Just before a showing:
» When the agent arrives with the prospects, have the drapes and window shades open to let in as much daylight as possible. If it happens to be night, be sure that all of your outdoor lights are on, especially landscape and pool lights if you have them.
» Open all the doors between rooms to give an inviting feeling. Turn on all of the lights, including the lamps. Tune the radio to some quiet, "elevator-style" music.
» Pick up any newspapers or magazines that may be lying around. See that the counters are free of unnecessary items and that any dirty dishes are put in the dishwasher. Take out the trash if needed.
» If you have pets, get them out of the way. Not everyone may share your love for animals. Some people may even be allergic to them.
» The beds should be made and clothes picked up. Bathrooms should be clean and the toilet lid down.
» When you leave the house in the morning or during the day, please leave it as if you know it is going to be shown. It's difficult sometimes and might even mean you have to get up a little earlier in order to take care of these important items. You never know when the right person is going to look at it, so you must always be ready for them.