1. First Impressions Aren’t Just for Tinder Profiles

Curb appeal is real. The moment your buyer pulls up, they’re forming opinions—and fast.

Quick wins:

• Mow the lawn, trim hedges, sweep the porch.

• Add a pop of color with seasonal flowers or a bright welcome mat.

• Make sure the house number is clean and easy to spot.

The idea is to whisper “welcome home” before they even open the door.

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2. Create a Flow, Not a Maze

Ever been in a house where you’re not quite sure which way to turn, so you awkwardly double back and bump into someone’s grandma?

Don’t do that to your guests.

Open up the flow:

• Make sure paths are clear and intuitive.

• Use soft music and lighting to guide them from room to room.

• Keep doors open so no one’s guessing what’s behind door #3.

Bonus tip: Strategically place refreshments (more on that below) to draw people deeper into the house.

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3. Staging: Because Buyers Need to See Themselves in the Space

Buyers don’t want to see your client’s oversized recliner, wall of sports memorabilia, or the kitchen that screams “we gave up.” They want to imagine their furniture, their family dinners, their future.

Do this instead:

• Keep décor neutral and remove personal items.

• Declutter surfaces like countertops and bookshelves.

• Set the scene—fresh towels in the bathroom, a bowl of lemons in the kitchen, a cozy throw on the couch.

Think HGTV, not college dorm.

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4. Smells Sell—Or Kill the Deal

Nothing says “run” faster than a mystery odor. Yes, even if it's "just the dog."

Scent strategy:

• Skip strong perfumes or synthetic plug-ins.

• Aim for universally pleasant scents like vanilla, citrus, or freshly baked cookies.

• Simmer water with orange slices and cinnamon before guests arrive. It’s cheap, cheerful, and homey.

CEO Tip: If pets live there, air it out. Deep clean. Tuck away beds and litter boxes. Sorry, Fluffy. 🐾

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5. Feed Them and They Will Stay (and Maybe Buy)

This isn’t a cocktail party, but people do stay longer when there’s food. And the longer they stay, the more they connect with the home.

Snack like a pro:

• Offer bite-sized, mess-free snacks (mini muffins, fruit skewers, bottled water).

• Skip anything sticky, crumbly, or that requires utensils.

• Bonus points for labeling everything with a little flair. “Home is sweet—try one!” works like a charm.

You’re not just showing a home—you’re creating a whole experience.

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6. Be Present Without Hovering

We’ve all been followed around a store by an overly enthusiastic employee. Not fun.

Your goal: be available, but let the house speak for itself.

Greet each visitor warmly, offer a flyer or checklist, and then step aside. Let them breathe, poke around, dream a little. If they want to talk, they’ll circle back.

Keep your energy warm and calm—not salesy. You’re the guide, not the pressure cooker.

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7. Arm Yourself with Answers

They’re going to ask:

• When was the roof replaced?

• Are the appliances staying?

• How old is the HVAC?

• Is that an HOA I smell?

Have your cheat sheet ready. Better yet, leave one out for them to take home. Add neighborhood highlights like local schools, coffee shops, or the best takeout pizza around (this matters more than you think).

This turns you into a trusted resource, not just another name on a sign.

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8. Follow Up Like a Pro

The open house isn’t the end—it's the middle of your sales strategy.

Afterward:

• Email or text a thank-you note within 24 hours.

• Include the listing link and ask if they have questions.

• If they seemed interested, follow up again in a few days with any updates (price drops, offers received, etc.).

People want to feel seen. A personal touch goes a long way in a business full of automation.

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9. Bonus: Add a Dash of Personality

There’s no rule that says an open house has to be stiff or sterile.

• Got a pet-friendly neighborhood? Leave out treats and a “pets welcome” sign.

• Selling a family home? Create a “kid zone” with coloring books and juice boxes.

• Is the home near a dog park or walking trail? Highlight it on a cute local map.

Little touches make a big difference. They turn a showing into a memory, and that memory could be what gets your sellers to closing day.

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Open Houses are more than Walk-Throughs; they’re mini-productions, and you are part host, part stage manager, part problem-solver. And, when it’s done right? You create a vibe. A feeling. The kind of thing buyers take with them, long after they kick off their shoes at home.

Remember, you’re not just selling four walls—you’re helping someone start their next chapter, and that’s an art worth mastering.