TIPS FOR SHOWING YOUR HOME

 It is important that your house is always available for show, even if it is inconvenient for you. Let your agent put a lock box in a convenient place, to make it easy for other agents to show your home to homebuyers. If you don't, agents will have to schedule appointments, which is an inconvenience. Most agents will just skip your home to show another house, one with a cooperative seller.

Usually, agents will call you a couple of hours before showing your property. If you do not allow them to show it at that time, they will just skip your house. Even if they come back another time, it will probably be with different buyers, leaving you one less chance to sell your home.

TRY NOT TO BE HOME

Homebuyers will feel like intruders if you are home when they visit, and they might not be as open toward viewing the house. This would be a good time to visit the local coffeehouse or ice cream shop, or to take the kids to the park. However, if you absolutely cannot leave, try to remain in an out-of-the-way area of the house and keep from moving about. Remember not to volunteer information, but answer any questions the agent may ask.

LIGHTING

When you know a homebuyer is coming by to tour your home, turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights - even during the day. At night, a lit house gives a "cozy" impression when viewed from the street. During the day, turning on the lights prevents harsh sunlight from casting shadows while brightening dim areas. Your house will look more homey and cheerful with the lights on.

FRAGRANCES

When preparing for visitors, do not use scented sprays. Not only is it too obvious, but many people find the smells of those sprays offensive, not to mention that some people may be allergic. If you want to have a pleasant aroma in your house, try something natural. Another option is to turn on a stove burner for a moment, then put a drop of vanilla extract on it. This way it will smell like you have been cooking.

PET CONTROL

If you are a pet owner, make sure your listing agent puts a notice with your listing in the multiple listing service. You don't want your pet running out the front door and getting lost when agents show your home. If you know someone is coming, the best thing to do is take the pet with you while the homebuyers tour your home. If that is not possible, it would be best to keep dogs in a penned area in the back yard. As for indoor cats, try to keep them in a specific room when you expect visitors, and put a sign on the door.

THE KITCHEN TRASH

Make sure you empty the kitchen trash every time someone comes to look at your home - even if your trash can is kept under the kitchen sink. Remember that you want to send a positive image of every area of your home. Kitchen trash does not do this. You'll probably go through more plastic bags than usual, but it will be worth it.

KEEP THE HOUSE TIDY

When selling a home, it is recommended that you develop certain habits. Make sure all beds are made every day, pick up papers, do not leave empty glasses around the house, and keep everything freshly dusted and vacuumed. Do your best at making it look like a model home - a home with furniture but without the people