When you’re selling your home, those first few minutes at an open home can make all the difference.
Buyers form impressions quickly, often deciding within moments whether a home feels right for them.
To help your property stand out and create a strong emotional connection, we’ve created a room-by-room checklist designed to have your home inspection-ready, inside and out.
Start with street appeal
Buyers see the front of your home before anything else, so make it count. First impressions begin at the kerb, so ensure your front yard is neat and inviting.
Tidy the garden, mow the lawn, and trim any hedges or overgrown trees. Pressure-clean driveways and footpaths and remove cobwebs from eaves. We also recommend cleaning the front door and if it looks tired, consider repainting or replacing.
Adding welcoming touches like a new doormat, potted plants, or outdoor lighting can create a warm, friendly feel before buyers even step inside.
Declutter and depersonalise
Creating a sense of space is essential, and that starts with removing clutter. You want buyers to imagine themselves living in the space, not feel like they’re visiting yours.
Pack away family photos, fridge magnets, children’s artwork, and any personal collections. Clear benchtops, tidy shelves, and remove excess or oversized furniture to make rooms feel larger. Consider hiring temporary storage for items you don’t need during the campaign.
You may also consider home organisation options to keep your benches and rooms clear – coffee tables with hidden storage, under bench caddies for those cleaning products, and vanity organisers to keep your bathroom tidy.
A clean, open space helps buyers focus on the features of your home rather than being distracted by belongings.
Deep clean every surface
Nothing turns off buyers faster than grime or smells. A clean home signals that it’s been well cared for and maintained. Clean windows inside and out to maximise natural light. Scrub bathrooms and kitchens thoroughly, including sinks, taps, and grout. Dust light fixtures, wipe down walls and switch plates, and vacuum and mop all floors.
Pay attention to overlooked areas like skirting boards, ceiling fans, and cupboard interiors. If the task feels too big, professional cleaners can give your home a fresh start and save you time and stress.
Style each room with purpose
Every room should show a clear function so buyers can easily visualise how to use the space. A spare room filled with boxes could be transformed into a home office, guest bedroom, or playroom with minimal effort.
Use fresh linen, neutral tones, and a few soft furnishings like cushions, rugs or throws to add warmth. Consider adding tasteful artwork, greenery, or a statement piece to give each room personality without it feeling cluttered.
Home staging, even on a small scale, can lift the feel of your home and make it more appealing.
Set the mood with scent and lighting
A fresh-smelling, well-lit home makes a powerful impression. Before the inspection, open windows to air out the home and let in fresh air. Avoid strong cleaning product smells or artificial air fresheners—opt for subtle, natural scents like citrus, linen, or eucalyptus.
Scented candles or essential oil diffusers can be used sparingly in key areas like the bathroom or living room. Turn on all interior and exterior lights to brighten the home and show it at its best, especially in rooms with little natural light.
Take care of pets and noise
Even if you love your pets, not every buyer will. Pet odours, hair, or damage can negatively influence perception. While you don’t need to remove all signs of your pet during open homes, things that are messy should be cleaned and packed out of the way as much as possible including bowls, bedding, litter boxes, and toys.
We also recommend that you arrange for animals like cats and dogs to be out of the house during the inspection. This allows potential buyers the freedom to look around your home without being jumped on by a friendly cat, or barked at by your family pup.
Excessive noise can also be quite off putting during open homes. If you’re playing background music, keep it low and neutral – instrumental or acoustic playlists work well and help create a relaxed atmosphere without overwhelming the senses. Not sure what to play? Take a look through Spotify – there’s plenty of “Open Home” playlists!
Make the temperature comfortable
Comfort is key when buyers are walking through your home. If it’s cold, warm the home up beforehand so it feels cosy. On warmer days, turn on fans or air conditioning to ensure the home feels cool and refreshing.
Ideally, you want people to linger, not rush back to the car for relief from the weather. Making your home physically comfortable helps people feel more emotionally comfortable too.
Last-minute walk-through checklist
There’s always a few things that people forget to do, so before your agent arrives make sure you check off the below:
- Empty all bins (kitchen, bathroom, and laundry)
- Check beds are made and pillows fluffed
- Smooth out creases in bed linen
- Wipe bathroom mirrors and tapware
- Turn on all lights
- Tidy outdoor spaces
- Put valuables in a secure place
- Close toilet lids
- Check for odours or lingering cooking smells
These little touches can make a big difference to the final presentation and help your home feel polished and ready.
Ready to welcome buyers through your door?
A great open home is about more than just cleaning – it’s about setting a tone and helping potential buyers feel at home. By following this checklist, you’ll give your property the best chance to shine and stand out in the market.
Want help preparing your home for sale? The team at JDH Real Estate knows what buyers are looking for and can guide you every step of the way. Let’s make your first impression count.
