What to Do Before Your First Open House

Hosting your first open house is an exciting milestone—it means your home is officially on the market and ready to shine! But first impressions matter, and a successful open house starts with smart preparation.

Here’s exactly what to do before your first open house to attract buyers, make your home stand out, and increase your chances of getting strong offers.

1. Deep Clean Every Room (Yes, Every Room)

This isn’t just surface-level tidying—your home should be immaculate. Buyers will be opening closets, looking under sinks, and inspecting corners.

Focus on:

• Floors and baseboards

• Kitchen counters and appliances

• Bathrooms (especially mirrors, tubs, and grout)

• Windows and sliding doors

• Light switches and door handles

Tip: Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to make everything sparkle.

2. Declutter and Depersonalize

You want buyers to envision themselves living in your home—not feel like they’re walking through yours.

Remove:

• Family photos

• Fridge magnets

• Excess furniture

• Pet items

• Personal collections or religious decor

Pack these items away early—it’ll make moving easier later!

3. Stage Your Space for Maximum Appeal

You don’t need to hire a full staging company, but strategic styling goes a long way.

🪄 Try this:

• Add neutral throw pillows and blankets

• Set the dining table simply

• Use mirrors to make small rooms feel bigger

• Let in natural light by opening curtains and blinds

Goal: Clean, bright, open, and welcoming.

4. Take Care of Minor Repairs

Small flaws can distract buyers or make them wonder what else is wrong.

Fix things like:

• Leaky faucets

• Squeaky doors

• Burned-out light bulbs

• Cracked tiles or scuffed walls

• Loose cabinet handles

Don’t give buyers an easy reason to move on to the next house.

5. Boost Your Curb Appeal

The outside of your home is the first thing buyers see. Make sure it looks just as inviting as the inside.

Tips:

• Mow the lawn and trim bushes

• Power wash your driveway or walkway

• Add a fresh doormat and potted plants by the entry

• Clean the front door and windows

Bonus: These steps will also improve your listing photos!

6. Set the Mood

On the day of the open house:

• Light scented candles (but nothing too strong)

• Play soft background music

• Adjust lighting for a warm, cozy feel

• Bake cookies or provide bottled water and light snacks

The goal is to create an environment where buyers want to linger—and picture themselves living there.

7. Make Yourself (and Your Pets) Scarce

Buyers need space to explore, talk openly, and picture the home as their own.

Take pets with you (or arrange for them to be elsewhere), and leave the showing to your agent. They know how to guide visitors and answer questions professionally.

Final Thoughts

Your first open house is a big step toward selling your home, so make it count! With a little preparation, your home will shine, stand out, and leave a lasting impression on every buyer who walks through the door.

Ready to get your home market-ready? I’m here to guide you every step of the way—from prep to closing day.