In new home sales, first impressions matter. When showcasing a model home in a brand-new community, the experience you, as the new home sales professional, create can make or break a sale. Buyers want to feel welcomed, impressed, and inspired the moment they step through the door.
That’s where a well-executed open house checklist comes in.
This guide is designed specifically for new home sales agents, providing a comprehensive, step-by-step checklist to ensure your model home is enticing to buyers. From cleaning and landscaping to shopping lists and last-minute touches, this article will help you prepare like a pro and avoid the small things that often get overlooked.
How to Prepare for an Open House
1. Pre-Open House Preparation (1–2 Days Before)
Laying the groundwork early makes day-of execution smooth and stress-free. Here’s what to tackle ahead of time:
- Deep clean the home from top to bottom: dust shelves, clean baseboards, mop floors, and vacuum carpets.
- Declutter and depersonalize by removing personal items, marketing materials unrelated to the home, and anything distracting from the buyer experience.
- Check the lighting in every room and replace any burnt-out bulbs.
- Test all smart home features (if applicable) to ensure they function properly.
- Print collateral like community brochures, floor plans, and pricing sheets.
- Adjust the thermostat for a comfortable temperature (warm in winter, cool in summer).
2. Model Home Cleaning Tips
Buyers inspect more than just the layout — they notice the details. A clean home reflects quality and pride.
- Wipe down kitchen counters, cabinets, sinks, and appliances.
- Disinfect and shine bathroom surfaces, faucets, and mirrors.
- Sweep and mop hard floors and steam-clean any carpets or rugs.
- Clean windows, sliding doors, and interior glass for a streak-free finish.
- Use subtle scents like citrus, lavender, or vanilla, and avoid strong air fresheners that could trigger allergies or seem artificial.
3. Curb Appeal and Landscaping Checklist
Your open house starts at the curb. A neat and inviting exterior sets the tone before buyers ever reach the door.
- Mow the lawn and edge sidewalks and pathways.
- Remove weeds, dead plants, and debris.
- Refresh mulch or gravel, especially near the front entrance.
- Clean the front porch, sweep the steps, and remove cobwebs.
- Add fresh potted plants or seasonal flowers for a pop of color.
- Make sure house numbers are visible, and signage is clean and straight.
4. Open House Shopping List
Don’t get caught scrambling at the last minute. Here’s a list of supplies to bring or prep ahead of time:
- Bottled water and light refreshments (cookies, fruit, or mints)
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
- Guest sign-in sheet, clipboard, or digital tablet
- Extra pens, business cards, and branded folders
- Open house directional signs and flags
- Background music playlist (instrumental, upbeat, and subtle)
Optional: scented candles, welcome signage, and branded giveaway items (e.g., pens or tote bags)
5. Day-Of Setup Guide
Arrive early so you have time to handle any surprises and get everything staged for success.
- Turn on all interior and exterior lights.
- Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light.
- Set out printed materials in a prominent spot near the entrance.
- Display refreshments and drinks neatly on a kitchen island or dining table.
- Play soft background music if appropriate for the brand experience.
- Place directional signs throughout the neighborhood if needed.
Also, double-check that bathrooms are stocked with paper towels, hand soap, and toilet paper and that toilet lids are closed.
6. Often-Forgotten Details
Even experienced sales agents miss these sometimes—but they can make or break a buyer’s impression.
- Clean inside closets and cabinets — yes, people will peek!
- Make sure garage and utility spaces are organized and swept.
- Empty and clean trash bins (don’t leave them out).
- Secure or remove valuables, electronics, or personal documents.
- Ensure your phone and tablet are fully charged for notes, follow-ups, or CRM updates.
Use This Open House Checklist for Every Community Launch
Consistency builds credibility. Whether it’s your first open house or your fiftieth, using the same thorough checklist each time ensures every home you represent lives up to your professional standards.
Consider printing and laminating this list or saving it as a checklist in your CRM or team playbook so it's easily reusable by other sales agents or assistants.
An open house isn’t just a casual showing—it’s your best opportunity to make a powerful impression on a potential buyer. With a bit of planning and attention to detail, you can create an inviting, memorable experience that gets buyers one step closer to saying “yes.”
So print this open house checklist, prep your model home, and get ready to wow your walk-ins!
