Welcoming Entrance: First Impression Matters:As has often been said, the first impression is the most lasting. It is as important, if not more, for your house to look good from the outside as it is to look from the inside. A prospective buyer wouldn't be too impressed with an unkempt yard, unpainted exteriors or a chipped off front door. Get everything in order and in a position to show before putting your house on the market.

Odors: Cigarettes, pets and whatever else that may have your home smell in an unpleasant manner should be, at best, avoided. Although, it doesn't mean that you spray perfume all over. A clean and fresh atmosphere is what is required.

Pets: Some buyers may not appreciate seeing pets at home. Some may be frightened or some may be irritated. You wouldn't want your pets to be the cause of their distraction. Get your pets away while the buyers are there and let them see your house with nothing coming in the way.

Check Faucets and Bulbs:  Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems detract from what's right with your home.

Don't Shut Out a Sale:  If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's mind. Don't try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.

Think Safety:  Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps: roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for uninitiated visitors.

Dark Rooms:  Dark homes are a turnoff to most home buyers. Install additional light fixtures, if required. Draw open the drapes when the buyers come over. And do whatever it takes, to make your home seem more bright and welcoming.

Make Room for Space:  Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They're looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.

Consider Your Closets:  The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now is the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

Make Your Bathrooms Sparkle:  Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.

Create Dream Bedrooms:  Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.

Open up in the Daytime:  Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.

Lighten up at Night:  Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.

Damp Basements:  Dampness or damp smells in the basement may cause your buyer to think that the basement leaks even if it doesn't truly leak. Fix any leaks, if at all and ensure that whatever the source of the dampness, it be dealt with. It may be caused by rainwater or the underground drains being blocked. Have it checked.

Avoid Crowd Scenes:  Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.

Think Volume:  Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your home, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.

Relax:  Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.

Don't Apologize:  No matter how humble your abode; never apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment about your home's appearance, let your agent or the Purchaser's agent handle the situation.

Keep a Low Profile:  Nobody knows your home as well as you do, but the Agents know their buyers; what they need and what they want. The Agents will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.

Don't Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store:  When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.

Defer to Experience:  When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to the experts - your agent or their own real estate agent.

Help Your Agent:  Your agent will have an easier time selling your home if you accommodate the scheduling of showings by having a LOCK BOX installed You'll appreciate the results!