Preparing for an open for inspection can seem overwhelming, but don’t stress—your Raine & Horne agent has your back.

With the right approach, you can showcase your home in its best light for potential buyers. Whether it’s a busy Saturday or the new trend of midweek Wednesday inspections, we’ll help make your property shine.

At the same time, autumn presents its own set of opportunities and challenges, so here’s a step-by-step guide tailored to help you make a lasting impression as the weather starts to cool.

Curb appeal – make a warm first impression this autumn

As the leaves start to change colour, embrace the beauty of autumn in your front yard. Rake up fallen leaves, trim the hedges, and tidy up any garden or yard clutter.

If you have outdoor seating or a garden, ensure everything presents in its best possible condition to show buyers the potential of your outdoor spaces. Consider giving the front garden some TLC – this doesn’t have to mean hiring a professional landscaper but just some simple improvements.

Help your flower beds attract attention with a selection of small shrubs or grasses—the local gardening outlet or nursery can help – and add some timber borders. Include a few larger plants as focal points but keep them in proportion to the size of your garden. This might seem obvious but be sure to keep all unsightly garbage bins out of sight before your buyers arrive for the inspection.

Scour, scrub and shine

Make cleaning tasks work for you. Whether it’s dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing, washing, or buffing, these chores should help create a fresh and inviting atmosphere in your property.

Start by decluttering every room to create a spacious, airy feel that allows potential buyers to imagine their own belongings in respective spaces and rooms.

Remember to wash-down and buff your windows. Sparkling glass lets in more natural light, which is especially important during autumn open for inspections as the daylight hours shorten.

Wipe and dust every accessible surface in every space, room, and bathrooms – and remember to clean the insides of your cupboards—buyers will be sure to take a peek. Remove all grime, pet hair, mould, and dust—anything that shouldn’t be there.

Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors. If there are stains on your carpets, consider hiring a professional cleaner before the buyers arrive.

Don’t forget the kitchen – and be sure to clean inside ovens and stoves, as potential buyers may also look inside these kitchen appliances. Additionally, clear the entrance of shoes and any other trip hazards to enhance safety and accessibility.

Repair obvious problems

Before letting the buyers loose, addressing small repair jobs you might overlook, such as a squeaky gate or a cracked window, is essential. Here are some other repairs that might need some attention before an open for inspection:

Replace broken roof tiles.
Re-grout around bathroom tiles.
Fix leaky taps.
Patch holes in the walls.
Repair doors that don’t swing easily or shut properly.
Resurface or repaint chipped or stained surfaces.
Replace cracked glass and mirrors.
Change any burnt-out light bulbs.
Clean chimney flues.

If you’re not particularly handy or a job involves a degree of danger – think here replacing roof tiles – it’s generally better to accept these limitations and engage a professional tradesperson rather than risk making a pricey mistake. The last thing you want is a delay in getting your property to market and in front of potential buyers.

Create a welcoming, inviting atmosphere

Autumn is the perfect time to highlight your property’s warm and comfortable features. Swap out lighter fabrics for thicker throws and cosy cushions to give the space an inviting vibe.

Lighting is key—use lamps and light fixtures to create a soft glow that counters the shorter daylight hours in autumn. If you have a fireplace, get a dustpan and broom and sweep it out.

Then, consider adding fresh logs to showcase its potential for warming the property as the mercury tumbles.

Add some autumnal colour to your decor

Revamp your internal decor to capture the warm, earthy tones of autumn. Consider neutral shades such as rust, mustard, and brown to evoke the season’s charms of autumn. Incorporating autumn-inspired artwork, floral arrangements, or scattered leaves can help create an inviting atmosphere.

Set the scene with fragrance

A pleasant scent can help buyers feel right at home. In autumn, cinnamon, vanilla, and apple scents are perfect for creating a cosy, welcoming environment. Light a scented candle to fill the air with subtle, pleasant aromas.

Be prepared for cooler days

Fire up the heater or get the fireplace crackling before the buyers arrive – so the cosy warmth welcomes them as they explore your property. You don’t want the cold to distract from their experience.

Consider the timing of the inspections

As the days get shorter in autumn, timing is everything for your open home inspection. With the help of your Raine & Horne agent, aim for midday or early afternoon to make the most of that beautiful natural autumn light.

Preparing your home for an autumn open for inspection is all about showcasing its comfy, inviting vibe. With these easy tips, you’ll catch buyers’ attention and leave them with a lasting impression that could seal the deal.

Chat with your Raine & Horne agent today for more tips on preparing your property for a successful open for inspection.

Homeowners & Buyers

What are the benefits of listing a property in autumn?

NSW’s Southern Highlands rural market booms in 2025 with high-profile listings and strong sales performance

Preparing your property for an open for inspection: A step-by-step guide with an autumn twist

How to prepare and style your home for an autumn sale

Love at first sight – 4 tips for finding the perfect property

When interest rates fall, what will it mean for homeowners and buyers?