• Remove pets. Take them with you or keep them penned in the yard or garage. Eliminate pet odors.
• Open shades and curtains to let in light.
• Turn on enough lights so the home is well lit.
• Remove clutter from tables and bookshelves.
• Neatness makes rooms seem larger.
• Put away items in the yard like garden tools, bicycles and toys.
• Light a fire in the fireplace to create a cozy atmosphere.
• Grind up part of a lemon in the disposal to add a fresh smell to the kitchen.
• Perhaps play some soothing classical music on low volume.
• Keep money and other valuables, as well as prescription drugs, out of sight.
• Tidy up rooms, including kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
• Don't pack closets in an attempt to clean up--this only communicates a lack of space.
• Children should not be running around, distracting buyers from the showing.
• If possible, take the entire family out; this will give the agent and prospective buyers freedom to move comfortably about the home and ask their agent candid questions.
• Comfortable temperature
• No television
• Remove an abundance of personal photographs
• Cookies or other goodies baking in the oven help make the house seem more of a home

Many buyers say in retrospect they had made their decision to buy before they ever saw the home's interior. Hence, the maintenance of the yard is extremely important.

Your goal is to make people feel at home with the house's appearance and atmosphere. Do everything you can to create a powerful and positive "sense of arrival." Remember, you never get a second change to make a first impression.