Talk to your realtor, tell them your expectations; let them know your needs. How often do you want progress reports? In what format would you like to be informed? What style of marketing plan do you prefer? Do you want an open house? How quickly do you need to move the property? Keep an open dialog with your realtor. They will do a better job of meeting your needs if they don't have to guess at what these needs are. Hear what your realtor says about the value of your home. They know the market; they know the community. If they know your needs, they will be honest about their ability to serve you.

People remember what they see. They may not remember the floor plan or where windows and doors are in a particular home after looking at six houses in an afternoon. However, they will remember the discarded dishes, uneaten food, dirty laundry, pet messes, unpleasant odors, peeling paint, dirty toilets, and other preventable eyesores. It only takes a few hours and little or no money to go through your home and clean obvious messes, put items away, remove clutter, organize, or paint problem areas.

When a showing is scheduled, open your curtains, turn on your lights-including accent lighting. People will see your home in its best possible presentation. It is inviting and creates an open atmosphere for people to tour your home.

If there is a list of small problems you have been putting off, now is a great time to get it out and complete it. People generally don't want to buy a home that requires a lot of effort in addition to moving day. Put the drawer pulls on that have fallen off, tighten hinges, adjust doors, fix leaks, repair broken or cracked windows...you get the idea. Remember to visit with your realtor about committing too much time, effort, or money before making repairs.

When a showing is scheduled make plans to be someplace other than your home during the showing. People are more comfortable looking through your home and will ask the realtor more questions when you aren't around. They don't want to appear critical, offend you, or show excitement when you are there. Remember to take your pets with you or make appropriate arrangements for them during the showing as well.

In addition to being clean and well lit, make sure furniture arrangements invite people in rather than preventing access to rooms. Make sure your home smells nice. Do some baking prior to the showing or buy some fresh flowers as an accent. Leave the TV or stereo off or play some soft background music as you leave. People will remember these details if they are pleasing and NEVER forget them if they are neglected.