Open House Tips for Sellers: How to Make the Best First Impression

 


You only get one chance to make a great first impression—and in real estate, your open house can make or break the sale. Buyers take just minutes to form an opinion. That means your home needs to look, feel, and smell irresistible from the moment they walk in.

In this guide, you'll discover the top 15+ expert-backed tips to host a successful open house, draw in serious buyers, and maximize your home’s value.

🧼 1. Deep Clean Everything (Yes, Everything)

Start with a full top-to-bottom cleaning—not just a quick vacuum.

  • Clean baseboards, ceiling fans, blinds, and light switches

  • Scrub grout in kitchens and bathrooms

  • Wipe down windows and mirrors until they sparkle

🧽 Pro Tip: Hire a professional cleaning crew. A deep clean costs around $150–$300 and adds perceived value instantly.

🪞 2. Declutter and Depersonalize

Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your space—not feel like they’re visiting yours.

  • Remove personal photos, trophies, and fridge magnets

  • Pack away seasonal decorations and excess furniture

  • Clear out closets and cabinets to show off storage space

📦 Stat: 93% of agents say decluttering makes homes sell faster. (Source: NAR)

🎨 3. Refresh With Neutral Paint

Neutral colors like soft gray, beige, or white help buyers visualize their own decor.

  • Avoid bold or bright colors that can turn people off

  • A fresh coat of paint also helps eliminate odors and scuffs

🎯 Pro Tip: Focus on repainting main living areas and kitchens first.

💡 4. Maximize Natural Light

Open all blinds and curtains to let in sunlight.

  • Replace heavy drapes with sheer panels

  • Clean windows to remove dust and smudges

  • Turn on all lights before the open house—even during the day

☀️ Highlight: Bright spaces feel bigger, cleaner, and more inviting.

🛋️ 5. Stage Every Room With a Purpose

Buyers want to understand how they’ll use each space.

  • Create cozy reading nooks, home offices, or nursery setups

  • Set the dining table to suggest entertaining space

  • Use throw pillows and area rugs to add warmth

🛏️ Stat: 82% of buyers find it easier to visualize a staged home as their own.

🧴 6. Remove Odors and Add Pleasant Scents

No one wants to walk into a home that smells like last night’s dinner—or your pets.

  • Empty trash cans and clean litter boxes

  • Use neutral air fresheners or essential oil diffusers

  • Bake cookies or simmer cinnamon on the stove for a cozy touch

👃 Pro Tip: Avoid strong perfumes or chemical scents. Fresh and subtle works best.

🪴 7. Add Fresh Flowers or Greenery

Place flowers or plants in key areas to make the space feel lively and cared for.

  • Kitchen counter

  • Dining room table

  • Living room coffee table

  • Entryway console

🌸 Highlight: Live plants create a welcoming atmosphere and add color without clutter.

🚗 8. Don’t Park in the Driveway

Leave the driveway and front of the house clear for guests.

  • Park your own vehicles down the street or in a neighbor’s driveway

  • This makes your home appear more spacious and accessible

🅿️ Pro Tip: Clear out the garage too—buyers will peek inside.

🐶 9. Remove Pets and Their Accessories

Not every buyer is a pet lover, and animals can be a distraction.

  • Relocate pets during the open house

  • Hide food bowls, crates, litter boxes, and toys

  • Remove pet hair from furniture and carpets

🐕 Stat: Buyers are 31% less likely to make an offer on a home that smells like animals.

📋 10. Create a Property Info Sheet

Provide a simple handout with details like:

  • Square footage, lot size, year built

  • Number of bedrooms/bathrooms

  • School district

  • List of recent upgrades or renovations

📄 Pro Tip: Include your contact info and your agent’s, so interested buyers can follow up quickly.

🖼️ 11. Showcase Your Home’s Best Features

Highlight what makes your property stand out:

  • Fireplace? Light it.

  • Pool? Make sure it’s sparkling.

  • Backyard patio? Set up some chairs and string lights.

🌟 Highlight: Focus attention on the features that boost your home’s value the most.

🚿 12. Make the Bathrooms Feel Like a Spa

Stage your bathroom like a luxury hotel:

  • White towels neatly folded

  • Fresh soap bars or scented candles

  • Clutter-free counters

🛁 Pro Tip: A clean, elegant bathroom instantly adds value in buyers' eyes.

🎥 13. Offer a Virtual Open House

Not all buyers can attend in person. Ask your agent to:

  • Host a Facebook Live walk-through

  • Record a video tour for email or YouTube

  • Offer a Zoom Q&A session after the showing

📱 Stat: Virtual tours boost listing views by up to 87%.

🤝 14. Work With Your Agent on Timing and Marketing

Choose the right time and day:

  • Weekends between 11 AM and 3 PM usually perform best

  • Avoid holidays or major events that pull people away

Promote the open house online, through signs, and on listing platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and the MLS.

📣 Pro Tip: Post your open house in neighborhood Facebook groups and community boards.

📦 15. Be Gone During the Open House

Let your agent take the lead—and stay out of the way.

  • Buyers are more comfortable asking questions when you’re not around

  • It keeps the process professional and pressure-free

🧠 Highlight: Trust your agent—they know how to highlight your home’s strengths and handle objections.

🧹 Bonus Checklist: One Day Before the Open House

Here’s a quick checklist to run through 24 hours before buyers arrive:

✅ Mow the lawn and trim hedges
✅ Hide valuables and medications
✅ Do a final sweep of countertops and mirrors
✅ Wipe down stainless steel appliances
✅ Put out fresh towels and air fresheners
✅ Leave the lights on and soft music playing

🏁 Final Thoughts: First Impressions Sell Homes

An open house isn’t just about showing a home—it’s about selling a lifestyle. With the right staging, marketing, and atmosphere, you can attract more offers, faster sales, and higher returns.

Are You Ready to Host a Perfect Open House?

Have questions or need help creating your open house checklist? Let me know—I’ll create one customized for your home and market!

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