How to Host a Mega Open House That Gets More Listings

September 3, 2025

Tom Ferry talks about how to host an open house

Standing out from the competition might be a hard task, but with a little help, I’m sure you can differentiate yourself from the sea of agents.

I’m continuing my mission to guide you towards your own successful path. One way you can project your services and attract the right clients is to organize and hold a MEGA OPEN HOUSE for your listing. Here's a brand-new checklist you can download to ensure you do all your prep work, day-of-event tasks and follow-up.

For those who may not be aware of the MEGA OPEN HOUSE, this isn’t your basic open house.

Back In 2010, Rockstar agent, Andy Tse from Saratoga, California, and I started the MEGA OPEN HOUSE concept.

The MEGA OPEN HOUSE is essentially a go big or go home strategy!

You multiply your efforts, marketing strategy and lead cultivation during this grand event. I highly suggest you take a look at Andy’s exceptional tips for you to R&D from his stellar MEGA OPEN HOUSE strategy!

How to Host an Open House That Attracts Buyers and Wins Listings

If you want to stand out in today’s market, learning how to host an open house the right way is essential. An open house can do far more than showcase a property. It is a stage for building brand awareness, creating community connections, and securing future listings. When done right, your event becomes a lead generator, a networking opportunity, and a relationship builder all in one.

In this guide, you will discover how to plan, prepare, and deliver an open house strategy that draws a crowd and leaves a lasting impression on buyers and sellers alike.

What Is the Purpose of Hosting an Open House?

An open house is your chance to introduce a property to multiple buyers at once while positioning yourself as the trusted local expert. It brings energy and urgency to the sale and opens the door to conversations that can convert into new clients. Beyond just showing a home, your role is to create an event that highlights the lifestyle, the neighborhood, and your value as an agent.

How to Host an Open House That Stands Out

1. Spread the Word Everywhere

Promotion is half the battle. Use a mix of marketing channels to attract as many guests as possible. Think local community groups, email invitations, neighborhood door-knocking, and digital ads targeted to buyers in your area. The more touchpoints, the bigger your turnout.

2. Create a Memorable First Impression

Make sure the home is staged to appeal to today’s buyers. Add small touches such as refreshments, background music, and clear walk-through paths that encourage people to explore comfortably. A welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for deeper conversations.

3. Provide a Smooth Guest Experience

Have a system in place to capture guest information and learn about their needs. Whether you use a digital tool or a simple open house sign-in process, the goal is to open the door for future communication. Always greet guests personally and make time for one-on-one conversations that build rapport.

4. Use Proven Scripts

Your conversations during the event matter. Practice open house scripts that help you ask the right questions, qualify leads, and offer immediate value. Aim to set a listing appointment or schedule a buyer consultation before they leave.

Creative Ways to Enhance Your Open House

Team Up With a Partner

Co-hosting with a lender or team member can double your impact. More professionals on site means more opportunities to connect with guests and answer questions.

Offer a Simple Giveaway

Adding a fun giveaway can encourage engagement. Consider a local restaurant gift card or a small home-related item. It should feel aligned with your brand and appealing to potential buyers.

Highlight the Community

Buyers are not just shopping for a house, they are investing in a lifestyle. Share insights about the neighborhood, schools, parks, and local businesses to help them picture life in the area.

How to Follow Up After Hosting an Open House

The real magic happens after the event. Reach out quickly to every attendee. Send thank-you notes or short personalized videos that reference your conversation. For motivated buyers, offer to set up showings of other properties. For potential sellers, position yourself as the go-to agent by scheduling a listing consultation. Consistent and thoughtful follow-up turns attendees into long-term clients.

Build Your Business With Every Open House

Learning how to host an open house effectively is one of the most powerful ways to grow your real estate business. With intentional marketing, a polished guest experience, and strong follow-up, your open houses can become a reliable system for generating leads and securing new listings.

If you are ready to take your events to the next level, explore our real estate agent tools or schedule a real estate coaching consultation to get expert guidance and proven strategies.

It’s All In The Preparation

When you’re launching a new listing either in your geo-farm or an area you know you’ll have success, you want to optimize the opportunity so you can generate many listings.

Before your MEGA OPEN HOUSE, you want to plan ahead, but also don’t forget it’s a party! Prepare food and drinks appropriate for the neighborhood that you’ll be at.

Don’t forget to door knock your invitations so you can personally invite all the neighbors. Another great option is to mail those invited and email any interested prospects from your database.

Also, don’t be afraid of investing in running your Facebook ads, post it on Instagram and NextDoor. You really want this MEGA OPEN HOUSE to be announced on all your portals!

And last, but not least, put out all those 30 signs Andy talked about! You really want to do your research on where your MEGA OPEN HOUSE will be and who are you looking to attract to buy this house.

Do they have a family, empty nesters, single? Know your customer and arrange the appropriate experience so you can easily find your buyer or next lead!

Party Like A Rockstar Agent!

During the MEGA OPEN HOUSE, you want to work as a team, so invite your lender, spouse, your friend or two more real estate agents.

Remember to “divide and conquer” so you can maximize conversations and secure more listings.

While guests are arriving, you can ask them to sign into SPACIO and ask they what brought them to your MEGA OPEN HOUSE and what they liked or disliked about the home.

You’re surrounded by all these people, take advantage to see if they’re actually engage!

This helps you figure out who to provide your services to and where they’re at in the client funnel!

Don’t forget to be with just one person, don’t break your eye contact and make them feel that they have your attention.

Demonstrate the worth that you have!

Follow-Up Like It’s Hot

After the success of your MEGA OPEN HOUSE, you can thank all your guests by shooting a BombBomb video and send it through SPACIO or your CRM.

Remind them that you can help them to buy or sell their home. Showcase that you’re the knowledgeable and go-to agent!

For that one appointment or more that you set during your MEGA OPEN HOUSE, you want to create a customized follow-up video telling them how excited you are to meet with them.

What Will You Do Differently?

Now that you know about the successful MEGA OPEN HOUSE strategy, what are you going to do different in your next one?

What strategy will you implement? Let me know in the comments below! For more scripts, sign graphics, and strategies, make sure to download our MEGA OPEN HOUSE MASTERY

Want to be on a future episode on the #TomFerryShow? Remember to submit your questions on video at tfs@tomferry.com!