The open house checklist: a few days before, the morning of, and after

Buyers decide how they feel about a home in the first minute. Here's a checklist for Boston agents and sellers, from a few days out to the follow-up. Flowers are on it, but they're one line, not the whole list.

A few days before

• Book cleaners, and a window wash if the listing photos showed streaks.
• Fix the small things buyers notice: burned-out bulbs, a sticky door, a dripping faucet, a loose cabinet handle.
• Clear counters and thin out closets. Buyers open closets.
• Write parking notes for the listing. In Boston, telling people where they can actually park, or which T stop is closest, saves a lot of frustration.
• Order signs, feature sheets and anything you're bringing in to stage.

The day before

• Put away personal things: family photos, mail, kids' names on the fridge.
• Clean up the entry: a fresh mat, a working light, nothing piled by the door.
• Set up your sign-in, on paper or with a QR code.

The morning of

• Open every blind and turn on every light, including lamps and closets.
• Set the temperature: warm in winter, cool in summer.
• Air the place out. Skip strong candles and plug-ins. Some buyers have allergies, and some assume a heavy scent is covering something.
• Put pets, litter boxes and food bowls out of sight.
• Put flowers in three spots: the entry, the kitchen island and the main living area. That's where people pause, and where they take photos.
• Leave water bottles or something small out for visitors.

After

• Follow up with everyone who signed in within a day.
• Ask a couple of visitors what stood out, good or bad.
• If you're running Saturday and Sunday, reset the lights, blinds and kitchen counter before day two.

A note on the flowers

A few bigger pieces look intentional. Lots of small grocery bouquets look staged. Keep them low-scent so nothing competes with the house, and pick colors that work with the rooms rather than fight them.

My Open House Kit is 2 to 3 pieces for the entry, kitchen and living room, for $175. I drop them off Friday and pick them up Monday, so it's one less thing on your list. Book at least 5 days ahead.