Turn on all the lights before buyers arrive, including garage, basement, hall lights and ceiling fans. Open window blinds and draw curtains back---unless the view outside is objectionable. Before showing, remove the following items from sight or lock in a secure cabinet: prescription medications Jake Arrieta Jersey , guns, ammunition, other weapons, pocketbooks, checkbooks, bank statements, credit cards, passports, loose change, jewelry Hector Rondon Jersey , expensive or breakable items, expensive collections, small safes. Animals can be a hindrance when showing your house. Barking or aggressive dogs can stop buyers from coming inside. Don't take the chance a pet will be let out by mistake or a cornered cat will scratch a child. Take animals off site when showing, if at all possible. Closing animals in a room, or any locked room for that matter that is off limits to buyers, is not going to help sell the house. It only causes concern that the owner may have something to hide. Put pet dishes, toys, beds, and cat boxes out of sight and vacuum any lingering cat or dog hair. If you have birds or fish, make sure the cages and tanks are scrupulously clean. If there is a strong pet odor Greg Maddux Jersey , even after cleaning, lightly spray the room with a deodorizer and open nearby windows if it's mild weather. Babies and small children may require special attention while you're trying to show your house, so perhaps a friend or family member could be on hand to care for them or take them off site for a few hours. Older children should be advised to refer any buyer questions to you and not get into any long conversations with the visitors. They should also not play with any children of prospective buyers while showing the house. Is an Open House worth doing? It can be, under the right conditions. Don't schedule an open house if bad weather is predicted. Major holidays and the day before or after can also be counter-productive. You might even want to reconsider the date if there is a big sporting event on the same day! Sunday afternoons from 1-4 o'clock p.m. Is a popular time, but Saturday may also bring out eager buyers. These will help create a welcoming atmosphere; fresh flower arrangements (not artificial!), fresh baked cookies or smell of cinnamon, windows washed until they sparkle, a clean and organized garage, and soft music playing in the background. Supply a Visitor Sign In Sheet and include space to write their phone number. Our advice is to choose a competent real estate sales agent who will conduct your open house for you as part of your listing agreement, freeing you and your family up for other activities. By not being present Fergie Jenkins Jersey , it allows potential buyers to feel relaxed, take more time to look around, and ask questions of your agent. If you live in a condominium should the same care in preparations be taken? Absolutely! With other units in the building, any selling competition is that much easier for the buyer to check out and you'll want your home to be the one that impresses the most. However, there may be certain restrictions on posting signs, visitor parking, etc. so check your rules and regulations or contact an association board member for details prior to showing. Copyright (C) 2008 by Susan Bicksler, all rights reserved. Author's Resource Box As a professional real estate sales associate, property investor, and past condominium association president Ernie Banks Jersey , Susan Bicksler gained experience and insight into the world of sellers and buyers. For tips and the inside scoop visit Condo Info Live today for a special offer.