9 Things Home Sellers Should Do Before an Open House To Get an Offer 

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Successful open house events are about creating space, literally and figuratively.

To get the offers you’re looking for, you’ll want to help potential buyers visualize themselves living in your home. That means removing signs of yourself, as well as creating more physical space and keeping things clean and inviting. None of that will matter, of course, it you don’t get them to show up.

“Open houses are most successful when they’re presented well online, with professional staging and photography, so buyers are inspired to come see in person,” said Garrett Kaiser, a real estate broker with RE/MAX Northwest’s Seattle-based Tri Star Team.

You’re likely in a “hearts-and-minds” battle with other sellers and their spaces, so why not do everything you can help those visitors see your home as theirs? Before your open house, check out this checklist for battle-tested tips.

Consider Curb Appeal

First impressions are hugely important, and they’ll be made before potential buyers set foot in your home.

Mow the lawn. Trim the hedges. Add some colorful flowers to your yard. Replace that worn-out welcome mat with something new. Consider fun touches like outdoor lighting, if your home will be shown in the evenings. If you can afford it, hire a professional landscaping service to clean things up.

“The homes always do better when they have front yard landscaping, potentially new paint for the front door and general tidying up of the front of the home,” Kaiser said. “Many buyers won’t take the time to park and come in if the home looks tired out front.”

Do a Deep — And We Mean DEEP — Cleaning

Keeping your home spic and span while it is on the market — particularly if you’re still living in it — can be difficult. It is worth the effort. Few things turn off potential buyers as much as other people’s dirt.

Clean your house from top to bottom. Then, make another pass and hit those nooks and crannies that don’t usually get a lot of cleaning love. Make sure appliances like your stove sparkle, with no grease accumulated on the range hood. Dust off light fixtures, even the higher-up ones. Empty waste baskets and clean those baseboards. Consider fresh shower curtains and liners.

You may also want to consider professional cleaning help, particularly if housekeeping isn’t your forte.

Get Rid of Clutter

Open, airy spaces are usually a hit with buyers. Clutter is the arch-enemy of “open and airy.” Not only will it make your home feel smaller, it will also make it harder for potential buyers to visualize what they want to do with the space.

Find spaces for excess items in out-of-the-way closets or storage areas. Consider donating items you no longer need. It may be worth renting space somewhere else to store non-essentials while your home is on the market.

Handle Those Minor Repairs

Potential buyers will see your house as more cared for if you take the time to handle minor issues. Plus, you want to create a “move-in ready” impression.

Fix any leaky faucets or creaky doors. Consider fresh coats of paint for worn-out looking walls. If your budget allows, upgrade small or even large appliances for a sleeker look.

Stage It

There are plenty of pros who would love to help you do this. There are also some basic moves that don’t require help.

Arrange furniture to highlight each room’s purpose and maximize space. Consider fresh flowers, some new artwork or replacing brash colors with more neutral ones. A strategically-placed mirror or two can also make your place seem larger.

Beware of Bad Smells

Smell is a powerful sense that can trigger all sorts of memories and feelings — good and bad. It’s an important factor to consider when preparing for an open house.

In addition to your top-to-bottom cleaning, avoid cooking particularly fragrant meals, smoking indoors or keeping expiring or expired foods around during open-house time. Removing sneakers or laundry piles is a must. Air fresheners and candles may help, but be careful you don’t go too far the other way with those scents.

If you have pets, you’ll also need to account for those smells, too. With visitors potentially allergic or uncomfortable around animals, consider moving pets elsewhere when your house is being shown.

Look on the Bright Side

Brightness is your friend. It makes the space seem more welcoming. Open up those curtains. Clean your windows. Replace any dim bulbs, and consider replacing dated lighting. Your prospects for a quick sale will brighten, along with your home.

Have Some Refreshments Available

This may fall more on your realtor than you, but having a few snacks and drinks around can help potential buyers feel homey and welcome.

If you’re home on the day of the open house and have time, consider baking a couple of batches of cookies. They may be a hit as a snack option, and potential buyers may enjoy the lingering scent.

Leaving out a couple of nice glasses and a bottle of champagne may be worth a try. It’s unlikely that your potential buyers will pop the cork, but the visual may put them in a more celebratory mood.

Finally, Remove Your Personal Expression

This isn’t just about you and your family not being present during the open house. You’ll also want to remove any overly personal touches in terms of décor to help potential buyers see the space as theirs.

Family photos, kids’ artwork, that giant wall-hanging honoring your alma mater — all of it should get stashed temporarily. Create space for potential buyers to feel at home.

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