- SOUND: Turn off the television and tune the radio (very low volume) to a soft rock, middle of the road or classical music station (even better, keep the perfect background music CD always in the changer so you can simply push a button).
- LIGHT: Turn on every light in the house (day or night) and open every drape and blind (daytime only).
- ODORS: Heat some frozen buns in the oven or put a few drops of vanilla in a pan heated on the stove (hopefully, you've not been cooking broccoli or fish recently).
- KITCHEN: Wipe kitchen counters. Place dirty dishes in dishwasher.
- LAUNDRY: If you're in the midst of washing or drying clothes, stop the machines. If laundry is not in progress, hide dirty clothes in washer and clean clothes in dryer.
- BATHROOMS: Wipe counters. Flush and close toilets.
- LIVING ROOM: Hide magazines and newspapers. Remove clutter. Set fresh flowers or plant on coffee table.
- FAMILY ROOM: Hide magazines, games and newspapers. Remove clutter. Set fresh flowers or plant on coffee table.
- BEDROOMS: Straighten beds. Hide clutter under beds (not in closet).
- EXTERIOR: Put away toys and clutter. Clear front porch of advertising flyers. Make sure walks are clear.
- CHILDREN AND PETS: Take them for a walk or send them outside. If you have a cat, clean the litter box and sprinkle some baby powder in it.
- GOODBYE: Sorry, but this is the single most important thing you can do in a showing to help sell your home! Even if the showing agent insists that it is okay to stay, you must leave. Buyers need to get emotionally committed to your home to buy it, and they cannot become emotional about their new home if you, the current owners, are hanging around. Further, buyers will not voice objections to their agent if you're within hearing distance, so their agent may never have the opportunity to overcome the objections. Please, at the very least, go into the back yard. Even better, go to the store.
Adapted from The Secrets of How to Sell Your Home Quickly for the Most Money - Copyright © 1999. All Rights Reserved. To obtain a complimentary copy of this book, Email Linda now.