Seven Steps to Preparing for an Open House

1. Hire a cleaning service
A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt will turn off a prospect faster than anything.

2. Mow your lawn
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 doesn't fill up.

4. Lock up your valuables, jewelry, and money
Although the real estate salesperson will be on site during the open house, it's 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 that's 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
It's awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.