 | 1. Hire a cleaning service. A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt will turn off a prospect faster than anything. |
 | 2. Mow your lawn, rake your leaves, sweep your sidewalk, 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 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 - and they might return when the agent leaves. |
 | 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. |
