Real estate agency open house checklist

Use this checklist to organise a real estate agency open house in the right order, from sending invitations to welcoming visitors. It covers registrations, dietary requirements, property information, parking details, catering, drinks, presentations and room setup. The final checks focus on the details that are often left too late: chilled drinks, printed registration lists, route signs, tested equipment and a clean reception area. Start early enough to confirm attendance and adjust food, seating and materials before the event.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm the program
Order catering
Reserve drinks
Share parking information
Prepare presentations
2 people
Print housing information
Print the registration list
Prepare route signs
Do the shopping
2 people
Deep clean the office
2 people
Empty refrigerators
Chill drinks
2 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
2 people
Set up the reception desk
2 people
Set up presentations
2 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Put up route signs
2 people
Set up the buffet
2 people
Set up coffee station
Prepare snacks
3 people
Test the equipment
2 people
Check toilets
Brief staff

Event

Open the doors
2 people
Register visitors
2 people
Welcome visitors
2 people
Arrange housing presentations
3 people
Guide tours
3 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Clear buffet
2 people
See visitors out
2 people

Aftercare

Switch off equipment
2 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Put furniture back
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Collect waste
2 people
Cleaning the office
2 people
Store leftover stock
Return rental items
2 people
Process contact details
Send thank-you messages

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Folding tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 60
High tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 10
Bar stoolsqty 8

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 80
Wine glassesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Pitchersqty 6

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Presentation screensqty 2
Laptopsqty 2
HDMI cablesqty 3
Power stripsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon archesqty 2
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Buntingqty 4
Table décorqty 10
Information boardsqty 8
Route sign standsqty 6

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
LED lightsqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Send invitations and set a registration deadline at least 7 days before the open house. Use the final registration list to confirm guest numbers, dietary requirements and the amount of seating and catering needed.
Confirm the programme and prepare property presentations at least 3 days beforehand. Test each laptop, presentation screen, HDMI cable, power strip and extension cord together rather than assuming they will work on the day.
Print housing information and the registration list 1 day before the event, then keep spare copies at the reception desk. Prepare parking information and route signs early so visitors can find the office without calling during the event.
Order catering and reserve drinks as soon as registrations start to provide a reliable headcount. Chill drinks several hours before guests arrive, and check that you have enough glasses, coffee cups, plates, cutlery, serving platters and pitchers.
Complete the office clean and room setup on the day before or early on the event day. Leave enough time to arrange tables, chairs, high tables, the buffet, coffee station and reception desk before putting up decorations and route signs.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a real estate agency open house?: Start planning 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Send invitations at least 7 days before the event, and finalise catering, drinks, printed materials and the programme 2 to 3 days beforehand.
How many chairs do I need for a real estate open house?: Provide one chair for each registered guest if the programme includes presentations or seated discussions. Add around 10% extra seating, so 44 chairs for 40 expected visitors, while using high tables and bar stools for informal conversations.
When should I print the registration list and housing information?: Print both 1 day before the open house, after registrations have been checked. Keep a few extra copies of the property information and place the final registration list at the reception desk on the event day.
When should drinks be chilled for an open house?: Put bottled and canned drinks in coolers or refrigerators at least 4 hours before guests arrive. Prepare coffee and hot water shortly before opening, and keep spare drinks available throughout the programme.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.