Roy Kelley is spot on about advising the seller(s) to secure valuables and medications.

• Input the open house into the MLS.  It'll feed to the consumer sites so more people can find it online.
• Post the open house to Craigslist, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
• If this is your listing and you have Listingbook in your area, consider doing an open house promotion.  You can have open house invitations direct emailed to registered users of Listingbook whose criteria matches that of your listing.
• Use plenty of directional signs.
• Preview any active listings in then neighborhood and familiarize yourself with the comps.
• You can drop open house invitations in the neighborhood and/or the adjacent neighborhood.
• Bring chilled bottled water and offer it to all visitors including Realtors who are previewing or who are with clients.
• You can bring snacks for visitors if you clear it with the seller(s).

I have not yet used the open house app others have mentioned, but it sounds like a great idea.

Warn the home owners to secure their personal valuables and medications. Open houses are easy targets for theft.

Lead in signs the day before stating there is an open house the next day with the times is so important for a good turn out. I went to an open yesterday in my own neighborhood and had a hard time finding it as they only had one directional sign.

I usually take cookies, have a sign up sheet, take a few copies of the MLS print out, etc. I do balloons if it is a hard to find home. I have a large Open House folding sign, and the rider for the post sign. I like to ask a lender to co-host with me for 2 reasons: 1) safety in numbers 2) they can pre-qual someone of at the very least answer some very important questions that buyers may have about financing. 

Fresh baked brownies or cookies Bake them at the open house, so that the whole house smells good. And you don't need to be a baker, just buy a mix or buy frozen cookie dough

From a buyers agent point of view, I agree with lots of directional signs - especially if it's in a condo complex or large development. GPS doesn't always work that well and it can get frustrating to get into one of those places and then not know where to go.   I would also say don't hover.  Be available to answer questions and point out features but let buyers and their agents take it in without following them around.  That's my biggest pet peeve.

And that Open House Pro is great - speaking again from a buyer agent perspective.  Much more easier to sign in with.

Wouldn't do food, sign in sheet or balloons, but consider using flags or a banner (we on occasion use a 18' tall open house banner). Definitely invest in the Open Home Pro for the iPad, you'll will be glad you did. I keep my business cards in the pocket until after potential buyers fill in their info on Open Home Pro. As far as drinks, the only thing I ever provided was cold bottles of water. Maybe pass out a simple flyer to the neighbors, but in a higher end neighborhood consider the sharp full color flyers. Always have an experienced mentor with you your first time. Best Wishes!

I use lots of directional signs and balloons. I also make sure I've seen all of the other nearby listings. If it's cold, serve hot spiced apple cider. It slows people down and gives you time to chat. Good luck!.

Good luck.

You got good advice here.

Lots of signs and know the neighborhood market.

Great answers from Jill and Roy.

Good luck.

It depends what agents usually do in your location, how long on the market, if it is occupied or not, and probably the price of the property. Fliers, mortgage scenarios, bottles of water, as many signs as you have+ with address of the property and when it is open,  ~  always.

Consider using an open house app that will gather the information of the lookers at sign in and help you communicate with them. This makes you look state of the art and the software will track them as buyers.

Hank, I am sure that it will be a success it you implement some of these suggestions!

I have been holding open houses for the ten years that I have been a realtor, and have found the online promotion to be the best means of attracting visitors to your open house. As Jill Murty suggests above, enter it into your MLS as early in the week as possible, and it will be syndicated to Trulia, Zillow, and the like, and many folks will come by your event.

While there, certainly have a sign-in sheet, but do not force it on anyone when they first enter. As they are leaving, I simply ask, "Will you please sign this sheet so that the owners will know how many people came by?"

Also, try to preview all of the active listings in the neighborhood in order to inform folks who come your open house that might inquire about other properties.

Good luck!

Does anyone do food anymore?  And, you have to consider that you are in someone else's home, I think.  No kids running around spreading crumbs and drinks on the floor....Just my two cents.

I've had people stop at an open house because she saw my balloons on a directional sign. Be different, be bold, and put out as many signs as possible. Try and find out where your visitors live currently and drop a thank you card in the (usps) mail.

I would have the Seller's Disclosurea an flyer or MLS listing available to hand out.  Also, consider purchasing the Open Home Pro app for your iPad to log visitors and input important information.