Preparing Your Home for a Successful Open House
Thinking about selling your home? One of the best ways to attract buyers is by hosting a successful open house. It’s your big chance to shine, and first impressions matter more than you think.
The good news? With a few smart moves, you can turn your home into one buyers will remember. From staging and decluttering to making rooms feel warm and welcoming, we’ll walk you through it all.
Whether you're listing Londonderry Houses for Sale or other Southern NH houses for sale, this guide will help you prepare like a pro—without the stress.
Why a Successful Open House Matters
Buyers decide quickly. Most form an opinion within the first 30 seconds of walking in. That’s why it's so important to prepare your space for them. The goal is to make it feel clean, cozy, and move-in ready.
A successful open house:
Attracts more serious buyers
Creates emotional connections
Encourages stronger offers
Reduces days on market
Step 1: Declutter to Make Rooms Feel Spacious
Less is more. When buyers enter your home, they want to imagine their own stuff in it—not yours.
Here’s how to declutter like a pro:
Living Areas
Clear out extra furniture.
Remove family photos and personal items.
Keep shelves clean and simple.
Hide cords and wires.
Kitchen
Clear countertops of everything but a few neat items.
Organize pantry and cabinets.
Empty trash and wipe all surfaces.
Remove fridge magnets and papers.
Bedrooms
Make beds with fresh linens.
Clear closets—leave some space to show storage.
Tuck shoes and laundry away.
Bathrooms
Store all personal items (toothbrushes, razors, etc.).
Use clean towels and mats.
Scrub sinks, showers, and toilets.
Decluttering is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to boost your home’s appeal. Buyers love neat, open spaces.
Step 2: Stage Your Home to Impress
Staging helps show your home’s best features. It also helps buyers picture themselves living there.
Here’s how to create inviting spaces for your successful open house:
Add Simple Decor
Use soft colors and cozy textures.
Place fresh flowers or houseplants.
Add throw pillows or blankets to couches and chairs.
Arrange Furniture for Flow
Open up walkways.
Center furniture around focal points (fireplace, big window).
Use mirrors to reflect light and make rooms look bigger.
Light It Right
Turn on all lights for the open house.
Open blinds and curtains.
Replace dim bulbs with brighter ones.
Staged homes often sell faster and for more money. Even small changes can make a big difference.
Step 3: Deep Clean Every Room
A clean home sends a message: this home is well cared for.
Before your open house:
Scrub floors, walls, baseboards, and windows.
Dust fans, shelves, and blinds.
Clean the oven, fridge, and microwave.
Make sure there are no pet odors or smoke smells.
Pro tip: A professional cleaning crew can be a smart investment—especially before photos or showings begin.
Step 4: Boost Your Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is your home’s first impression. Make sure it shines before buyers even walk in the door.
Outside Tips:
Mow the lawn and trim bushes.
Plant colorful flowers or place potted plants near the door.
Power wash siding, porches, and walkways.
Clean or paint the front door.
Replace worn-out doormats and house numbers.
Homes with strong curb appeal make buyers feel good before they even enter.
Step 5: Make It Feel Like Home
You want buyers to feel comfortable during their visit. Set the mood with cozy touches.
Here are a few tricks to create the right atmosphere:
Light scented candles (think vanilla or fresh linen).
Play soft background music.
Set the thermostat to a comfortable temp.
Bake cookies or leave out bottled water and snacks.
These little details help make your open house feel personal, warm, and unforgettable.
Step 6: Remove Pets and Personal Distractions
While you love your pets, not all buyers do. Plus, they can be a distraction during showings.
Before your open house:
Take pets off-site or crate them securely.
Remove pet beds, bowls, and litter boxes.
Clean carpets and air out the home.
Also, store away:
Medications
Jewelry or valuables
Personal documents
This keeps the focus on your home—not your life.
Step 7: Promote Your Open House
A great open house needs great marketing.
Your REALTOR® will likely handle this, but here’s what helps:
Post the open house on social media
Advertise on top real estate websites
Use eye-catching yard signs
Email local agents and buyers
Bonus tip: Have printed flyers available with photos, info, and price for buyers to take with them.
Step 8: Make Repairs That Matter
You don’t need to renovate the whole home. But fixing small things can help buyers feel confident.
Check for:
Dripping faucets
Squeaky doors
Broken light fixtures
Chipped paint or stains
Missing hardware
Even small fixes show that the home is well maintained—buyers love that.
What Buyers Say Matters Most
Recent surveys show that buyers notice:
Cleanliness
Space and flow
Lighting and smell
Staging and decor
Curb appeal
If these are in place, your successful open house will be one buyers remember.
Real Talk: Don’t Overdo It
Preparing your home matters—but don’t drive yourself crazy. Focus on:
Decluttering and cleaning
Staging the main rooms (living room, kitchen, primary bedroom)
Making it feel welcoming
You don’t need to make your home perfect—just loved and livable.
NH Real Estate Market Tips
If you’re listing a home in Londonderry Houses for Sale or anywhere in Southern NH houses for sale, now’s a smart time. Inventory is still tight, and buyers are looking for homes that are move-in ready.
Homes that look clean, staged, and well-kept are getting offers quickly.
Let Your REALTOR® Guide You
As your local REALTOR®, I’m here to help you every step of the way—from prep to sold.
I’ll walk through your home and:
Suggest changes or staging ideas
Help decide what to fix
Schedule cleaners or pros if needed
Promote your open house far and wide
Together, we’ll create a successful open house that draws in serious buyers and gets your home sold.
Quick Checklist: Preparing for a Successful Open House
Declutter every room Deep clean from top to bottom Stage with light, color, and comfort Fix small issues like leaks or squeaks Boost curb appeal Remove pets and personal items Set the mood with light, music, and snacks Advertise your open house Trust your REALTOR®’s advice
Preparing for A Successful Open House
A successful open house doesn’t happen by luck—it’s the result of thoughtful prep, smart staging, and attention to detail.
Whether you're selling a small condo or a large family home, these simple tips can help you make a powerful first impression.
And remember—buyers aren’t just looking at walls and floors. They’re looking for a place to call home. Let’s make sure your home is the one they fall in love with.
If you need more ideas to prepare for a successful open house, or are ready to sell your house give us a call at (603) 883-8840. You can also sign up for your dream home search or reach out to Our Agents for more information. We’d love to help you with your real estate needs.
