An open house is your home’s moment to shine. It’s the chance to create a strong first impression and show buyers exactly how your property fits their next chapter. But the homes that truly stand out — and sell faster — are the ones that feel intentional, polished, and cared for.
As someone who hosts open houses across Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Phoenix, I’ve seen how the right preparation makes buyers linger longer, ask better questions, and leave with confidence.
Here’s your complete, no-stress game plan to get your home ready.
1. Start With a Walkthrough From a Buyer’s Perspective
Walk through your home slowly — room by room — and ask:
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What feels cluttered?
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Where is the light strongest?
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What draws my eye first?
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What could feel more open?
This simple exercise helps you see your home the way a buyer does.
2. Declutter Every Room (More Than You Think You Need To)
The goal is to create open space, not empty rooms.
Focus on:
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Counters
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Coffee tables
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Nightstands
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Entryway tables
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Kitchen islands
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Bathroom vanities
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Shelving
Less visual noise helps buyers focus on the home, not your belongings.
3. Deep Clean the Areas Buyers Notice Most
Arizona buyers pay close attention to:
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Windows
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Floors
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Baseboards
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Sliding tracks
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Bathroom surfaces
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Kitchen appliances
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Ceiling fans (especially here in the desert!)
Clean homes feel well cared for and immediately boost buyer confidence.
4. Refresh the Curb Appeal
Your front exterior sets the tone for everything that follows.
Do this before showings:
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Remove extra porch items
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Sweep walkways
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Trim desert plants
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Clean the entry area
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Update your welcome mat
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Add simple potted plants for a warm touch
In the East Valley sun, a fresh entry makes a strong impression.
5. Maximize Light Inside the Home
Light signals openness, comfort, and clarity.
Before the open house:
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Open blinds
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Remove heavy curtains
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Turn on all lights
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Replace dim bulbs
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Use warm-toned bulbs for a welcoming feel
Arizona homes show beautifully when filled with bright, natural light.
6. Create Comfortable Temperature Control
Buyers stay longer when a home feels comfortable.
During warmer months, make sure:
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The AC is running before the event
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Fans are on low
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Window coverings are adjusted to reduce glare
In Arizona, temperature comfort is one of the biggest reasons buyers remain in the home long enough to picture living there.
7. Stage the Key Areas That Influence Buyer Emotion
You don’t need a full redesign — just intentional touches.
Focus on:
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The living room
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Kitchen
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Primary bedroom
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Entryway
Use soft, neutral tones and simple accents to create a warm, inviting flow.
8. Remove Personal Items and Highly Specific Decor
Buyers want to imagine their life in the home.
Before your open house, remove:
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Excess family photos
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Highly personal collectibles
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Items with names
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Strongly themed décor
This creates emotional space for buyers to picture themselves in the home.
9. Secure and Store Valuable or Sensitive Items
Before hosting:
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Store jewelry
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Put away prescriptions
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Secure important documents
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Remove small electronics
This ensures privacy and peace of mind.
10. Create Pleasant Scents — Without Overpowering the Space
Avoid strong smells. Instead choose:
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Light citrus
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Clean linen
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Subtle vanilla
And make sure food odors are ventilated completely before buyers arrive.
11. Add Simple Touches That Make Buyers Feel Welcome
A few thoughtful additions go a long way:
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A clean hand towel in the kitchen
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Fresh flowers in the entry
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A simple bowl of fruit on the counter
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Soft music playing quietly in the background
The experience should feel calm and intentional.
12. Step Out During the Open House
Buyers explore more freely when the seller isn’t home.
It creates a relaxed atmosphere — and encourages genuine interest without pressure.
FAQs: Preparing for an Open House in Arizona
Q: How early should I start preparing?
A: Ideally a week ahead, with final touches the night before.
Q: Should the home be empty or staged?
A: Staged homes photograph better and connect emotionally with buyers.
Q: Do open houses actually help sell homes?
A: Yes — especially in high-traffic Arizona communities. They increase exposure and create momentum.
Q: Should I fix small issues before the open house?
A: Yes. Small repairs reflect pride of ownership.
Q: Can pets stay during the open house?
A: It’s best to remove them. It keeps the showing simple and distraction-free.
The Bottom Line
Open houses are powerful when they’re prepared with intention. A clean, bright, welcoming home inspires buyers to stay longer — and that connection often leads to stronger offers.
My job is to help you present your home in the best possible light so buyers can instantly see its value.
Getting Ready to Sell in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, or Phoenix?
Let’s create a detailed plan to get your home open-house ready and positioned for a successful sale.
📞 480-980-4400
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.denisehurd.com
With the right preparation, your home can shine from the moment buyers walk through the door.