7 tips to get your home ready for an open house
Published on January 23, 2025
Before a buyer is ready to sign on the dotted line, you have to paint a picture to show them how your house represents a smart investment that’s perfectly suited to their specific needs. To encourage potential buyers to make an offer to purchase, you have to pull out all the stops to entice them during an open house and make them feel right at home.
Putting your house on the market? First impressions are important and a good one might give potential buyers the positive push they need to make you an offer to purchase. Review the following useful tips about how to set the right scene to make sure you’re ready to host an open house.
Stick with this principle: a clean, orderly home in good condition inspires confidence. Potential buyers need to walk in and feel a connection, envision how it can become their own safe haven. They have to feel comfortably at ease and relaxed during their visit. That’s just one common tip shared by DuProprio real estate coaches!
Overview:
- 1. Prepare and clean inside the property
- 2. Reduce the noise
- 3. Take care of things outside
- 4. Remove distractions
- 5. Add some light
- 6. Make some minor repairs
- 7. Have detailed answers ready
- FAQ
1. Prepare and clean inside the property
First off, tidy up and fix anything that could leave a negative impression. People will notice that your property has been well maintained and view it with more interest instead of immediately heading out the door to the next open house. Make sure everything is in order both inside and out.
3 tips to prepare your home before selling
It would be a wise choice to hire a home staging service. People walking through the house will undoubtedly open closets and kitchen cupboards to check the available space. Let the experts help you develop a plan for each room to carefully arrange your things in suitable positions in various parts of the house.
Kitchen
Impossible for many to overlook the residential value of this room, the undisputed heart of the home, as they’re looking for it to be functional and also welcoming. You could take the time to add decorative details but it’s more important to make sure the space is clutter-free. Leave nothing out on islands or counters.
Checklist
- Store utensils, spice jars and small appliances away (space permitting).
- Clean countertops, sinks and cupboard doors.
- Wash large appliances with a microfibre cloth.
- Dust shelves, nooks and crannies.
- Wipe down electrical outlets and light switches.
Living room
Nowhere are first impressions more important than in the living room as it’s a key gathering place often located near the main entrance. Let’s face it. Your style will never please everybody. Just remember that less is more so leaving your home more generic will increase its appeal during an open house. That will make it easier for people to imagine their own version of the space.
Checklist
- Store drawings, toys, magazines, family photos, etc., away.
- Clean all surfaces.
- Arrange furniture to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
- Repair minor defects, like cracks or holes in walls.
- Incorporate subtle decorative touches (carpets, vases, cushions, etc.).
Bedrooms
Getting the layout right in the bedroom is an important detail not to overlook. A well organized, streamlined room will appear larger.
Checklist
- Make beds.
- Put clothes and personal effects away.
- Clean curtains and blinds.
- Dust lamps, vases and frames.
Bathroom
It cannot be overstated how perceptions of this room have a deciding influence on one’s overall impression of a home. People spend a lot of time in the bathroom, whether getting ready in the morning or unwinding after a long day. It simply has to instill comfort and well-being.
Checklist
- Polish mirrors and faucets.
- Declutter countertops and store products away.
- Look for peeling paint and apply a new coat if needed.
- Inspect tile joints.
- Replace hand towels.
- Add a pretty plant for decoration.
2. Reduce the noise
Loud, clunky sounds coming from a room down the hall will kill the vibe you’re going for so have a firm rule during an open house: let peace reign. No starting the washer, dryer or even dishwasher, and turn the tv off! Focus instead on letting soft music waft through the house. Give your visitors a chance to picture themselves living in the space.
3. Take care of things outside
To encourage people to fall in love, the house exterior has to be in decent shape. Increase the chances of visitors leaving with a good impression by ensuring the overall package looks attractive. We recommend checking the condition of your driveway (asphalt or concrete pavers), considering some updated landscaping and throwing a coat of paint on the fence, exterior or furniture, if necessary.
Backyard
Start by cleaning up around the property, picking up debris, dead leaves, weeds that could mar the general look. Take out the trash and store any personal items left lying around like garden tools, bikes and toys.
Pool, hot tub, sauna
Pool water should be clear, clean and free of debris. Strategically position lounge chairs and decorative items (coffee table, flower pots, vases, exterior lamps, etc.).
Have a hot tub or sauna? Make sure everything is in working order. At a bare minimum, wipe down surfaces and disinfect the water.
4. Remove any distractions
If you have young children that require attention or a pet that likes to steal the show, get someone to babysit if possible. It would be unfortunate if a visit is cut short because someone is allergic to your dog or cat. You’d be smart to ask someone to keep any furbabies off site during a visit.
You should also deal with any noticeable odour (tobacco, kitty litter, fryer, etc.). A lingering smell could distract potential buyers causing them to overlook your property’s best features. And air out your home before hosting. You want to put potential buyers at ease as much as you can and give them no reason to raise an eyebrow.
5. Add some light
Make sure your property is well lit to highlight each room’s features, no matter what time of day you host an open house. They’re interested in the details. Brightness is one highly sought criteria so throw open the curtains and turn on the lights.
You could also place candles in strategic areas (on a living room table or kitchen island, for example). Besides adding more light, you’ll create a more intimate atmosphere.
Keep in mind that potential buyers have already pored over the details in your home listing on the DuProprio website. That being said, they likely have questions and are coming to the open house to get some answers.
6. Make some minor repairs
Before deciding to put your home on the market and hosting an open house, it’d be a good idea to resolve certain issues that may turn off potential buyers. Updates and repairs can considerably improve your property’s overall look and you can be confident no minor defect (or nasty surprise) will become a point of negotiation.
The HomeExpress service by RenoAssistance offers an accessible and practical solution to get small jobs done. You’ll quickly find a specialized and verified contractor who is ideal for your situation, whether there’s installation, repair or maintenance work to be carried out (plumbing, electricity, heating and air conditioning). The goal is to simplify the search for specialists, allowing you to save time.
N. B. : If you’re looking to get the best price for your home and sell fast, you should make sure to wrap up any work you’ve already started before hosting aspiring buyers.
7. Have detailed answers ready
Important point to remember: people are looking for a cozy home that will become their own happiness bubble. A friendly welcome is the only way to host an open house as potential buyers are invited to walk through. Give them the space they need to envision the house in their own image.
As the homeowner, you are the person who knows your house the best. You understand what features make it special and bring out its charm, and most certainly have useful information to impart. Consider the kinds of questions you may be asked and be ready to provide answers about work that’s been done, maintenance, recent renos or even the lifespan of important components (heating, roof, windows, etc.).
Share relevant, clear and up-to-date information. Your forthrightness will increase your chance of hosting a successful open house!
FAQ
How should I get ready to host an open house?
Start by cleaning and organizing. Do the housework, store your personal belongings and declutter living spaces to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Consider doing some necessary repairs so a minor defect doesn’t become a sticking point for a buyer. Trust your instincts and remember that your home is your best asset.
What’s the key to a successful open house?
Make sure the property is clean, orderly and maintained, both inside and out, in order to encourage a delightful first impression. You have to create a welcoming atmosphere and allow people to imagine how they would take over the space. Lastly, providing clear answers to potential buyers and sharing key information about the house for sale. Good luck!
Interested in selling your home commission-free? Enlist Duproprio’s help and benefit from its visibility and support services! Watch our short informative video or schedule a call with an advisor.
