10 Tips for an Open House That Will Make a Lasting Impression

---

Hosting an open house is one of the best ways to showcase your property to potential buyers, offering them a chance to experience the space without scheduling a private showing. Open houses also give real estate agents the opportunity to preview the home for their clients. While trends in real estate come and go, open houses remain a powerful marketing tool, with 48% of buyers attending them as part of their home search. With homes staying on the market longer and pent-up demand growing, now is the perfect time to get your home market-ready.

Here are 10 tips to help you make a lasting impression during your open house:

### 1. Partner with a Local Agent

Working with a local real estate agent who knows the area is invaluable. If you need recommendations, we collaborate with some of the top agents in the Valley, all ready to help you get your home sold.

### 2. Declutter and Stage Your Home

Start decluttering and staging before listing your property. Sort through belongings and remove personal items like family photos and memorabilia that could distract buyers. A neutral, clean space helps buyers envision themselves living there. Also, eliminate any visible political affiliations that might alienate potential buyers.

### 3. Deep Clean Every Inch

A spotless home is non-negotiable. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service or spend the day before your open house mopping, dusting, and vacuuming. Cleanliness not only makes the house more appealing but also removes any odors that could turn off buyers. Don’t forget to power wash your driveway and make any necessary curb appeal improvements—first impressions matter!

### 4. Skip the Candles and Room Sprays

While it was once common to light scented candles to create a pleasant atmosphere, overpowering scents can drive buyers away with headaches or allergies. Instead, focus on ensuring the home has a fresh, neutral smell by thoroughly cleaning before the open house.

### 5. Arrange for Pet Daycare

Pets, while adorable, can be distracting at best and problematic at worst. They might trigger allergies or scare potential buyers. Plus, the constant foot traffic can stress them out. Consider dropping your pets off at daycare to avoid any disruptions.

### 6. Leave the House During the Open House

It’s best for the homeowner not to be present during the open house. Your presence could make buyers feel uncomfortable or hesitant to voice their true opinions about the property. Give them space to explore and envision the house as their future home.

### 7. Encourage Buyers to Stay Longer

The longer a potential buyer stays in your home, the more connected they become to the space. You can create a welcoming atmosphere by playing soft background music or offering refreshments. Some agents even put on a family-friendly movie to keep children entertained while parents explore the home.

### 8. Provide Updated Fact Sheets

Make sure your real estate agent has detailed fact sheets that highlight key information about the home, such as when it was built, recent renovations, and average utility costs. Buyers appreciate having this information readily available when considering a property.

### 9. Notify Your Neighbors

While it’s not required, letting your neighbors know about the open house can prevent parking issues and foster goodwill. Some neighbors might even pop in out of curiosity and share positive impressions with others in the community, boosting interest.

### 10. Review Results with Your Agent

After the open house, meet with your real estate agent to evaluate its success. Track how many potential buyers and agents attended, whether there were any requests for follow-up showings, and see if adjustments need to be made to your selling strategy. Don’t take feedback personally—your agent is there to help you achieve the best results.

---

By following these tips, you can increase the chances of leaving a lasting impression on buyers, helping your home stand out in a competitive market.