Blog – Right Way Real Estate
Seller Tips 2025 6 min read

How to Make Your Home Presentable
Before an Open Inspection

Open inspections are your moment to shine. Buyers often decide within minutes — and first impressions can make or break a sale. Here's how to give your property its best chance.

Think of your home like a display property — clean, calm, and inviting. The goal is for every buyer who walks through the door to immediately picture themselves living there.

7
Seconds for a buyer to form a first impression
5–10%
More offers received on well-presented homes
More likely to sell faster with proper presentation

Why Presentation Matters More Than You Think

When buyers walk through a property during an open inspection, they're not just assessing square metres and location — they're imagining their life inside those walls. Emotional connection drives real estate decisions, and that connection is built in the first few moments of entering a home.

A well-presented property signals to buyers that the home has been cared for. It creates confidence, reduces hesitation, and — most importantly — it encourages stronger offers. At Right Way Real Estate, we've seen time and again how the right preparation can meaningfully impact both sale price and time on market.

The good news? Most of what makes a difference doesn't require renovation or significant expense. It's about attention to detail, cleanliness, and creating the right atmosphere.

Start From the Outside: Kerb Appeal

Before buyers even step inside, they've already formed an opinion. The exterior of your home sets the tone for everything that follows. A tired, unkempt facade can make buyers sceptical before they've seen a single room.

Exterior Checklist
Mow and edge the lawn — a neat lawn instantly lifts the overall appearance of any property
Clean the driveway and pathways — a pressure wash makes a significant difference to first impressions
Tidy garden beds and remove weeds — even adding a few potted plants near the entrance adds a welcoming touch
Clean windows and the front door — a freshly painted or polished front door is one of the highest-impact improvements you can make
Remove bins and clutter — store bins out of sight and clear away any tools, garden equipment, or children's toys

Let in Natural Light — Open Curtains and Blinds

Light is one of the most powerful tools in property presentation. A bright, airy home feels larger, more welcoming, and more valuable. On inspection day, open every curtain and blind to let in as much natural light as possible.

For rooms that don't receive much natural light, make sure all light fittings are working with the highest appropriate wattage globes. Clean light fixtures so they're not dusty. Strategically placed lamps can add warmth and eliminate dark corners that might make buyers uncomfortable.

If your home has a particularly beautiful view or garden, make sure the windows looking out are spotlessly clean — let the outside become part of the interior experience.

Room by Room: What Buyers Focus On

Different rooms carry different weight in a buyer's decision. Understanding where to concentrate your effort ensures you get the most impact from your preparation time.

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Living Areas

Declutter surfaces, fluff cushions, and arrange furniture to maximise the sense of space. Remove personal photographs and excess items.

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Kitchen

Clear benchtops completely. Clean appliances until they gleam. A bowl of fresh fruit adds colour and a sense of warmth and life.

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Bedrooms

Make beds with fresh, ironed linen. Store away clothes and personal items. Matching bedside lamps add a polished, hotel-like quality.

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Bathrooms

Bathrooms must be spotless. Remove personal items from the vanity, replace with fresh white towels, and add a small candle or soap dispenser.

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Outdoor Areas

Set outdoor furniture as if ready for entertaining. A clean, styled alfresco area demonstrates lifestyle potential and adds perceived value.

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Entry & Hallway

The entry is the first impression inside. Keep it clear, clean, and welcoming — a mirror, plant, or subtle artwork goes a long way.

Add Fresh Flowers or Subtle Décor

You don't need to spend a lot to make your home feel special for an inspection. A few well-chosen details can transform the atmosphere of a room entirely.

Fresh flowers are one of the most effective and affordable tools — a bunch of white or cream flowers in the kitchen or living area adds freshness and life. Keep arrangements simple; you want buyers noticing the home, not the décor.

A single scented candle in a bathroom, a cashmere throw across a sofa, a simple artwork leaning against a wall — these touches suggest a lifestyle and invite buyers to imagine themselves in the space. Less is always more. The goal is to feel curated, not cluttered.

Eliminate Odours and Keep Temperature Comfortable

Smell is one of the most powerful — and most overlooked — senses in property presentation. Unpleasant odours from pets, cooking, smoke, or mustiness can immediately turn a buyer off, even if they're otherwise impressed by what they see.

Odour & Comfort Checklist
Eliminate odours from pets, cooking, and smoke — air the home thoroughly before the inspection and use a neutral, subtle air freshener if needed
Clean carpets and soft furnishings — fabric holds odours; a professional clean before your campaign can make a notable difference
Keep temperature comfortable — set heating or cooling to a comfortable temperature before buyers arrive, around 21–22°C is ideal
Avoid cooking strong-smelling foods on inspection day — the classic tip of baking bread or brewing coffee can work, but keep it subtle
Relocate pets on inspection day — not all buyers are pet-friendly, and pet smells and presence can distract from the property itself

A home that smells fresh and feels the right temperature is one that buyers linger in. The longer they stay, the more connected they feel — and that connection is what drives strong offers.

Think of your home like a display property — clean, calm, and inviting. Buyers aren't just purchasing walls and a roof. They're buying the feeling of a life well-lived.

Right Way Real Estate

On the Day: Final Touches That Make the Difference

The hours before an open inspection are crucial. Here is a quick checklist of final preparations our team at Right Way Real Estate recommends to every vendor before buyers walk through the door.

Day-Of Checklist
Open all curtains and blinds — let in as much natural light as possible
Add fresh flowers or subtle décor to the main living areas
Set the heating or cooling to a comfortable temperature before buyers arrive
Eliminate odours — air the home, use subtle fragrance, keep pets away
Do a final walk-through — check every room, clear benchtops, straighten cushions
Leave the property during the inspection — buyers feel more comfortable and speak freely when the owner isn't present

Ready to Present Your Property at Its Best?

Our team at Right Way Real Estate will guide you through every step of preparation — from the initial appraisal to open inspection day. We're here to make sure your property makes the strongest possible impression.

Book a Free Appraisal