Open House Checklist: The Print Materials That Drive Foot Traffic

An open house is one of those events where the details really matter. You've prepped the home, you've listed it online, but the physical experience — what buyers see, touch, and take home — is where print marketing earns its keep. Here's a practical checklist of the print materials that make open houses run better and leave a lasting impression.

1. Directional Signs

Start with visibility. Directional arrow signs or A-frame sidewalk signs placed at key intersections guide buyers from main roads to the property. People driving around looking for an open house aren't going to stop and Google the exact address — they follow the signs. Without them, you're leaving foot traffic on the table.

Place them the morning of the event at every logical turn from the nearest major street to the driveway. Bold, high-contrast designs with a clear arrow get the best results.

2. Property Feature Sheets / Flyers

Every person who walks through the door should leave with something in their hand. A property feature sheet — printed on quality paper or cardstock — gives buyers the key specs: square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, lot size, recent upgrades, school district, and your contact info. Even buyers who aren't immediately ready to make an offer appreciate having something to reference later.

This is also a prime opportunity to brand yourself. Make sure your photo, name, brokerage, and contact details are prominent.

3. Neighborhood Information Sheet

This one separates good agents from great ones. A simple one-pager highlighting nearby schools, parks, restaurants, commute times, and community highlights helps buyers visualize the lifestyle — not just the house. It shows you know the area intimately and positions you as a local expert.

4. Sign-In Sheet (Printed)

A printed sign-in sheet with room for name, email, and phone number is easy to set up and gives you a lead list at the end of the day. Yes, there are digital sign-in apps, but a printed sheet is faster, doesn't require buyers to fumble with a tablet, and feels less intrusive to people who are still in browsing mode.

5. Your Business Cards

Put a stack of your best business cards at the entry table and at the kitchen counter. People will pick them up on the way out. The card is your parting touchpoint — make it count. Premium finishes like silk or raised foil leave an impression that a standard card never will.

6. Follow-Up Postcards

Not everyone who comes to your open house is ready to make an offer that weekend. A follow-up postcard sent within a week to everyone who signed in keeps the conversation warm. It shows professionalism and persistence — two traits buyers and sellers both respect in an agent.