Keeping the house tidy, taking out the trash, lighting candles, soft music on the stereo all make for a pleasant atmosphere when someone is looking at your home, here are some other helpful tips:

1. Give all family members assigned jobs in advance that will go into action when a short-notice showing is scheduled. Everyone must know their duties and carry them out, so that you don't end up banging into one another trying to get everything done quickly.
   

2. Open every window covering. All drapes, curtains and blinds should be positioned to let in maximum light. Buyers like a house to be light and bright, so accommodate them! Turn on as many lights as possible.
   

3. Make sure the house smells good. Baking cookies, often recommended, may be overdoing it, but pet odors, smoke, or greasy cooking odors definitely will not work! Air out the house just before the scheduled showing, but close the windows (unless it is a perfect day) before they arrive. Tip: turn on a stove burner (or the oven) for a moment and put a drop of vanilla extract on it. It will smell like you have been cooking. Do not use a fragrance, they may be offensive and people may be allergic.
   

4. Six very important words: no clutter, no clutter, no clutter! Make your house anonymous, put away small kitchen appliances and other items that are sitting on countertops and tables. Remove photographs, trophies, knick-knacks and souvenirs and other items from table tops. Organize closets and cabinets.
   

5. Make sure that everything is spotless. Pay particular attention to the bathrooms and the kitchen. In the bathrooms, towels should be fresh and clean, sinks and baths scrubbed, and the floor freshly cleaned. In the kitchen, make sure all dishes are put away and countertops and sinks are cleaned.
   

6. Check the thermostat to make sure that the house is at a comfortable temperature.
   

7. Remove pets from the house, or at least, keep them outside. Pets under foot will quickly put a damper on an otherwise positive showing.
   

8. Clean the drain gutters. Buyers nearly always comment if eves troughs are full of leaves and it makes them question other maintenance issues.
   

9. Store or organize items that make your yard look messy, make your front entry inviting. Decorate it, paint the door or buy a new door, it's the first look at your house, so make it a good one.
   

10. Make sure that fact sheets are available and easily accessible. (The dining room table is an ideal place for them).
    

11. If possible leave! If not possible, make yourself as inconspicuous as possible. If it is comfortable outside, go there until the buyers leave.