Want to put your home on the market soon? Whether you’re selling a house in San Francisco or a condo in Austin, every homeowner should prepare their home for open houses and private tours. This Redfin real estate guide will help you understand what really makes an open house a success and what homeowners can do to make their property shine for potential homebuyers.
Here’s how to prepare your home for a successful open house.
1. Keep all rooms tidy and depersonalized
Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home. Too many personal items or too many crowded spaces can make it difficult.
Photographer Pierre Galant says, “Too much clutter on your countertops, even staged, can ruin the look of your home. Less is more. Remove everything and select carefully selected items one at a time. Add one by one. Hire a professional cleaner to deep clean your home and wash your windows. Staging is all about depersonalizing your space and making the most of it.”
Before Open House:
Remove excess furniture to improve circulation Clear countertops and shelves Clear away personal photos and memorabilia Organize closets and storage areas
A clean, simple space feels larger and more inviting.
2. Perform a simple update
“We always say ‘paint is a can of cash,’ because paint can completely transform a space, but only if you choose the right color,” says Andres Eichstadt, CEO of Staging Studio. “That’s why it’s worth hiring a professional color consultant to help you get the color just right. Replacing your light fixtures is also an easy way to update your space, especially if you’re replacing outdated or builder-grade furniture with simple, modern options that brighten the room and give your space a more up-to-date feel.”
Focus on fresh, neutral updates, such as:
Repaint the walls a light neutral color Replace old cabinet hardware Update faucets and showerheads
These small improvements can modernize your space without a complete renovation. Even simple cosmetic fixes can help buyers see your home as move-in-ready, rather than a project.
3. Thorough cleaning from top to bottom
A spotless home is a sign that it has been well maintained. Please pay close attention to the following points:
Baseboards and Trim Windows and Mirrors Kitchen Appliances Bathroom Grout and Fixtures Carpet and Flooring
If necessary, consider hiring a professional cleaning company. Even small details like dirty glass or dusty vents can distract buyers.
4. Complete minor repairs
During an open house, small maintenance issues can raise red flags. Please note the following:
A leaky faucet, a creaky door, a loose cabinet handle, a scratch on the wall, a burnt out light bulb.
These simple fixes can prevent buyers from questioning how well your home has been maintained.
5. Improved curb appeal
First impressions begin before a buyer even steps foot in the store.
Increase the value of your home with outdoor upgrades such as:
Mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges Power washing the walkways and sides Adding new mulch and seasonal plants Cleaning the front door and updating hardware as needed
A neat look sets the tone for the rest of the show.
6. Space and Functional Stages
“The layout of your home is just as important as your color choices and decor,” says Flavia of Upstaging Seattle. “Furniture placement should be intentional so that buyers can move easily through each room and fully experience the space by opening doors and drawers without obstructions. Create a clear, functional layout and make sure each area has a clear purpose.”
Staging helps buyers understand how each room can be used.
Arrange furniture to emphasize square footage Clearly define multi-purpose areas (home office, guest room, etc.) Add warm, neutral décor without overwhelming the space
Neutral color schemes and minimal decor often appeal to a wide range of buyers.
7. Make the most of natural light
A bright space feels larger and more comfortable.
Before the open house:
Open curtains and blinds Turn on all interior lights Replace dim or mismatched light bulbs Thoroughly clean windows
If natural light is limited, use stacked lighting with lamps or overhead light fixtures.
8. Create a comfortable atmosphere
Subtle details can affect how buyers feel in your home.
Set a comfortable indoor temperature Use light, natural scents (avoid overly strong scents) Play soft background music if desired
The goal is to create a space that feels fresh and inviting, rather than staged or artificial.
9. Keep valuables and confidential items safe
Open houses invite multiple visitors at once. Protect yourself in the following ways.
Remove jewelry and small electronic devices Store important documents Store prescription medications safely
Your real estate agent will also be able to guide you about additional safety precautions.
10. Highlight key features
Make sure buyers notice what makes your home stand out.
If you’ve recently done the following:
Updated the roof Replaced the HVAC system Renovated the kitchen or bathroom Added energy-efficient upgrades
We will provide you with a document or feature sheet that outlines these home improvements.
