An open home is often the moment a buyer decides whether a property feels right. They've seen the photos online, they've driven past the street, and now they're standing inside your home making a judgement call in under ten minutes. Getting inspection day right isn't about luck. It's about preparation, and a clear open home checklist makes sure nothing gets missed.
Start preparing days before, not the morning of
The biggest mistake sellers make is leaving everything to the last minute. A rushed clean and a few scattered cushions won't cut it. Proper preparation starts at least two or three days before inspection day, giving you time to work through each room methodically, address any lingering maintenance issues, and let the property settle into a presentation-ready state.
Begin by walking through every room with fresh eyes, ideally with someone who hasn't been living in the space. Familiarity makes it easy to overlook clutter, worn surfaces, and odours that buyers will notice immediately. Write down what needs attention and work through the list in order of priority. If you've already invested in practical improvements to increase your property's value, inspection day is when that effort pays off.
The room-by-room checklist
Living areas
- Remove all personal items: family photos, collections, excess ornaments.
- Clear and clean all surfaces, including skirting boards and light switches.
- Arrange furniture to maximise the sense of space and create a clear flow through the room.
- Add a single focal point: a vase of fresh flowers or a styled coffee table is enough.
- Check that all lights work and replace any blown globes before the day.
Kitchen
- Clear the benchtops completely. A kettle and a small plant is the maximum.
- Clean the stovetop, oven door, splashback, and rangehood until they shine.
- Empty and wipe down the sink, and replace any worn or stained dish cloths.
- Remove fridge magnets and clean the front of all appliances.
- Empty the bin and ensure there are no food odours anywhere in the room.
Bedrooms
- Make beds with fresh, neatly pressed linen. White or neutral tones work best.
- Clear bedside tables down to one or two items at most.
- Ensure wardrobes are tidy inside. Buyers will open them.
- Remove any clothes, shoes, or personal items left out in the open.
Bathrooms
- Clean tiles, grout, mirrors, and tapware until they gleam.
- Remove all personal toiletries from the shower and vanity.
- Replace old soap with a fresh bar or a neat dispenser.
- Fold or replace towels with matching, freshly washed sets.
- Check for any mould or mildew and treat it before the inspection.
Outdoor areas
- Mow the lawn and trim edges the day before the inspection.
- Sweep paths, driveways, and the front entrance.
- Remove any dead plants and tidy garden beds.
- Clean outdoor furniture and stage it as an inviting living area.
- Hose down patios and remove any cobwebs from eaves and outdoor light fittings.
The exterior is the very first thing a buyer sees in person, and kerb appeal plays a significant role in turning a drive-by into a walk-through. A well-maintained front garden and a clean entry set the tone for everything that follows.
On the morning of the inspection
Give yourself at least two hours on inspection morning to do a final pass. Open windows in every room for thirty minutes to air the property out, then close them before buyers arrive to keep the temperature comfortable. Turn on all lights, including lamps, to create warmth and eliminate dark corners. If you have a fireplace and the weather allows it, consider having it lit.
Set the temperature with reverse-cycle air conditioning if you have it. A home that feels too cold or stuffy in winter will leave a bad impression. In summer, a cool interior is one of the most pleasant things a buyer can walk into.
Brew fresh coffee or bake something simple. Scent is one of the most powerful triggers in a buyer's emotional response, and a home that smells welcoming is one they'll want to stay in. Avoid heavily artificial air fresheners, which can signal that you're covering something up.
Remove yourself and your pets
This one is non-negotiable. Buyers need to move through the property freely, open doors at their own pace, and have unguarded conversations with their partner or agent. Your presence makes that impossible. Arrange to be elsewhere for the full duration of the inspection, and take pets with you. Even a friendly dog or cat can put buyers off if they're allergic or simply not animal people.
Let your marketing do some of the heavy lifting
By the time buyers arrive at an open home, they've usually already spent time with your listing photos, floor plan, and any video content your agent has shared. High-quality photography shapes expectations and creates emotional anticipation before a buyer ever steps through the door. If your listing images don't yet reflect the quality of your preparation, it's worth speaking with a professional photographer before the inspection.
The relationship between presentation and marketing is close. Knowing how property marketing affects sale price puts the investment in professional photography and thorough preparation into context. Buyers who arrive already excited by what they've seen online are far more likely to make competitive offers.
A final walkthrough before the gates open
Ten minutes before the scheduled start time, walk through every room one last time. Look at each space from the doorway, the way a buyer will see it when they step in. Check that nothing is out of place, that windows are clean, that bins are emptied, and that every light is on. Then step outside, take a breath, and trust the preparation you've put in. A well-presented home at inspection speaks for itself.