Maximizing exposure is an important part of a successful home sale. One way to showcase a property is through an open house, when it makes sense for the home, the market, and the seller’s goals.
With the guidance of a REALTOR®, an open house can help buyers experience the property in person, ask questions, and better understand how the home feels beyond the photos.
REALTOR® Open Houses and Public Open Houses
There are usually two types of open houses to consider.
A REALTOR® open house allows local agents to preview the property and determine whether it may be a fit for their buyers. This can be useful when a home has specific features, a unique layout, or strong local appeal.
A public open house gives buyers an opportunity to tour the home in person. Some buyers are actively searching. Others may be early in the process and comparing neighbourhoods, layouts, price points, and property styles.
Not every listing needs an open house, but when used properly, it can support the larger marketing strategy.
General Open House Tips
- Be away from the home so buyers can feel comfortable exploring the space.
- Remove pets where possible and make arrangements for them during the open house.
- Secure valuables, medication, personal documents, and sensitive information.
- Avoid strong odours from cooking, pets, smoke, or heavy fragrances.
- Provide space for coats, boots, umbrellas, and outdoor gear when needed.
- Keep fireplaces, candles, and other heat sources safe and supervised.
Clean and Repair Before the Open House
Buyers notice details. A clean, well-prepared home can help them focus on the property instead of small distractions.
Kitchen and Bathrooms
Clean floors, counters, sinks, mirrors, taps, appliances, and cabinet fronts. Keep counters clear and organized. These rooms often influence buyer perception quickly.
Main Living Areas and Bedrooms
Vacuum, dust, declutter, clean mirrors, and store personal items neatly. Remove excess furniture where needed so rooms feel open and easy to move through.
Floors
Remove stains where possible, repair visible damage, and make sure flooring feels clean and well maintained.
Walls and Ceilings
Repair holes, cracks, scuffs, or visible water damage. If repainting is needed, choose neutral, complementary colours that help the home feel clean and current.
Doors, Windows, and Lighting
Make sure doors, handles, locks, and windows work properly. Clean windows, replace burnt-out bulbs, and make sure rooms are well lit.
Exterior Areas
Keep lawns cut, walkways clear, gardens tidy, trees and shrubs trimmed, and decks, patios, porches, and driveways clean. Pet areas should also be cleaned before showings or open houses.
Safety and Showing Management
Your REALTOR® will help manage open house details, visitor flow, questions, timing, and follow-up.
Safety matters. Visitors should be accounted for, valuables should be secured, and the home should be checked before and after the open house.
A successful open house is not just about getting people through the door. It is about presenting the property properly, creating a strong buyer experience, and supporting the overall selling strategy.
Bottom Line
An open house can be a useful marketing tool when it is planned with intention.
Preparation, presentation, safety, and follow-up all matter. With the right strategy, an open house can help buyers better understand the home and where it fits in the market.
If you are thinking about selling, the MovingSimcoe.com Team can help you decide whether an open house makes sense for your property and how to prepare it properly.
You may also want to explore our local real estate resource articles and perspectives.
Connect with a member of our team today.