Feeling a bit nervous to have strangers walking through your home? Especially since these people are interested in potentially buying your home? It’s completely normal to feel anxious about your upcoming open house. But there are some easy things you can do to get yourself and your home ready for the big day so things go as smoothly and successfully as possible. Here are our top tips:

1. Make sure your realtor is up on their marketing

You can follow all the steps below, but if people don’t know about your open house, it’s a moot point. Be sure that your realtor is marketing the open house through the relevant MLS feed so that other agents know about it and can send their clients. Ask your realtor if they can promote the open house through social media and their email newsletter. Also ask how your realtor will be promoting the open house on the actual day. Are they putting signs around town? Will there be balloons or branded signage on your property? 

2. Create a plan with your realtor

Don’t leave anything to the last minute. Create a plan with your realtor about exactly how the day will go. This should include any walk-throughs ahead of the big day, the marketing plan, what time your realtor will arrive at your house, what times the open house will occur, and what the post-open house plan is (follow-ups, more open houses, etc.)

Another big part of the plan is what materials your realtor will have on hand during the open house. Flyers about your home are an easy way to send interested parties off with something tangible, and many savvy buyers will also be interested in comps. Some real estate agencies, like Coldwell Banker, are now offering digital resources that guests can access via a QR code or email. =

3. Start with curb appeal

If you live in a single-family home, potential buyers’ first impression will be the outside of your house and your front lawn. Consider hiring a professional landscaper, at least for cleanup (depending on the time of year). Also have fun with it. If it’s the fall, line up some cute pumpkins on the steps. If it’s spring, hanging flower baskets brighten things up. 

4. Get rid of clutter

You don’t want your house to look empty, but you also don’t want visitors getting distracted by piles of mail and toys laying around. Put as many of your unnecessary items away as possible, but remember that some items (say, coffee table books in the living room or a bowl of lemons in the kitchen) can add an appropriate amount of lived-in character.

5. Do a deep clean

Once you’ve de-cluttered, it’s time to scrub, sweep, and sanitize. Everything from dust bunnies to foggy mirrors can alter buyers’ perception of your home. A sparkling space helps visitors envision their dream residence. These days, get bonus points by placing hand sanitizers around and letting guests know you’re practicing best hygienic practices. 

6. Do a privacy sweep

Don’t assume that some of your open house guests aren’t just being nosy. That said, it’s important to think about how much of your personal life you’re comfortable with them seeing. Many people remove family photos or items that spell out their children’s names. You can also ask your realtor to make sure that guests know they can’t open any closets/cabinets if that’s your choice. 

You’ll also want to secure any valuables like tech items, jewelry, or cash. If you don’t have a room or a closet that can be locked, purchase a small at-home safe.

7. Consider staging

Staging is an investment, but it could completely make or break your selling potential. If you’re selling an empty home, this is definitely something to consider (remember, empty spaces appear smaller than those with furniture). It’s also an option if your furniture is a bit outdated or worn. Some realtors (like The Jill Biggs Group) offer staging as part of their selling package, and this will usually be more economical than hiring an outside firm.

8. Set the right lighting

Too dark, and guests won’t be able to fully appreciate the space. Too bright, and every little flaw could stand out. Think about what lighting not only presents your space in the best way but also makes guests feel the most comfortable. Assuming your open house is during the day, plan how you want your curtains and blinds. If you get blinding morning light, you probably want to put the shades down. 

9. Engage the five senses

You’ve probably heard that having cookies baking in the oven is a great way to sell a house, and though we can’t guarantee this will seal the deal, it certainly can’t hurt. Anything that feels homey and nostalgic will help guests imagine themselves in the home. Subtle candles or diffusers are also a nice touch, just remember that a lot of people are sensitive to smells, so we don’t recommend anything too strong. 

Aside from the smell of cookies, they also taste great. It’s not uncommon for hosts to offer open house guests something to nibble on. (Your realtor can likely coordinate this for you.) This is also a great way to keep guests around longer and allow your realtor to strike up a conversation with them. 

10. Go out and relax!

Once you’ve gotten your home open house-ready, your job is done! We don’t recommend staying home during the open house, first because it’s stressful for you, and second because you want your expert realtor to lead the day.