The short answer
At ACE, we make the open house sign-in something visitors actually want to complete. They scan a QR code, confirm their phone number, and unlock a real gift card, like a coffee on you, for watching a short video about you. You get verified contact details for every visitor, and they already know who you are before you follow up. The reward is for engaging with you, never tied to buying, listing or closing.
Who's at your open house
Open house visitors aren't one group. Your follow-up should match who they are:
- Buyers with an agent. Be respectful and route questions through their agent.
- Buyers without an agent. Your best buyer leads.
- Neighbors. Often future sellers checking what homes go for. These are some of your best listing leads.
- Just looking. Not ready yet, but worth keeping in touch with.
Ask one simple question at sign-in: "Are you working with an agent?" It tells you how to follow up.
Step 1: Get a real sign-in
Paper sign-in sheets get fake names and half-written emails. A better sign-in:
- A QR code on a sign at the door and on the counter.
- A quick form: name, phone, and whether they're working with an agent.
- Phone verification, so the number is real.
- A small thank-you, like a gift card for watching your 60-second video about the home and about you.
Real estate commissions and states have their own rules on gifts and inducements. Keep rewards small and never tie them to buying, listing or closing. ACE reviews each campaign with you, and you should confirm with your broker and attorney.
Step 2: Follow up the same day
Send a short text within a few hours. Make it about the home, not about you:
"Hi [Name], thanks for stopping by [Address] today. I'm [Your Name]. A few people asked about [the backyard / the HOA / the schools], so I put the details together. Want me to send them?"
Ask a question they can answer in one word. Replies start conversations.
Step 3: Follow up by type
Buyers without an agent (next day):
"Hi [Name], any homes you liked better than [Address] lately? I can send you a few similar ones that just came up."
Neighbors (within a week):
"Hi [Name], thanks for coming by [Address]. If you're ever curious what your home might sell for, I'm happy to put together a quick update. No pressure."
Neighbors are often homeowners who are thinking about selling. Treat them like your best listing leads.
Just looking (two weeks later):
"Hi [Name], quick update: [Address] [went under contract / had a price change]. Want me to keep you posted on homes like it?"
Step 4: Stay in touch after the open house
Most visitors won't act this month. Add them to steady follow-up:
- New listings that match what they liked.
- Neighborhood updates for neighbors and anyone in your farm area.
- A check-in every few months from you, not just automated emails.
What we've seen
Across ACE campaigns, engagement has ranged from about 5% to 28% across direct mail and digital. Verified sign-ins and same-day follow-up are what turn open house visitors into conversations. These are past results, not a promise for your market.
When this isn't the right fit
- You only run open houses once in a while. A simple sign-in and a same-day text may be all you need.
- Your brokerage doesn't allow gift cards at open houses. Skip the reward and use the same follow-up plan.
- You can't follow up the same day. Timing is most of the result.
Learn more about ACE for realtors.
Frequently asked questions
How soon should I follow up after an open house?
The same day, within a few hours. Send a short text about the home with a question they can answer quickly.
What should I text open house visitors?
Make it about the home they saw. Offer a detail people asked about or similar homes, and ask a one-word question.
How do I get real contact info at an open house?
Use a QR code sign-in with phone verification instead of a paper sheet. A small thank-you, like a gift card for watching a short video, can help where it's allowed.
Can realtors give gift cards at open houses?
Rules vary by state and brokerage. Keep rewards small and never tie them to buying, listing or closing. Confirm with your broker and attorney.
Should I follow up with neighbors who come to an open house?
Yes. Neighbors are often future sellers. Offer a home value update, with no pressure.
About the author
Jake Nicks is the founder of ACE (Actual Consumer Engagement), a customer acquisition firm in Frisco, Texas. He has 10 years in paid media and has directed more than $2 billion in ad spend. ACE's verified-action gift card technology is protected by U.S. Patent No. 11,847,634 B2.
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