Showing Your Home to the Best Potential - The Kitchen Trash

Make sure you empty the trash every time someone comes to look at your home, even if your can is under the sink. Remember, you want to send a positive message about all aspects of your home. Stinky trash does not accomplish this.

Showing Your Home to the Best Potential - Pet Control

If you have pets, make sure your listing Sales Associate puts a notice in the Multiple List System (MLS). The last thing you want is to have your pet running out the front door.

It would be best to try to take the pets with you while the prospective Buyers tour your home. If you cannot do that, it is best to keep dogs in a penned area in the back yard and try to keep indoor cats in a specific room with a sign on the door.

Showing Your Home to the Best Potential - Fragrances

Try not to use scented sprays. It can be obvious and many people find the smell offensive or may be allergic.

For a pleasant aroma in your house, try potpourri or turn on a stove burner for a quick moment and put a small drop of vanilla extract on it so it will smell like you have been cooking.

Showing Your Home to the Best Potential - Lighting

When you know someone is coming by to tour your home, turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights, even during the day.

At night, a lit house gives a "homey" impression when viewed from the street.

During the daytime, turning on the lights prevents harsh shadows from sunlight and brightens up any dark areas.