Essential Print Materials for Open House Success in 2027

According to the NAR’s 2025 profile, nearly half of all buyers attend open houses, proving that even with so much online searching and virtual tours, serious buyers still want to walk through a home in person. To maximize foot traffic and capture more leads, the most essential open house print products include postcard or door hangers to spread the word, directional signs to guide buyers from main roads, and feature sheets to leave a lasting impression. Now let’s look at how to set up a successful open house event using the exact right print materials.

Why Print Still Matters at Open Houses

While digital marketing is a fantastic tool for targeting broad audiences, the event itself is an inherently physical experience for prospective buyers. Meanwhile, Studies support that people find physical print ads more memorable and have a stronger emotional response to them. As such, a tangible, beautifully printed brochure builds an emotional connection that a quick swipe on a smartphone can never replicate.

Furthermore, professional and premium-looking materials build instant credibility. When neighbours or potential buyers see high-quality directional signs on the street and well-crafted handouts on the kitchen counter, they instantly perceive you as a top-tier agent with an eye for detail.

Open house print materials are especially effective for localized marketing. Directional signage helps buyers find the property easily, printed flyers let visitors take property information home, and sign-in sheets paired with business cards help you capture leads long after visitors have left the event.

Must-Have Print Products for Open House Events

A successful open house requires a step-by-step strategy that includes which materials to use to spread the word, which signs get the most visibility, and finally, how to make a lasting impression and carry out the follow-up. Here is a practical guide to the print materials for open house events you need:

Before the Open House: Spread the Word

The days leading up to the open house are crucial for informing the local neighbourhood about the event. You can do so by using these print products:

Postcards

Sending a direct mail postcard invitation is highly effective for reaching the broader neighbourhood. However, targeted delivery works much better than scattered distribution. You are more likely to get a massive turnout after delivering invitations to 100 immediate neighbours than, for example, putting postcards on windshield wipers at a local plaza.

Door Hangers

Hand-deliver door hangers to homes on surrounding streets a few days before the event for a more personalized, hyper-local touch. Instead of generic messages, try adding a header like, “I know you get lots of door hangers…” to relate to the homeowner, or print something useful on the back so neighbours would want to keep the print. To figure out the right mix for your area, read more about door hangers vs. postcards in real estate farming.

Directional Signs

Directional signs are a great tool for guiding buyers to your event using high-visibility arrows and branding. Also, adding your headshot and contact details to each sign helps build recognition in the neighbourhood.

A common question we see about directional signs is “How many is enough?” The number depends on the location, traffic patterns, roads and, of course, local sign rules. Most agents use 10 to 15, or as many as local regulations allow, placed along main roads and at each turn to the property. For a larger, heavily promoted open house, some agents suggest 20 or more. Before you decide on the number, check your local sign bylaws and HOA rules. 

Sandwich Boards and A-Frames

Portable A-frames are excellent for busy sidewalk corners to catch pedestrian traffic. You can decorate a standard A-frame with balloons or informational riders on the day of the event to attract extra attention (be sure to use your company colours for branding!). Just remember that many cities limit agents to 1 to 4 signs total, so place them wisely.

Feather Flags and Banners

The height and movement of feather flags catch the eye of neighbours from down the street who may have seen your Facebook ad but forgot about the open house until they drove past. Banners also work beautifully when draped over a porch railing or neighbourhood fence to announce the event. Read more about how open house feather flags can draw massive attention to drive maximum foot traffic to your event.

For Sale Signs

Your main For Sale sign acts as the final destination marker at the end of your directional sign trail, letting buyers know they’ve found the right place, while at the same time marketing your brand to the entire street. So make sure it includes your headshot, contact info, and a QR code that sends people to the digital listing. Always use heavy-duty metal posts or sturdy H-stands to keep the sign perfectly upright no matter the weather. 

Custom Riders

Slide a custom Open House rider onto your For Sale sign to let the neighbourhood know you’re ready for visitors. But don’t wait until the weekend to put it up! One top agent recommends attaching the sign rider as early as you can. A rider reading “Open House Sun. 1:00-4:00” keeps reminding people all week long as they commute past the home. Agents consistently report receiving far more traffic when utilizing clear, day-specific sign riders.

Inside the Home: Make a Lasting Impression

Once prospective buyers step inside, your print materials should guide their experience and give them something valuable to take home.

Feature Sheets

In addition to listing the best and most distinctive features of the house, feature sheets serve as an essential takeaway for every visitor. While designing, make sure to keep it simple: include a great picture of the home, bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, amenities, and your contact info. Research proves that most guests won’t buy the actual home you’re showing, but they may very well buy into the idea of working with you on their future purchase. The feature sheet ensures they remember the house they visited and also know how to contact you.

Brochures

For luxury or larger listings, you need a multi-page brochure. Brochures offer more room for extensive photo galleries, floor plans, and neighbourhood highlights. Have at least 20 property brochures at hand for prospects to take home, and make sure the material is high-quality enough to build trust and credibility.

Business Cards and Sign-In Sheets 

Keep a sign-in sheet near the entrance so you can follow up with visitors after the event. You can also tie this to a QR code on a sandwich board or feature sheet that links to a digital sign-in form. Keep a neat stack of your premium business cards right next to the sign-in area so every visitor leaves with a direct line to you. 30-50 business cards are usually enough for the event.

After the Open House: Follow Up

Once you’ve made connections with neighbours at your open house, these print materials can maintain your relationships into the future and ensure you stay top-of-mind when they’re ready to make a decision.

Postcards and Flyers

They are great for thanking guests for coming or inviting them to another open house. You can also send a “Just Sold” postcard to the same neighbourhood once the home is under contract. Real estate brokers consistently report that Just Sold postcards bring them new listings. Homeowners often keep the postcard on the fridge and call months later when they are finally ready to sell.