10 Tips to Prepare Your Home for an Open House

So you’re thinking of selling your home, and an open house is already scheduled. That’s exciting — but before you start showing people through, you’ll want your home looking its absolute best. First impressions matter, and a little effort up front can pay off big when offers start rolling in. Below are 10 practical, real-world tips to help your home shine on open-house day (and beyond). 

1. Declutter (Really)

Remove excess stuff, knickknacks, and personal items (photos, souvenirs, that weird collection of salt shakers). The goal is to make rooms look more spacious and allow buyers to imagine their stuff inside.

• Clear kitchen counters

• Remove piles of magazines, mail, etc.

• Store off seasonal items or overflow in boxes temporarily

2. Deep clean, top to bottom

You might clean regularly, but this is a level up. Think scrubbing baseboards, cleaning inside cabinets, washing windows, shampooing carpets, dusting ceiling fans.
A sparkling home feels cared for — and buyers pick up on that.

3. Fix the small things

Don’t worry about a full renovation (especially for every room), but go through and handle:

• Leaky faucets

• Cracked tiles

• Loose doorknobs

• Scuffed walls (touch up paint)

• Lightbulbs that are burnt out

These small fixes can take away distractions that make buyers think “What else is wrong?”

4. Depersonalize & neutralize

You want potential buyers to think, “Yes — I could live here.” So tone down bold paint colors, remove family portraits, niche decor, and very personalized items.
Use neutral tones, simple linens, tasteful decor.

5. Let there be light

A bright home feels welcoming.

• Open curtains & blinds

• Turn on lights in dim corners

• Replace low-wattage bulbs with brighter ones

• Clean windows so they let more natural light in

6. Stage strategically

Staging is arranging your home so it looks its best for photos and visits. Good staging can help buyers “see themselves there.” In fact, reports show that staging influences buyers: about 83% of buyer agents said staging made it easier to visualize the property as a future home, and nearly 29% of agents reported 1–10% higher offers after staging. 

You don’t always need to hire a pro; you can do basic staging yourself:

• Place a vase of fresh flowers

• Use accent pillows & throws

• Rearrange furniture to improve flow

• Use mirrors to make spaces look larger

7. Maximize curb appeal

First impressions start outside.

• Mow the lawn, trim hedges

• Sweep walkways, remove debris

• Add potted plants or flowers

• Repaint or touch up the front door

• Clean windows from the outside too

8. Control odors (or keep it neutral)

Smells are powerful. You want your home to smell fresh but not artificial.

• Avoid heavy perfumes or strong scents

• Don’t cook pungent foods right before showings

• Consider baking something mild (cookies!) or use subtle fresh scents

• Keep garbage cleared out

House Beautiful advises skipping overly floral or synthetic scents, since they may backfire. 

9. Be ready for the day

A few final touches just before your open house can make a big difference:

• Let fresh air in (open windows)

• Turn on all lights

• Remove pets or pet items (bowls, litter boxes)

• Hide cleaning supplies, tools, personal stuff

• Play soft, neutral background music (if allowed)

• Leave some space for people to walk comfortably

10. Make it easy to picture the lifestyle

Buyers are not just buying walls — they’re buying a vision of a life.

• Set the dining table nicely

• Add a cozy reading nook with a chair & throw

• Arrange the living room so conversation is easy

• In bathrooms, present fresh towels and soap

These small touches help buyers feel at home.

FAQs Sellers Often Ask

Q: Is staging worth the cost?
Yes, often. Staging can lead to faster sales and increased offers. Some studies say staged homes sell 73% faster than unstaged ones. 

Q: How much should I spend on staging?
It depends on your budget. Some sellers do basic DIY staging (very low cost), others hire professionals. The median staging cost (for agents doing it) is often around a few hundred dollars in many markets, and staging can improve offers by 1–10%. 

Q: Should I renovate the kitchen or bathroom?
Major renovations may not always guarantee higher ROI. Focus more on cosmetic fixes and visible issues. Buyers will likely remodel someday, so your priority is to make the home look move-in ready, not magazine perfect.

Q: What rooms should I focus on staging?
The most important rooms are usually the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen. According to the 2025 Profile of Home Staging, those are among the most influential rooms for buyers. 

Q: What if the home is empty?
Virtual staging (i.e. using graphics to show furniture) is an option. It’s cheaper than physical staging and sometimes enough to help buyers visualize the space.

Extra Tips for Local Sellers (Your Area)

• Check local style trends: buyers may expect certain finishes or design touches here.

• Consider climate: if your region is hot/humid, ensure good ventilation and air conditioning working well.

• Highlight neighborhood features in marketing materials (proximity to schools, transport, etc.).

Preparing your home for an open house doesn’t require a complete overhaul — it’s about smart, targeted upgrades, cleaning, arranging, and creating a warm, inviting space. When buyers walk through, you want them thinking, “Yes — I can live here.”

If you’d like a hand with staging advice, market insights, or coordinating open house logistics, the Livian Estates Team can help. We guide sellers step by step, connect you with trusted service providers, and help your home make that great first impression.