• Remove all signs and marketing materials.
• Make sure the property is secure before leaving.
• Give the seller a summary of the activity and feedback.
• Follow up with interested buyers.
• Add potential clients to your follow-up system/CRM.
• Report any issues or concerns to the listing agent or Broker.

⭐ The easiest way to remember it:

• BEFORE → Prepare
• DURING → Host
• AFTER → Follow Up

Best Time for an Open House

There are definitely better and worse times for an open house, but there isn’t one universal “perfect” time. The property, local market, season, and weather all matter and you’ll have to be the best judge. Consider these three things:

Timing of the Listing

• The first weekend after a property goes on the market is often a strong opportunity because buyer interest is highest when the listing is new. NAR specifically recommends considering the first weekend after listing.
  
  
• A common choice is Saturday or Sunday afternoon, when many buyers are available. Sunday afternoon has traditionally been a popular open-house window.
  
  
• A shorter event of about 1–2 hours can create a concentrated period of activity rather than having the agent sit at the property all day.

Season

• Spring: Generally excellent. Buyer activity tends to increase, and homes often show well because of better weather, landscaping, and natural light.
  
  
• Summer: Still good, but avoid major holiday weekends and times when people are likely to be traveling. Evening open houses can work because of longer daylight.
  
  
• Fall: Often a good opportunity because serious buyers may want to purchase before the holidays.
  
  
• Winter: Can have fewer visitors, but the people who do attend may be more serious buyers.

Spring is traditionally strong, but agents shouldn’t assume spring is automatically the best time. Local inventory, buyer demand, interest rates, and competition can matter more than the calendar.

Weather
Good weather generally makes it easier for people to attend. If severe rain, storms, extreme heat, snow, or dangerous driving conditions are expected, consider rescheduling or changing the time.

What Makes a Property a Good Candidate for an Open House?
Look for these signs:

✅ New listing with little or no showing history
✅ Good price compared with competing properties
✅ Strong visual appeal and good condition
✅ Easy-to-show property with cooperative sellers
✅ Location with strong buyer demand
✅ Features that are better experienced in person — pool, large yard, views, renovated interior, great outdoor space, etc.
✅ Limited showing traffic where an open house could generate additional exposure
✅ Several similar buyers are likely searching in the area

One particularly useful strategy is to think of an open house as a marketing event, not simply “sitting in a house waiting for buyers.” NAR recommends promoting the event, checking competing events, and following up with leads afterward.

Best Practice: When possible, schedule an open house during the first weekend after a new listing goes live, preferably on Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Consider local buyer activity, competing open houses, weather, holidays, and the property’s unique features when selecting the date and time. The goal is to create maximum exposure when the greatest number of qualified buyers are likely to attend.