For instance, it's always a good idea for you NOT to be home while an agent shows your home. It can be awkward for buyers to tour the house with you there, because they won't be free to make uninhibited comments, especially about things that don't appeal to them. If you're home, they won't want to hurt your feelings by making a negative comment about some improvement you've made that you may be proud of.

If you simply can't leave for whatever reason, try to stay in one particular area of the house, such as a living room or den, since that will allow the buyers free rein to explore the rest of the house, including the all-important kitchen, bathroom, and master bedroom. If there is more than one person home, have everyone together in whichever room you decide to stay in.

When you know buyers are coming to tour your home, don't try to improve the smell of the house by using scented sprays or candles. It's possible that the buyers will assume that there is a reason why you've chosen to try to cover up the natural scent of your home with perfumes, even if that's NOT the truth. Generally, you can achieve a subtle pleasant smell if you turn on a burner on your electric stove just for a moment, and then put a single drop of vanilla extract on it. That will give a hint of vanilla smell to the kitchen, as if you've recently been cooking something nice.

If you happen to have pets, they can add special problems to selling your home. Often, homeowners get used to the smell of cats and dogs, but someone entering the home will instantly notice if the smell is too strong. Keep your cats in a single room, and empty the litter box. Dogs should be outside as much as possible while the buyers are touring the home. Have friends walk into the house and tell you honestly if they can smell your cats or dogs. If they can, address the problem immediately. Make sure your kitchen trash doesn't smell, either. This can be a turn-off for buyers.

It may seem obvious, but you must keep your home tidy whenever someone is coming to tour it. Keep the kitchen sink clear of dishes, pick up toys, clothes, and papers, and keep the carpets vacuumed. It will make the home that much more desirable to buyers.

Doing these simple things will go a long way toward helping your agent sell your home and might even add thousands of dollars to your sales price in the process!

Copyright (c) 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher