Showtime!

There are four things to remember any time you're showing your house: Clutter, Smell, Environment, and Information. Regardless of if you are giving an open house or individual showing, it is important to have your house looking as nice as possible.

When removing clutter, remember this: the more you remove the better. Having the counters, cupboards, tables, and desks as clear as possible can really go a long way. Even if you really like your Wired magazine and imported fruit bowl, it is just best to clear them off. Keep the lawn and garden trimmed and looking nice.

Several hours before you have potential buyers coming you should open everything up and clear the air out as much as possible. Leave pets outside or with a neighbor if at all possible. Before the potential buyer comes, seal everything off and light a small scented candle or two.

Be very aware of your house's enviorment. If you live in the midwest during the summer then you should have a dehumidifer running constantly for 2 or 3 hours before the buyer shows up. If it is winter you should run a humidifier. Air ionizers (also known as purifiers) can also help with the air quality in your house. In terms of windows, it is best to leave them closed, but leave all of your blinds open and lights on to make your house as bright as possible. If it is cold outside make your house a little warmer than usual and if it is warm outside make your house a degree or two cooler then usual.

If you are having an open house leave a piece of paper for people to write their names, phone numbers, and email addresses on. This will allow you to contact them later, and will make them see other names to know that your house will sell and if they are serious they should make an offer! Beyond this, you should have lots of copies of your for sale flyers (which your myListings page of housejockey.com generates for you automatically). You should also have a seller's disclosure form saying you have no knowledge of foundational problems or code/law violations.

And don't forget to smile!