Does Direct Mail Drive Open House Visits for Real Estate Agents?
Open houses are one of the most powerful ways for real estate agents to connect with potential buyers and create buzz around a property.
But here’s the challenge: how do you get people to show up?
Sure, social media and digital marketing play a role—but direct mail remains a game-changer when it comes to driving foot traffic to open houses. Why? Well, we will break it down further below, but simply put – direct mail cuts through the noise of the digital world and creates a personal, tangible connection that gets noticed.
In this blog, we’ll explore why direct mail works so well for open houses, what to include on your open house postcard, and how you can easily create your own using our FREE open house postcard template (because why make it harder than it needs to be?)
Why Direct Mail Boosts Open House Visits
Direct mail has a unique advantage over digital ads and social media posts when it comes to promoting open houses. Here’s why:
- Direct mail is targeted – With options like Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM®), you can zero in on the neighborhoods, zip codes, or entire communities where the most qualified buyers live. Tools like Mapfire make it easy to pinpoint these areas using precise demographic and geographic filters. That means your open house invitation isn’t just going out—it’s landing in the hands of the people most likely to show up.
- Trustworthy – Direct mail is viewed as more credible than digital ads. In fact, 76% of consumers say they trust direct mail when making purchasing decisions. That trust translates into action—especially when it comes to an open house invitation.
- Stands Out – Digital ads can disappear with a swipe, but a postcard in the mailbox demands attention. In fact, people spend 108% more time reading direct mail compared to digital ads.
- Tangible and memorable – A well-designed postcard isn’t just seen—it’s held, saved, and remembered. In fact, 36% of recipients save direct mail in a specific spot for future reference, serving as a physical reminder of your open house, increasing the chances that recipients will mark their calendars or show up.
- Easy to act on – A clear, bold call to action like “Join us on Saturday at 1 PM” or a QR code linking to your website makes it easy for recipients to take the next step—whether that’s RSVPing, setting a reminder, or reaching out for more details.
- Works well with digital channels – Direct mail and digital work even better together. Including a QR code or website link on your postcard can drive traffic to your website or social media pages, boosting engagement and reinforcing your message across multiple touchpoints.
What Every Open House Postcard Should Include
A successful open house postcard needs to be eye-catching and informative. Here’s what to include to maximize impact:
- Eye-Catching Headline – Keep it simple and direct, such as "Open House This Saturday!" or "Your Dream Home Awaits."
- High-Quality Image – A picture of the property should be the focal point of the postcard. Use professional, high-resolution photos to make the home look its best.
- Date, Time, and Location – Make sure this information is clear and easy to read. Include driving directions if necessary.
- Property Highlights – Include key selling points such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, special features (like a pool or remodeled kitchen), and any standout details.
- QR Code or Short Link – Allow recipients to easily get more information or schedule a tour by scanning a QR code or visiting a website.
- Contact Information – Make it easy for potential buyers to reach you. Include your phone number, email, and even social media handles.
- Clear Call to Action (CTA) – Encourage recipients to attend the open house: "Stop by this Saturday from 1–4 PM – You don’t want to miss it!"
FREE Open House Postcard Template
Want to create a professional-looking open house postcard in minutes? We’ve got you covered – check out this one below.
This open house postcard template follows several best practices that drive engagement and attendance:
- Property Photo – The front of the postcard features a high-quality image of the property, immediately grabbing attention and creating interest.
- Clear and Bold Headline – "OPEN HOUSE" is displayed prominently, ensuring the purpose of the postcard is instantly clear.
- Key Details at a Glance – The date, time, property size, and location are clearly listed, making it easy for recipients to get the essential information quickly.
- Compelling Call to Action – The back side directly invites potential buyers to the open house with "You’re invited to our open house!" in bold, encouraging action.
- Professional Branding and Contact Info – The inclusion of a logo, email, website, and phone number ensures recipients can easily follow up or reach out with questions.
This template is designed to be both visually appealing and functional — increasing the likelihood that recipients will take action and attend the open house.
Our FREE open house postcard template is:
✔️ Fully customizable – Add your photos, text, and branding.
✔️ USPS-compliant – Ensures smooth delivery through Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM).
✔️ Guaranteed to print with optimal results – Designed for high-quality print resolution and professional appearance.
View all of our real estate postcards here!
Take Aways
Direct mail isn’t just effective—it’s a game-changer when it comes to driving open house attendance. A well-designed postcard, delivered to the right audience, puts your open house on the map—literally. It grabs attention, builds trust, and gets buyers through the door.
Start designing your postcard today using our easy-to-use platform. Just a few clicks, and you’ll have a professionally designed mailer headed straight to the mailboxes of qualified buyers. More eyes on your listing = more offers on the table.
Let’s make this open house your best one yet!