Preparing Your Home For an Open House: Tips From the Pros

Are you putting your home on the market soon? Whether you’re selling a home in San Francisco or a condo in Austin, every homeowner should prepare their home for open houses and personal tours. This Redfin real estate guide will help you understand what actually makes a successful open house and what homeowners can do to make their property shine to potential homebuyers. 

Here’s how to prepare your home for a successful open house.

1. Declutter and depersonalize every room

Buyers want to picture themselves living in your home. Too many personal items or crowded spaces can make that difficult. 

Pierre Galant, photographer, warns: “Too much clutter on countertops can hurt your home’s presentation, even if it’s staged. Less is more. Remove everything and add back one curated item at a time. Hire a professional cleaner to deep clean the home and wash the windows. Invest in professional staging as well. Staging is about depersonalizing the space and maximizing how it is used.”

Before your open house:

• Remove excess furniture to create better flow
• Clear countertops and shelves
• Pack away personal photos and memorabilia
• Organize closets and storage areas

A clean, simplified space feels larger and more inviting. 

2. Make simple updates 

“We always say ‘paint is cash in a can’ because it can completely transform a space, but only when you choose the right color.” Andress Eichstadt, CEO of Staging Studio, says. “That’s why it’s worth hiring a professional color consultant to help you get it right. Switching out light fixtures is another easy way to update your space, especially if you replace dated or builder-grade pieces with simple, modern options that brighten the room and make the space feel more current.” 

Focus on updates that feel fresh and neutral, such as:

• Repainting walls in a light, neutral color
• Swapping old cabinet hardware
• Updating faucets or showerheads

These minor improvements can modernize a space without a full renovation. Even simple cosmetic fixes help buyers see the home as move-in ready rather than a project.

3. Deep clean from top to bottom

A spotless home signals that it has been well-maintained. Pay close attention to:

• Baseboards and trim
• Windows and mirrors
• Kitchen appliances
• Bathroom grout and fixtures
• Carpets and flooring

If needed, consider hiring professional cleaners. Even small details like smudged glass or dusty vents can distract buyers.

4. Complete minor repairs

Small maintenance issues can raise red flags during an open house. Take care of:

• Leaky faucets
• Squeaky doors
• Loose cabinet handles
• Scuffed walls
• Burned-out lightbulbs

These quick fixes can prevent buyers from questioning how well the home has been maintained.

5. Improve curb appeal

First impressions begin before buyers step inside.

Add value to your home with outdoor upgrades such as:

• Mowing the lawn and trimming hedges
• Power washing walkways and siding
• Adding fresh mulch or seasonal plants
• Cleaning the front door and updating hardware if needed

A tidy exterior sets the tone for the rest of the showing.

6. Stage for space and function

“The layout of a home is just as important as the color choices and decorations,” says Flavia of Upstaging Seattle. “Furniture placement should be intentional so buyers can move easily through each room, open doors and drawers without obstruction, and fully experience the space. Create clear, functional layouts and make sure each area has a defined purpose.” 

Staging helps buyers understand how each room can be used.

• Arrange furniture to highlight square footage
• Define multipurpose areas clearly (home office, guest room, etc.)
• Add neutral decor to create warmth without overwhelming the space

Neutral color schemes and minimal decor often appeal to the widest range of buyers.

7. Maximize natural light

Bright spaces feel larger and more welcoming.

Before the open house:

• Open curtains and blinds
• Turn on all interior lights
• Replace dim or mismatched bulbs
• Clean windows thoroughly

If natural light is limited, use layered lighting with lamps and overhead fixtures.

8. Create a comfortable atmosphere

Subtle details can influence how buyers feel in your home.

• Set a comfortable indoor temperature
• Use light, neutral scents (avoid overpowering fragrances)
• Play soft background music if appropriate

The goal is to create a space that feels fresh and inviting, not staged or artificial.

9. Secure valuables and sensitive items

Open houses invite multiple visitors at once. Protect yourself by:

• Removing jewelry and small electronics
• Locking away important documents
• Storing prescription medications securely

Your real estate agent can also guide you on additional safety precautions.

10. Highlight key features

Make sure buyers notice what makes your home stand out.

If you’ve recently:

• Updated the roof
• Replaced HVAC systems
• Renovated the kitchen or bathrooms
• Added energy-efficient upgrades

Provide documentation or a feature sheet outlining these home improvements.

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