Prior to the buyers arrival, turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights – even during the day. At night, a well-lit homes creates a lived-in, warm impression when viewed from the street. In full light, during the day, full lighting diminishes the harsh shadows created from sunlight. In full view, your home looks inviting, welcome and ready for a new buyer.

Avoid using scented sprays. They tend to be very obvious and in most cases, too overpowering. A buyer may get the wrong idea. Many people also have allergies. For a pleasant aroma you can choose to have a potpourri pot simmering. Even better, keep the pot simmering throughout the entire time your home is listed. It’s a simple matter to keep a potpourri pot filled with water and fragrance, rather than scrambling each time a buyer visits. You might forget this important element to a successful sale. Another idea is to prepare some baking (either yourself or from a bakery) such as cinnamon rolls, or other bread product. Put these unbaked pieces in the freezer. Before you head out for coffee set your oven on a low temperature (275 – 300 C) and let the baking warm your home. When you get home, after an hour or so, you will have fresh baking waiting for you.

Be sure to advise your Real Estate Professional of any pets you own. If possible, try and have a neighbour or family member board your pet while you are showing your home. Pets may become confused and disoriented in the presence of visitors. When you are out of the house during the showing, perhaps you can take your pet with you.

If your pet has to remain at home during the showing, try to keep it contained in the backyard (for dogs), or perhaps a specific room for indoor cats. Be sure to post a sign on the door, in consideration of your visitors, and the cat. Frequently, noise and unfamiliar people frighten cats. They usually hide until things are back to normal. Some however, may panic and try to escape.

Be mindful of the kitchen and bathroom areas, the places where buyers tend to scrutinize the most. Be sure these areas are clean and disinfected prior to showing. All garbage should be removed, even if the garbage is kept under the sink. Buyers look everywhere. Kitchen garbage bags are an inexpensive item when you are considering the impression you want to make on a potential buyer.

While it will take more effort than normal keep your home clean and organized throughout the listing period. It is definatly worth it to get up a few minutes earlier to make the bed and wash the dishes. Pick up papers. Organized the mail. Throw out magazines or stack them neatly on the shelf. Dust and vacuum as frequently as you can. You want your home to look its best anytime a potential buyer visits and that could be at only an hour’s notice.