How to Prepare for Your Open House: 23 Simple Steps to Success

Now that we’ve covered the big picture, let’s go through your open house preparations task by task.

1 month before

1. Quick gut check: Is this open house worth it?

Before you dive headfirst into prepping for an open house — cleaning supplies in one hand and trash bags in the other — pause for a quick reality check. Is an open house truly necessary, or could you achieve the same results with scheduled showings?

According to the 2024 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), only 3% of all homebuyers cited visiting open houses as their first step in the home-buying process. But even so, 50% of all homebuyers used open houses as an information source during their home search, 5% found their agent at an open house, and 4% found the home they purchased with an open house sign.

But while open houses can generate visibility and potentially capture leads, they rarely directly lead to a sale. This trend is more pronounced in slower markets or areas without unique property features, like high-demand neighborhoods or distinctive views.

However, in hot markets or for homes with exceptional appeal, open houses can attract motivated buyers, particularly if they are part of a broader marketing strategy. The decision largely depends on market conditions, property characteristics, and promotional efforts to draw the right audience. For some sellers, private showings may be a more targeted and effective approach than open houses.

2. Pack, sort, and purge

Depending on your home’s size, you can spread out the decluttering process over a few months before listing. However, experts consulted by HomeLight recommend starting at least a month in advance. You don’t want to be deciding what to do with your aunt’s silverware or that bike with the broken chain while racing against the clock.

A few tricks to tackle this daunting task:

• Make a circle: Move in concentric circles from the least used areas of the house (garage, basement, attic) to the most used (bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen). People stash most of their junk in the outer realms of the house, so you’ll feel like you knocked out a bigger chunk of the project faster if you start there. It’s good motivation!
• Think small: Focus on a single box, drawer, or surface at a time, giving yourself space to thoughtfully consider each item’s value. Tackling too much at once can leave you overwhelmed and back on the couch, lost in a Netflix binge.
• Set a timer: Give yourself short, focused decluttering sessions — 20 or 30 minutes at a time. This approach keeps you from burning out and makes the task feel more manageable. Small, consistent efforts add up quickly!
• Create a “maybe” box: If you’re unsure about an item, place it in a box labeled “maybe.” Store it out of sight, and if you don’t miss it after a set period (like a month), it’s probably time to let it go. This method reduces decision fatigue and prevents you from second-guessing.

How do you know when you’re done? Julie Dana, an interior decorator and owner of The Home Stylist in Buffalo, New York, suggests aiming to remove about half of your belongings to create a more spacious and inviting feel.

This doesn’t mean you need to part with 50% of everything you own. Consider renting a storage unit to temporarily store excess items. If you want to save money, neatly stack boxes destined for your new home in the garage. This keeps your living space open and appealing without permanent sacrifices.

3. Freshen up paint where needed, inside and out

If you’ve lived in your house for any length of time, chances are, you’ll need to paint something before you sell your house, whether it’s the front door, exterior trim, an out-of-date bathroom, kitchen cabinets, or a bedroom.

You don’t have to repaint the house completely, but Dana recommends a light neutral paint color in the bedrooms, especially if you have children. These rooms should be “as gender-neutral and age-neutral as possible,” she says.

In the digital space, website features were considered important, with 41 percent of buyers finding photos to be very useful, 39 percent valuing detailed property information, and 31 percent appreciating floor plans. But home buyers also need a clean canvas to imagine themselves in a space.

“If you’re a buyer who has boys, it’s harder to imagine their family there if a bedroom is all frilly,” Dana says.

4. Evaluate your furniture with a fresh eye

Is your furniture too large for your space or overly ornate for your home’s traditional architecture? Mismatched furniture can create visual dissonance, which may leave a negative impression on open house visitors. Consider consulting your agent or a professional stager to get an expert opinion on how to best showcase your home.

“I had one home that was a million-dollar home, but they had very small teak furniture. I love teak furniture, but it wasn’t an appropriate size for the home itself,” Rodgers-Rickert says. She ended up staging the master bedroom and the living room.

2 to 3 weeks before

5. Best days and times for your open house

• If you’re planning an open house, timing is everything. Weekends are the go-to for most people, especially Saturday or Sunday afternoons (think 1 to 3 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m.). Since people are generally off work, it gives them the perfect opportunity to check out your place. More foot traffic means more buzz and a sense of urgency, which can lead to faster offers.
• But if you want to target serious buyers, consider hosting a weekday open house. With less competition for attention, you’ll get more personal time with potential buyers who are already in the market. It’s a great way to stand out from the weekend crowd.
• As for the time of day, afternoons are ideal, especially 3 to 5 p.m. during the summer, when buyers can enjoy your outdoor space. Just keep in mind that in winter, daylight is shorter, so earlier afternoon times work better.

6. Market the house online

Let your agent take the lead here. They’ll handle posting your open house on the local multiple listing service (MLS), Facebook, and top sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor. But don’t be shy — share it on your personal social media too! The more eyes on it, the better the turnout.

7. Send invites and promote locally

Your agent will handle sending official invites to their broker network, but you can take it a step further. Use tools like Canva to design eye-catching flyers and post them in your community — think coffee shops, gyms, or local offices. Just make sure your flyers include key details: great photos, the open house date and time, your home’s address, the asking price, and your agent’s contact info. The more visibility, the better!

8. Prepare your open house signage

Make sure your open house signs are easy to spot and guide attendees right to your door while also drawing in passersby. Plan ahead so you and your agent can order signs online or pick up materials from their shop or office. The right signs can help get more eyes on your property and make it easier for people to find your event.

1 week before

9. Do a depersonalization sweep

Make sure your home feels inviting but neutral by removing family photos, monogrammed items, and personal knickknacks. Buyers tend to get distracted by these, and you want them focused on the house, not your life. As one expert put it, people naturally wonder about the current owners, and those judgments can unfairly influence their view of the home. Keep it simple, stylish, and neutral so buyers can easily picture themselves living there.

10. Protect valuables and items not included in the sale

Pack away any heirlooms or items with sentimental or monetary value before the open house. If there’s something like a chandelier you plan to take with you, swap it out now — buyers might fall in love with it, leading to disappointment later. Rodgers-Rickert recommends storing valuable items yourself rather than handing them over to movers, as things often get lost or misplaced during the moving process. Better safe than sorry!

11. Deep clean and stay organized
You saw this coming, but here are a few often-overlooked spots to tackle:

• Clean around your front door and inside light fixtures, ensuring there are no dead bugs or cobwebs.
• Wipe down window sills and clean at least the first-floor windows. Remove screens and window coverings to brighten the space.
• Don’t forget the baseboards and air vents — they collect more dust than you think.
• Refresh caulk around sinks and bathtubs, and swap the shower curtain for a light, neutral one.
• Launder and fluff your bedding, and go for a simple, solid look. As Dana points out, “A lot of times, patterned bedding looks busy. Nine times out of 10, I can flip that cover over to a solid side.”
• Give your appliances some love: Clean inside the oven, microwave, and fridge. Buyers often peek inside!
• Declutter kitchen and bathroom counters — less is more.
• Vacuum and spot-clean carpets, and consider getting them professionally cleaned if needed.
• Tidy up closets and storage spaces; buyers will open them, and an organized space suggests ample storage.
• Freshen up with subtle scents. Avoid heavy air fresheners, but a clean, neutral aroma (like citrus or vanilla) can leave a positive impression.

Keep an action plan in place to maintain this tidy vibe until showtime! Daily life can undo all your hard work, so create a simple maintenance plan. Designate one area for kids to play or use rolling bins and bags to quickly stash toys, toiletries, and clutter. Stick to using one bathroom to keep the others spotless. Quick hacks like covering the vanity with a towel during makeup routines or using a beard bib for shaving can also save cleanup time.

12. Don’t forget the yard

Curb appeal is your home’s first impression, and it matters — a lot. According to the NAR, 92% of real estate agents advise improving curb appeal before sellers list their homes for sale, while 97% believe curb appeal is essential for attracting buyers

Curb appeal makes a powerful first impression—it’s not just important; it’s critical. The NAR says 92% of agents recommend enhancing curb appeal before listing, and 97% emphasize its role in attracting buyers.

Here’s how to improve your yard’s curb appeal:

• Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and pull weeds: Keep the lawn neat and tidy to create a welcoming first impression.
• Add seasonal flowers for color: Bright flowers add vibrancy and warmth to your home’s exterior.
• Pressure-wash the exterior: Renting a pressure washer from The Home Depot costs about $50. Use a 40-degree or low-pressure nozzle and stay at least six inches from surfaces, especially wood or stucco, to avoid damage.
• Enhance your front entrance: A fresh coat of paint on your front door, using a bold color like deep blue or a sophisticated red, adds a touch of charm. Upgrading hardware like doorknobs or house numbers can modernize the look.
• Install outdoor lighting: Solar-powered path lights or well-placed spotlights can add a touch of elegance and highlight your property’s best features, especially for evening showings.
• Declutter the yard: Remove unnecessary items like old furniture, toys, or garden tools. A neat, organized yard makes your property appear well-maintained and ready for move-in.

These simple steps can help your home make a lasting impression and stand out to potential buyers.

1 day before

13. Vacuum, mop, and dust

Vacuuming, mopping, and dusting are essential steps in ensuring your home is spotless and ready for buyers. Even if you’ve already cleaned, giving your space one final pass with these tools can make a big difference. Here’s why each step matters:

• Vacuuming: A quick pass with a vacuum ensures that dust, pet hair, and dirt are picked up from high-traffic areas, which is especially important for homes with carpeting. Pay attention to edges and corners, as these often accumulate dust and debris. Don’t forget about upholstered furniture, as it can collect dust, lint, and pet hair, too. According to the NAR, clean flooring — whether carpet, hardwood, or tile — is one of the key features buyers notice. A quick vacuum also helps ensure any unexpected crumbs or debris are picked up before showings.
• Mopping: After vacuuming, mopping can help remove stains and sticky residue on floors, leaving them looking pristine. Use a product suited to your flooring type, whether hardwood, tile, or vinyl, and make sure the floor dries quickly to avoid any slipperiness. Mopping also gives your home that fresh, clean scent that buyers associate with well-maintained spaces.
• Dusting: Even if the furniture looks clean, dust can settle on surfaces like shelves, baseboards, and light fixtures. Dusting these areas, as well as any blinds or window sills, can make a significant difference in how well-maintained the space appears. A clean, dust-free environment shows buyers that the home has been cared for and is move-in ready.

14. Sniff around

When preparing your home for an open house or showing, it’s so important to be mindful of any potential odors that could turn off prospective buyers. Common culprits like food, smoke, and pet odors can be particularly off-putting for potential buyers. “The minute they walk in and they smell something they don’t like, they’re gone,” Rodgers-Rickert says.

• Food odors: Cooking smells, especially strong ones like garlic or fish, can linger and impact a buyer’s experience. Consider cooking in advance, airing out the home, or using air fresheners or neutralizing sprays to eliminate lingering odors. Freshly baked cookies or light scents can create a welcoming atmosphere, but avoid overwhelming smells.
• Smoke: Even if you don’t smoke indoors, residual odors from smoking can be pervasive. Smoky smells tend to cling to fabrics, carpets, and walls. If your home has this issue, cleaning carpets, using air purifiers, and deep cleaning can help minimize the scent. Sometimes repainting or replacing curtains might be necessary to fully neutralize the odor.
• Pets: While pets can be lovable companions, their scent can be a deal-breaker for buyers. Pet odors can cling to furniture, carpets, and even walls. Consider having your home professionally cleaned, vacuuming frequently, and using air fresheners. Additionally, temporarily removing pets during showings or open houses is a good idea, as it allows potential buyers to feel more comfortable and focused on the space itself, not the presence of animals.

Eliminating these odors ensures that your home remains neutral, which allows buyers to envision themselves living there without distractions. Simple measures like airing out the home before showings or using odor-neutralizing products can go a long way in creating a fresh, welcoming environment.

A few hours before

15. Let fresh air in to create an inviting atmosphere

If the weather’s right, open your windows to let fresh air flow through. This helps eliminate stale odors and makes your space feel brighter and more inviting, leaving a positive impression on potential buyers. Just be sure to keep an eye on the weather to avoid any disruptions.

16. Illuminate your home for a warm, inviting feel

Lighting can make a huge difference in how your home is perceived. Turn on all the lights — inside and outside — before showings to create a welcoming, warm atmosphere. Buyers are drawn to bright, well-lit spaces, as they often feel more open and inviting. This simple step adds curb appeal and ensures that your home looks its best from the street. Consider using lamps, accent lights, and even outdoor lighting to highlight key features of your home, making it feel cozy and appealing.

17. Create a subtle, inviting scent in your home

Avoid overpowering or cliché aromas like freshly baked cookies. Instead, aim for natural, neutral, or cozy scents that appeal to a broad range of buyers. Simmering citrus slices or apple spice on the stove provides a refreshing or comforting aroma without being overwhelming. Alternatively, light candles with soft fragrances such as vanilla or lavender. Essential oil diffusers with scents like eucalyptus or fresh linen can also create a clean, calming atmosphere. Just remember to keep it subtle — buyers should faintly detect a pleasant scent, not be hit in the face with a strong fragrance.

18. Secure your personal information

Beyond depersonalizing your home, make sure to remove any bills, paperwork, or documents containing personal details. This not only protects your privacy but also prevents potential buyers from snooping into sensitive information. Keep these items out of sight by storing them in a locked drawer or box. It creates a more professional, clutter-free environment that lets buyers focus on the home — not your personal life.

19. Plan for pets during showings

Ensure your pets are safely out of the way to create a calm, distraction-free environment for potential buyers. “When you have buyers coming into the house, you want to minimize distractions as much as possible so they can focus on the home,” says top Albuquerque, New Mexico, real estate agent Pete Veres. “That way they don’t have to worry about a dog barking,”

If possible, arrange for dogs or cats to stay with a friend or at a boarding service for the afternoon. For smaller, quiet pets like fish or turtles, keeping them in their usual spot is fine. Alternatively, you can place pets in a carrier in a secure, quiet area like the garage. This prevents issues like barking or unexpected interactions and allows buyers to focus on your home without distractions. Creating a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors helps leave a positive impression.

20. Keep trash cans out of sight

Stash kitchen and bathroom trash cans in a closet or under-sink cabinet to maintain a clean, uncluttered look. Visible bins can make buyers question storage space or cleanliness, which can detract from your home’s appeal. “People think you must have an issue with storage if you have to have things out,” Dana says. Additionally, ensure all trash is emptied before showings to eliminate unwanted odors. This simple step helps keep the focus on your home’s best features and creates a polished, inviting atmosphere.

21. Tidy up everyday clutter

Keep bathroom essentials like toothbrushes and toiletries out of sight for a cleaner, more organized appearance. Store these items in decorative baskets or containers under the sink for quick and easy access. Not only does this hide personal items, but it also helps maintain the illusion of ample storage space and keeps surfaces looking pristine. Buyers are more likely to focus on the room’s potential rather than everyday messes, creating a more inviting atmosphere.

22. Do a final doorway check

Stand at the entrance of each room and take a quick scan for anything that feels out of place. This perspective often highlights details you might miss up close, like a crooked picture frame, a misplaced item, or clutter peeking out from under a table. Adjust accordingly, and move on to the next space. This simple habit ensures each room is picture-perfect, helping potential buyers see your home at its best.

23. Strategically place your signs

Put several signs outside the house and at key intersections near high-traffic areas to maximize visibility. Think beyond the immediate block — posting at nearby crossroads or popular local spots can draw more attention. Make sure signs are clear, professional, and easy to read from a distance. The more potential buyers see your signs, the higher your chances of getting strong foot traffic.

Buh-bye, now!

Lastly, go out for errands or some fun for a few hours while the open house is underway. Sellers don’t usually hang around during an open house so that buyers can visualize the place as their own. Plus, after your hard work, you’ve earned the right to take your mind off this for a bit.

Trust your agent to tell you how it all pans out. They’ve been through this lots of times and understand your stress. “Know that you’ve got a good working relationship and trusting relationship with the person you’re choosing to work with,” Rodgers-Rickert says.

Header Image Source: (Paul Brennan/ Pixabay)