Your home should always be available for showing, even though it may occasionally be inconvenient for you. In our market, most buyer agents will give at least one day's notice to the listing agent. You should not be home because buyers feel uncomfortable and don't want to ask offending questions which can be answered simply. If you absolutely cannot leave, remain in an out of the way area of the house and do not move from room to room. Do not volunteer any information, but answer any questions the buyer agent may ask.

Lighting and Music

Your listing agent may be able to arrive early to do so but if not, turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights even during the day. At night, a lit house gives a "homey" impression when viewed from the street.  Open all of the draperies and blinds.  Playing soft background music is acceptable, but blaring stereos, radios and TV's is not.

Fragrances

Do not use scented sprays to prepare for visitors. It is too obvious and many people find the smells of those sprays offensive, or they may be allergic.

Pet Control

Take the dogs with you while your home is shown. If you cannot do that, it is best to keep dogs in a penned area in the back yard. Most of the time, an indoor cat will hide when buyers come into your home.

Trash

If your kitchen trash can does not have a lid, make sure you empty it every time someone comes to look at your home, even if your trash can is kept under the kitchen sink. Empty all other trash containers such as bathrooms and office.

Keep the Home Tidy and Neat

Not everyone makes his or her bed every day, but when selling your home, do it. Pick up papers. Do not leave empty glasses.  Keep everything freshly dusted and vacuumed. Try to make it look like a model home - a home with furniture but nobody really living there.