1. Hire a cleaning service. A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt will turn off a prospect faster than anything.
  2. Mow your lawn, and be sure toys and yard equipment are put away.
  3. Serve cookies, coffee, and soft drinks. It creates a welcoming touch. But be sure the kitchen has been cleaned up; use disposable cups so the sink doesnt fill up.
  4. Lock up your valuables, jewelry, and money. Although the real estate salesperson will be on site during the open house, its impossible to watch everyone all the time.
  5. Turn on all the lights. Even in the daytime, incandescent lights add sparkle.
  6. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If thats not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (a basement or bath), and let the salesperson know where to find them.
  7. Leave. Its awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.