July 27, 2026

Summer open houses: getting your home ready to win over buyers

Ah, summer! That time of year when temperatures soar and taking a nap in the sunshine is as good as it gets. It’s is also a very good time to sell your home, and especially for open houses.

At an open house, every detail counts. The brightness, indoor temperature, odours, landscaping, patio, and general atmosphere all help make a buyer’s first impression. This means that proper preparation before selling can make all the difference.

Unlike in the winter, when the yard is often covered in snow and outdoor spaces look less attractive, summer shows off your property in its best light. The gardens are blooming, outdoor living spaces come to life, and buyers can picture themselves living there more easily. Check out our tips to create a welcoming environment and maximize the impact of your open house.

Maximize outdoor appeal from the moment visitors arrive

It’s often said that you only get one chance to make a good first impression, and this is especially true at an open house. If the yard looks like a field of hay and the windows are covered in fingerprints, visitors may form a negative opinion of how well the home has been maintained. At a glance, the exterior of the property can indicate how much maintenance has been done over the years.

A few days before the open house, to attract future buyers at first glance, take the time to:

Weed the yard.
Trim the bushes.
Mow the lawn.
Clean the main entrance.
Wash the windows.

To go one step further, add a few flowerpots or healthy plants near the entrance. These small touches make the front more welcoming and help create a good first impression.

	Tips and tricks In the weeks leading up to the open house, walk around the house and take note of where the exterior finish needs a touch-up, such as a damaged gutter or cracked sealant. These small renovations can make a big difference during negotiations.

Check the temperature of the home

This is crucial in the summer, especially with its many heatwaves. The more time buyers spend at a property and imagine themselves living there, the more likely they are to make an offer...if they’re comfortable, that is! And more often than not, a cool indoor temperature is a must.

Right before your open house, consider:

Setting the home air conditioning to a comfortable temperature (around 21–22°C).
Program the thermostats so the air conditioning cools the house a few hours before the open house.
Make sure there is good air circulation and turn on ceiling fans at a low speed to create a breeze.
Clean all air vents so they aren’t obstructed.
Eliminate unpleasant odours by removing garbage cans, compost, pet accessories, etc.

If the day is expected to be particularly hot, put a few bottles of water or a jug of fresh water out for visitors. This small gesture helps make the experience more enjoyable and leaves a positive impression.

	Tips and tricks A few weeks before the open house, have your ventilation or air conditioning system inspected and cleaned by a professional. A well-maintained system improves air quality and helps circulate fresh air.

Swap winter decor for a summery style

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your decor and create a light, bright, and welcoming atmosphere. By adjusting your decor to the season, you will enhance your property while helping buyers picture themselves there. This is also one of the principles of home staging: showing a house in its best light.

Refresh your decor with home staging, starting by:

Storing winter items like large blankets or high-pile rugs. Adding lighter textiles, such as a linen throw or cushions in summery colours. Placing a bouquet of fresh flowers on the dining room table or in the entryway.
Choosing accessories with light and natural colours to create a bright and soothing atmosphere.

Bathe the house in natural light

Brightness is one of the most desirable criteria for buyers. To make a real difference in the amount of light entering different rooms, clean the windows inside and out. One piece of advice: don’t wait until the morning of the open house to get started! Think about doing it a few weeks in advance.

On the day of the open house, remember to:

Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible.
Replace burnt-out bulbs and turn on the lights in the darker rooms.
Clear windows by removing objects or plants that could block the light.

Not all properties receive the same amount of natural light. If some rooms are darker, don’t hesitate to turn on accent lamps, even in the middle of the day. A well-placed mirror can also reflect light and make a room seem larger. These tips will help create a bright, warm, and welcoming atmosphere.

Stage the backyard

Selling your home in the summer also means showing off your outdoor living space and allowing people to picture themselves there. Pull out all the stops by creating a hospitable environment that will make buyers fall in love with your home at the open house.

Take the time to:

Set the outdoor table as though you were receiving guests.
Place decorative cushions on the chairs and the outdoor sofa.
Decorate the patio with a large decorative rug.
Put away all gardening tools.

Make sure patio and backyard features are clean. Run the leaf blower, remove cobwebs, and clean the pool.

If the open house is on a sunny day, create shade by opening an umbrella or canopy, if you have one. This will allow visitors to take full advantage of the space and more easily imagine spending their summers there.

	Tips and tricks Create an inviting atmosphere, but don’t overdo it. A few well-maintained plants, some discreet outdoor lighting, and a clean fireplace that is ready to use can help create a warm environment. If the temperature is cool and conditions allow, lighting a gas fireplace or an outdoor fireplace can help visitors picture themselves spending a relaxing summer evening there.

Pay attention to details

Whether you like it or not, little details unconsciously influence how future buyers perceive the general maintenance of your home.

Your home is beautiful, but the closets are overflowing, the door frames, window frames, and light fixtures are coated in dust, and the bottoms of your windows are covered with your kids’ handprints? Paying special attention to these details and cleaning the house from top to bottom are important to make a good first impression.

Declutter and depersonalize the space

When they enter your home, buyers should be able to imagine themselves living there. While the family photos from your the last trip may be stunning, visitors want to picture their own family between these walls.

Depersonalize your home by removing overly specific items like photos, your children’s names on the walls of their room, or your children’s toys.

You may not always realize it, but objects build up quickly on surfaces, and over time, you stop seeing them. Tidying the kitchen and bathroom counters and decluttering the house makes the home look bigger and highlights how much storage it has.

Also pay attention to specific decorative objects. For example, say you have a passion for leopard print. You may have something with leopard print in every room: unfortunately, that’s not for everyone. It’s better to keep it to a minimum.

Common open house mistakes to avoid

No matter how well you prepare, certain mistakes can detract from a visitor’s experience and draw their attention away from the property’s strengths. Avoiding them will maximize the impact of your open house and leave a lasting good impression.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of things not to do:

Forgetting to maintain the swimming pool or hot tub.
Over-scenting the house, which could make it seem like you’re trying to mask problematic smells.
Leaving bulky seasonal objects (bicycles, children’s toys) lying around.
Forgetting to remove cobwebs or deal with infestations of insects.
Neglecting small repairs (loose handles, leaky taps, squeaky doors).
Leaving the TV on or playing music that is too loud.
Not cleaning the garage or shed (visitors will want to take a look).
Underestimating the importance of an organize closet: clutter can make it look like there isn’t enough storage.
Etc.

Ready for a summer open house

Are you about to welcome future buyers? Remember that when it comes to a successful summer open house, sprucing up the inside and enhancing the outside are equally important.

Your real estate broker is there to help you with this important step. They can advise you on the best ways to get your property ready, suggest ways to enhance it, and organize the open house to give potential buyers a good experience.

After all this preparation work, your property will be ready to make a great impression. All that’s left is to turn the page and find a new home you’ll fall in love with!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. What’s the best temperature to maintain for a summer open house?

Experts consider that a comfortable temperature falls between 21 and 22°C. Remember to turn on fans and open the windows or turn on the air conditioning a few hours before the open house.

2. Should I be away during an open house?

It’s best to let your real estate broker take care of showing prospective buyers around for a very simple reason: they’ll be much more comfortable asking questions, opening cabinets, and exploring the space.

3. What should I do with pets during an open house?

Take them with you, if possible, or arrange to have someone look after them. Not everyone is comfortable around animals. Plus you don’t want your cat to steal the spotlight from your home!