This guide walks you through the ultimate open house tote bag checklist, inspired by Katie Catron, a former teacher turned $38M real estate producer. Discover the essentials she carries (from painter’s tape to a garden hose) that demonstrate a commitment to her clients and keep her prepared for anything.
Key takeaways
- Be prepared: A stocked tote bag serves as your mobile command center, eliminating pre-event stress.
- Capture every lead: Always carry backup sign-in sheets and pens to ensure you never miss a potential client.
- Prioritize client comfort: Small touches like water bottles and cleaning wipes leave a lasting professional impression.
- Systematize your setup: Packing your bag the night before guarantees a smooth and focused morning.
Why open houses feel stressful (and how a system fixes it)
Open houses mean answering questions, keeping the home spotless, and capturing leads, all at once.
A dedicated tote fixes that. When everything’s in one place, you stop worrying about logistics and focus on buyers and the property.
The tote bag checklist
To make packing as simple as possible, we broke down Katie Catron’s open house tote bag checklist into five distinct categories.
Listing essentials
Buyers expect you to be the expert on the property. Having immediate access to the hard facts prevents you from having to guess or make promises you can’t keep. Keep these documents organized in a sturdy folder.
- Property brochures and high-quality feature sheets
- Seller disclosures printed and ready for review
- A summary of local comparables to discuss the neighborhood market
- A tape measure to answer specific buyer questions about room dimensions
- A cheat sheet of neighborhood highlights, including nearby parks, schools, and coffee shops
Items for lead capture
Your primary goal at an open house is to gather contact information. Technology is great, but relying on just one method can cost you valuable connections if the internet goes down.
Here are some common methods agents use to capture leads:
- A printed QR code linked directly to your digital sign-in form
- A physical sign-in sheet on a nice clipboard for buyers who prefer traditional methods over digital ones
- At least five reliable pens that actually write
- A stack of your business cards in a clean, professional holder
Things to improve your client experience
People remember how you made them feel. When you anticipate your guests’ needs, you elevate your status from a salesperson to a thoughtful advisor.
- Bottled water or small, individually wrapped refreshments
- Disinfecting wipes and paper towels for quick, last-minute touch-ups
- Booties or shoe covers to protect floors
- A small trash bag to keep the kitchen looking pristine
- A neutral room spray to ensure the home smells fresh and inviting upon entry
Safety and logistics items
You can’t predict every variable during a public event. Here’s what you need to ensure a smooth operation from start to finish.
- A fully charged portable phone power bank and a charging cable
- Heavy-duty door stops to keep entryways open and inviting
- Hand sanitizer for you and your guests
- A basic first aid kit equipped with bandages and pain relievers
- A small multi-tool or screwdriver to quickly tighten a loose doorknob or fix a crooked cabinet handle
Watch Katie unpack her tote bag and describe how she uses each item:
Follow-up flow
On the day of the event, enter new leads into your CRM and send a quick text thanking them for stopping by and asking if they have questions.
Next day:
- Send a follow-up email with property highlights or comparable listings
- Call high-interest buyers to schedule a showing or consultation
Keep this process templated and repeatable to remove guesswork from your week.
Download the tote bag checklist
Stop scrambling for supplies and start treating your open houses like the professional business opportunities they are. Having a physical list to reference guarantees you’ll never leave an essential item sitting on your kitchen counter again.
Download the tote bag checklist and use it for your next open house so you can focus on what you do best.
Want more repeatable systems?
Mastering your open house routine is a fantastic first step toward building a thriving real estate career. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, you need strategies that support your growth year after year.
Download the tote bag checklist and use it for your next open house. Then keep leveling up with McKissock Learning’s CE Membership for repeatable systems and skills. You’ll gain unlimited access to state-approved continuing education courses, career-advancing certifications, and exclusive tools designed to help you stay competitive. Invest in your professional development today and watch your confidence soar.
