What you need for a real estate open house

Use this shopping list to prepare a professional real estate agency open house without last-minute runs to the store. Plan refreshments for the expected visitor count, then check that you have enough serving ware, seating, signage and presentation equipment. Drinks, coffee supplies and printed property information are easy to underestimate, especially during a busy first hour. The full plan also covers setup, registration, catering and equipment checks so the office is ready before guests arrive.

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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
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Still mineral water - 36 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Back ham - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mini muffins - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 2 packs
- Vegan snacks - 30 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water, coffee and non-alcoholic options before ordering anything else.
For catering, allow three to five small bites per guest for a short open house. Add about 10% extra plates, cups, glasses and cutlery so a busy registration desk does not leave guests waiting.
Set aside one printed property-information pack per registered visitor, plus 10% extra. Print the registration list on the day of the event, when cancellations and late additions are most likely to be reflected.
Match furniture to the visitor flow: use a reception desk at the entrance, tables for information and catering, and high tables or bar stools where guests can pause without blocking the route. Put route signs at every turn from the entrance to the viewing or presentation area.
Test the presentation screen, laptop, HDMI cable, power strips and extension cords at least 60 minutes before guests arrive. Chill drinks, empty the refrigerators and finish the deep clean before setting up decorations or the buffet.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a real estate open house?: For a short open house, plan three to five small bites per guest. For an event lasting two hours or more, allow five to eight bites per guest and add around 10% extra for late arrivals.
How many drinks should I buy for an open house?: Buy two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one additional drink per person for every extra hour. Keep at least half of the selection non-alcoholic and include enough coffee, water and soft drinks for the full guest count.
How many printed property brochures should I prepare?: Prepare one information pack per registered visitor and print 10% extra. If 40 people are registered, prepare at least 44 packs so late arrivals and couples taking an extra copy are covered.
When should I set up an estate agency open house?: Start the final setup at least 90 minutes before the doors open. Complete cleaning and refrigerator checks earlier, then reserve the last 60 minutes for furniture, buffet, coffee station, signs and equipment testing.

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