Selling your home this summer? How to host the perfect open house.

The summer selling season is typically a time when we see rejuvenation within the real estate market.

Sellers who stood stagnant with their properties during the spring market are now typically more motivated to sell their homes and beat the fall market, hoping to secure the highest price in the shortest amount of time.

The open house for many home sellers can be a critical rite of passage that can make the difference between showing their home in its best light or falling short of highlighting the most appealing features.

First and foremost, an open house is an entertaining opportunity. It is a chance for the seller to showcase the home.

It is important for a seller to create a “moment” for potential buyers the second they walk in the door. Most buyers make a decision about a property within the first three minutes, whether positive or negative, so it is critical that the first impression is strong.

Small bowl of apples: Fruit is not only affordable but creates instant color. Other ideas include a bowl of artichokes, lemons or limes.

Tall vase of stems: From a single stem in a tall slim vase to a handful of fresh cut flowers, flowers instantly say “welcome” to potential buyers.

Short flowers in small pitches or vases: Flowers don’t have to be in traditional vases; you can also place them in decorative water pitchers or apothecary jars.

Affordable toss pillows: Toss pillows are relatively affordable, and the right pattern and or color can really add impact to a space. If you want to stick to a budget, you can make toss pillows from affordable scarves.

Glass hurricane candle on a birch coin: A simple birch coin can add an instant organic element to your décor. Add a simple candle and glass hurricane on top and you can create an elegant centerpiece for a coffee or dining table.

Carved-out apple with a taper candle: Whether it’s an artichoke or apple, carving out fruits and vegetables and inserting a tall taper candle can add instant appeal.

Succulents in moss and sand: Tiny succulents are hearty enough to be around for lots of open houses! Pair them with sand, moss or river rocks in a glass jar or vessel and you have a beautiful accent piece.

Photo coasters with a photo/theme or floor plan: Imagine how this will appeal to potential buyers! All a home seller needs to do is print their floor plan out on regular copy paper, then mount it onto a piece of cork or stiff cardboard in order to create a beautiful floor plan coaster.

Kitchens and bathrooms still sell homes. As a result, you are going to want to make sure that these areas are not ignored during the open house. Here are some ideas for decorative accents, to help make your kitchen or bathroom stand out.

Fill a decorative bowl with fresh lemons or limes.

Display a cutting board with a beautiful cookbook on top.

Fill beautiful tall containers with colorful pasta.

Use lots of candles to create an instant sense of glamour.

Add fresh towels in neutral colors such as white, black or chocolate brown.

Use elegant touches such as fragrant, fresh decorative soap.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design home staging expert and short-term rental/vacation home designer with offices in New York City and The Hudson Valley. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.