Last Minute Touches Before Visitors Arrive - 15 simple tips for getting ready

Smell good. Eliminate any unpleasant odors. Create pleasant ones such as freshly baked bread or cinnamon rolls.

If possible, get kids and pets out of the house when prospective buyers are coming. They can be a distraction.

Turn off the television, stereo and even the computer... anything that could distract people's attention.

Turn on all lights. Particularly the outside entrance light. Even in daylight.

Decorate daily with special touches, like fresh flowers.

Put away personal stuff. This can include things you think add a homey touch... like children's art on the ‘fridge. Now is a good time to take down family pictures from the walls. You're going to be moving anyway, so start packing.

Make yourself scarce. Buyers aren't there to meet you. Let your real estate agent be the host. Make people feel welcome, but don't allow them to think they're intruding on your privacy.

If your own agent is not present, let the agent who comes with the prospective buyer do all the talking. He or she knows the needs of the buyer.

Hello and goodbye. Be polite in greeting all potential buyers, but avoid getting drawn into conversations with them.

Never apologize or attempt to explain any aspect of the appearance or condition of your home.

Show your home at much as possible... to anyone interested... no matter how inconvenient it may be. If you can't be there, your real estate agent can make secure arrangements to let people in.

Be careful. Never allow unaccompanied buyers to enter your home. Their real estate agent must be with them.

If people passing by are attracted by the lawn sign and ask to see the house, ask for their name and phone number and give it to your agent.

Be prepared for inspectors. Some prospective buyers may hire a home inspector, at their own expense. He or she may spend several hours examining the structural and mechanical aspects of your home. Consider it a sign that the buyer is very interested.

Always be ready to have your home shown. Go through all your preparation steps on a daily basis. During the first few days your home is listed, you could have as many as eight or nine possible buyers viewing your house on any given day. A responsible real estate company will give you as much warning as possible, but it could be only ten or fifteen minutes. Generally, viewings are not allowed after 9:00 in the evening.

Call "The Wall" For Real Estate Support.