October is the perfect time to make your open house unforgettable. With Halloween coming up, we asked Digital Darryl™ for a fun marketing idea, and we loved it! You will too!

Digital Darryl™: “Why not add some spooky fun to your listing and create an atmosphere that will leave potential buyers talking long after the tour is over? A Halloween-themed open house offers a unique blend of festive fun and strategic marketing that can help your listing stand out in a competitive market.”

We created this step-by-step guide on how to create a spooktacular open house experience that’ll have buyers clamoring for more (and talking about your listing for weeks to come!).

Related reading: The Close – 14 Fun Halloween Real Estate Marketing Ideas

Step 1: Set the Stage with Tasteful Halloween Décor

First things first—your Halloween open house should strike the perfect balance between festive and professional. You don’t want to scare buyers away (literally!), but rather, focus on creating a cozy, welcoming, and slightly spooky atmosphere with some tasteful decor:

• Pumpkin displays: Use pumpkins and gourds to decorate the entrance, porch, or living spaces. Select elegant arrangements that enhance the home’s aesthetic. You can add a jack-o-lantern into the mix for a hint of “spooky” among the “cozy.”
• Tasteful cobwebs and lighting: Add a subtle spooky touch with delicate cobwebs in corners or around light fixtures. Use warm-toned, soft lighting to keep it cozy, yet mysterious.
• Subtle Halloween props: A few strategically placed Halloween items—like a skeleton reading a real estate listing on the couch or a haunted house sign—can spark smiles without overwhelming the space.

Step 2: Add a Spooky Soundtrack

Music sets the tone for any event, and your open house is no exception. Choose background music that complements your theme without being too over-the-top:

• Ambient sounds: Soft wind chimes, eerie yet subtle music, or even gentle whispers of spooky sounds can enhance the atmosphere.
• Low-volume playlists: Play light, spooky-themed classical music or instrumental Halloween tunes (Monster Mash, anyone?). This can provide a festive yet calming ambiance for visitors as they tour the home.

Step 3: Host a Costume Contest

Make your open house stand out even more than it already does by hosting a costume contest. Encourage guests to come in costume, and offer a fun prize for the best-dressed visitor:

• Prizes: Consider giving away a gift card to a local business, a home décor item, or even a Halloween-themed gift basket to the winner.
• Photo opportunities: Set up a festive Halloween photo backdrop in the yard or entryway and encourage guests to pose. Not only does this make for great memories, but you can also use the photos to promote your open house on social media.

Step 4: Leverage Social Media for a Photo Contest

Speaking of social media, this is where your Halloween-themed open house can shine. Run a social media photo contest:

• Contest entry: Have visitors post a picture of themselves in front of the home with a spooky twist (think costumes or Halloween props). This increases social sharing and boosts visibility for your listing.
• Engagement: Use a hashtag like #SpookyOpenHouse to encourage engagement and track entries. The more people participate, the more attention your listing gets!

Step 5: Share Behind-the-Scenes on Social Media

Create anticipation for your event by sharing teaser content in the days leading up to your open house. Post behind-the-scenes photos of the decorations going up, sneak peeks of the Halloween-themed setup, and fun updates to get your followers excited.

• Countdown posts: Post countdowns and reminders of the event. Include fun captions like “3 days until things get spooky at 123 Maple Street!”
• Video snippets: Share short videos on your social media Stories to give followers a taste of what’s to come. Show clips of you prepping the house, arranging pumpkins, or even a light-hearted Halloween blooper reel.

Related reading: 7 Fun Halloween Marketing Strategies for Real Estate Pros

Step 6: Get Creative with Treats

What’s Halloween without treats? Offer visitors something sweet to nibble on as they tour the home:

• Themed snacks: Set up a table with Halloween-themed treats like ghost cookies or candy corn cupcakes. If you want to keep it simple, a classic candy bowl at the entrance or exit works wonders too.
• Branded treats: Go the extra mile by branding your snacks. Create labels for small treat bags with your logo and contact information, or include a fridge magnet as part of the goodie bag. It’s a tasty and memorable way to keep your name top of mind!

Ready to Cast Your Real Estate Spell?

With Halloween as your backdrop, you have a perfect opportunity to create a memorable experience that enhances your listing’s visibility and engages potential buyers in a fun, festive, and extraordinary way. And guess what? We’ve got all the tools and resources you need to make your Halloween-themed open house a “howling” success! Head over to the POWER AGENT® classroom for a treasure trove of open house resources that will help you pull off this spooky spectacular with ease. Not sure where to look? Make the Search bar your best friend, and use it to help you find all the best Halloween-themed resources!

Let’s make this October one to remember—and make sure your listing isn’t just seen but celebrated!

Related reading: How to Bring Your Community Farm Together for a GREAT Reason

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