The best time to sell your house is just around the corner. A new Realtor.com® report found that this year, the week of April 13–19 is expected to have the ideal balance of housing market conditions that favor home sellers more than any other time in 2025.
If you’re about to put your house on the market this spring, the time to prepare is now. Setting up everything for your open house is a crucial part of the planning process, and this can make an enormous difference in how fast you sell it.
For instance, Jodi Peterman, CEO and owner of residential, commercial, and vacation rental interior design firm Elizabeth Erin Designs, says she always tells clients that an open house isn’t just showing their home—it’s also creating a product their real estate agent can sell.
“You can’t sell someone’s home; it’s too personal. But you can sell a house, a feeling, a story,” says Peterman. “Why did you fall in love with it? Was it the natural light, the big entryway, or the cozy corner of the living room? That’s what you need to accentuate so buyers feel it, too.”
Here are tips on how to use the upcoming spring break to your advantage when selling your home.
How to make your open house stand out in the busy spring selling season
Hosting an open house during spring break can be a strategic move, but only if you prepare correctly, according to Todd Harmon, interior designer and co-founder of outdoor living design firm Starfire Direct.
Focusing on a polished interior, a welcoming exterior, and a seamless preparation timeline will position your home to attract serious buyers and potentially close a deal faster than expected, Harmon explains.
In terms of the best times or days for showing, Ryan Nelson, founder of Tenant Guide, says that, while generally speaking, the notion that Saturday or Sunday afternoon are best, during spring break, you need to be a bit more strategic and think about the flow of families.
For instance, he recommends targeting the “staycation” crowd, as not everyone jets off during spring break.
“Consider a slightly earlier start time on a Saturday—maybe 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.—to catch families before their day trips or activities,” he says. “Also, a shorter focused open house on a weekday afternoon—say, a Tuesday or Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.—could snag parents with flexible schedules or those taking a day off midweek.”
Another tip: Leverage local events.
If there are community spring festivals, farmers markets, or local events during spring break, try to time your open house right before or after, Nelson advises.
“This can capture people already out and about in the neighborhood. A quick search online for local events the week of your planned open house is a game changer,” he adds.
Angelica Ferguson VonDrak, another real estate broker and designer, says spring break plays into timing.
“If your market sees a lot of families, I generally advise avoiding the prime travel weekends for spring break, as well as Easter and Passover,” she says. You want to catch people when they’re around and thinking about making a move—not distracted by holidays or travel.
How to prepare the inside of your home for an open house
Once you have an idea of your showing schedule, it’s time to prep the inside of your home. This process doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your home “presents” to buyers and stands out from the rest of the crowd.
Less is more
Decluttering is essential, but it’s not just about removing excess items, It’s also about creating an intentional flow.
“I suggest my clients remove at least 50% of their personal belongings from visible areas,” says Harmon. This would entail minimizing furniture, clearing off countertops, and reducing the number of decorative pieces.
“A well-edited space looks more luxurious and allows buyers to envision themselves living there,” he adds.
Think about the layout
Layout and flow are important to every buyer, and sellers can use staging to create a rhythm for the house that naturally moves buyers through each space and highlights the utility of each room, explains Ferguson VonDrak.
“Fresh flowers or greenery can help bring the season indoors without going overboard. If it’s a nice day, I also like to open the windows to let a fresh breeze move through the house,” she adds.
Lighting is a game changer
Harmon says natural light sells homes, so he recommends opening every window, using sheer curtains instead of heavy drapes, and strategically placing mirrors to reflect light.
“Also, swap out outdated or dim light bulbs with warm LED ones to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere,” he adds.
Scents matter
But skip anything heavy, perfumed, or synthetic, such as plug-ins or cloying candles, says Peterman. Instead, aim for that fresh, clean “new house” smell—soft citrus, light linen, or fresh-cut eucalyptus.
“It should feel subtle, not staged,” she adds.
What to do two weeks before the open house
This is the time for the heavy-duty work. Think deep cleaning every corner of the home.
“This isn’t just about vacuuming—it’s about steam-cleaning carpets, wiping baseboards, and touching up paint,” says Harmon.
He adds that owners should also pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms, since these areas make or break a buyer’s decision. Also, schedule any necessary repairs or professional staging.
One week before
Harmon suggests fine-tuning the details: arranging furniture for maximum flow, adding neutral decorative touches (think fresh flowers or a bowl of green apples), and ensuring closets and storage areas are tidy.
“Yes, buyers will peek inside,” he adds.
The night before
The night before is the time to make sure everything is in place. This includes double-checking light bulbs, styling the coffee table, and ensuring every room has a clear purpose.
“Lastly, remove the emotion from your space,” says Peterman. “This isn’t about your story anymore—it’s about selling the next chapter for someone else. Make it feel move-in ready, aspirational, and easy. The right buyer will walk in and think, ‘I could be happy here,’”
How to prepare the outside of your house for an open house
Once the inside of your home is ready, don’t forget to take care of the outside. After all, this is the first thing buyers will see, and details also matter here.
Peterman says buyers will notice simple details such as fresh mulch, clean walkways, and power-washed siding. In addition, the front door handle is the first and last thing they touch, so upgrade it.
“And paint the door a fresh, fun color that feels welcoming,” she adds.
Another simple tip: If you have outdated house numbers, swap them for something crisp and modern, she advises.
Finally, fresh planters and a brand-new doormat are very simple steps, but they work, she notes.
Don’t forget about the garage; it’s often overlooked, but it is key.
“Even if buyers aren’t necessarily purchasing the garage space, a clean and organized garage gives an impression of overall care,” says Nelson. So sweep it out, organize tools, and make sure the door operates smoothly.
Finally, experts agree: Little details matter.
To that end, Nelson says owners should ensure their mailbox is clean and in good repair.
“Replace any burnt-out porch lights. Make sure the doorbell works. These small things contribute to the overall impression,” he adds.
Should you go on vacation during your open house?
Ideally, owners should not be present during showings, many experts say.
Nelson says that while your enthusiasm for your home is genuine, buyers often feel more comfortable and are likelier to be candid with their agent if the owners aren’t hovering.
“Let your agent be the point person during the open house. They are trained to answer questions and handle negotiations,” he adds.
Suzy Minken, a Compass real estate agent, echoes the sentiment, saying that as much as sellers want to “check out” how their open house is going, she strongly recommends that they don’t.
“Buyers need to be able to tour the home without someone looking over their shoulder,” says Minken. “Buyers need the freedom to envision themselves living in the property, and if the sellers are there, it might make them feel uncomfortable, as if they might be intruding in the seller’s space.”
On the other hand, owners need to be reachable if their agent has questions or receives an offer.
Ferguson VonDrak says she always makes sure her sellers are accesible—either by phone or email—especially if a strong offer comes in right after.
“Timing is everything, and spring buyers tend to move fast,” she says.
However, you don’t need to be anxiously waiting by your phone either, adds Nelson.
“Take this as an opportunity to genuinely step away, relax, and let your agent do their job. Go for that mini-staycation,” he added.
Finally, he advises you to just trust your agent—you hired the pro for a reason.
“Let them showcase your home’s best features without your direct involvement,” he says. “Your ‘presence’ is felt through the well-prepared and presented property.”
This post was originally published on www.realtor.com
