Selling your home can be a challenging experience. To successfully sell it, you need the right strategy. And that includes careful planning and execution so that you maximize your return on investment without the stress that typically accompanies it.

Hosting an open house, for example, is one critical part of selling your home. Turning your home into an attractive open house requires a lot of attention to detail, from decluttering to upgrading old fixtures. To learn how to entice potential buyers without the added stress, take a look at this quick guide on what you need to do to prepare your home for an open house.

1. Declutter and depersonalize.

No one wants to move into a new home that reminds them of the previous owner. So to provide a fresh start to potential buyers, always start by decluttering and depersonalizing your space. You can do this by removing your personal items — i.e. family photos, personalized artwork, political or religious items, etc.

Removing clutter helps potential buyers envision living in the home so that you have a better chance of receiving an offer.

2. Make any necessary repairs.

Making safety your top priority lets potential buyers know your home is not only safe but well taken care of. So be sure to fix any necessary repairs before scheduling your open house. Try taking a walkthrough of your home to spot potential home safety hazards such as faulty electrical wiring, loose handrails, or broken tiles.

3. Enhance curb appeal.

Because the exterior of your home is what potential buyers tend to see first, why not make your home truly stand out with elevated curb appeal?

You can enhance your front yard by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, or planting flowers to add pops of color. And don’t forget to decorate! Consider repainting your front door or adding a new welcome mat to set an inviting tone for visitors.

5. Stage each room.

To make the most of your open house, try staging your home to entice potential buyers. Staging involves strategically placing furniture and decor so that it puts a spotlight on the notable features in each room.

To do this, be sure to rearrange your furniture in a way that creates an open, spacious appearance. And remember, neutral colors appeal to a wide range of people so incorporate more beige, gray, and white rather than bold colors.

6. Maximize natural light.

Allowing natural light to pour into your space can do a lot of good when selling your home. It creates the appearance of a bright and open space while promoting a natural, welcoming vibe.

To light up your space, always keep your curtains and blinds open during the day so natural light can flood in. Or if you have very little natural light near your home, make up for it with artificial light fixtures such as floor lamps, pendant lighting, or track lighting.

7. Provide information about your home.

To make the process easier for you and potential buyers alike, create a packet of information about your property that visitors can review during their visit. By including commonly asked details such as recent upgrades, property taxes, utility costs, etc., you can avoid having to answer the same questions over and over. Plus, it shows your honesty, which positions you as a trustworthy seller.

8. Create an inviting atmosphere.

The point of an open house is to entice visitors into extending an offer to buy the home. To speed up the process, decorate your home so that potential buyers can’t resist it. You can place fresh, seasonal flowers in common areas where visitors are likely to take notice, such as the entryway or living room for a pop of color. Or, try setting a bowl of colorful fruit or cookies on the kitchen countertop so that potential buyers can treat themselves, making them feel right at home.