7 Steps to Preparing for an Open House

1. Hire a cleaning service. A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt will turn
    off a prospect faster than anything.

2. Mow your lawn, and be sure toys and yard equipment are put away.

3. Serve cookies, coffee, and soft drinks. It creates a welcoming touch. But
    be sure the kitchen has been cleaned up; use disposable cups so the sink
    doesn’t fill up.

4. Lock up your valuables, jewelry, and money. Although the real estate
    salesperson will be on site during the open house, it’s impossible to
    watch everyone all the time.

5. Turn on all the lights. Even in the daytime, incandescent lights add
    sparkle.

6. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, 
    crate them or confine them to one room (a basement or bath), and let
    the salesperson know where to find them.

7. Leave. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and
    express their opinions of your home with you there.