Your home needs to be ready to show at all times. That doesn't mean from 7:00AM-10:00PM. However, you should plan on being flexible and allow your home to be shown during reasonable hours. There may be times when your home will be shown by your agent or other agents several times a day. Be sure to have your agent put a lock box (or similar devise) on your door. This will allow your home to be shown during the hours you aren't available. Remember, only licensed Realtors will access to your home through this method.

Some tips for pet owners: Make sure your listing mentions that you have pets. People who have allergies will want to know and be prepared. Also, you don't want pets to escape during a showing. Have a plan of action for showing your home without your pets there or in a cage/kennel. It's possible for a realtor to call for a showing with very little time to prepare and if your don't have a home ready to show, or your pets aren't contained, a realtor may not reschedule but move on to the next home. This is lost exposure, not to mention a lost possible buyer.

It's advised for the seller to not be home during a showing. The prospective buyer will feel more at ease and will look around at leisure without the home owner present. This will also allow the prospective buyer to ask questions and really look around without feeling rushed to move on so you can continue with your day.

Make sure your home is cool in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter. Uncomfortable temperatures will move a client quickly through the home without really looking, appreciating, asking questions, etc. You want the client to spend time in your home. That's usually a good sign of interest!

Remember prospective buyers are human too. They do not expect your home to look like it just graced the cover of a national home magazine. They do, however, expect the home to be clean, tidy, and pleasant. Clean sweep your home of clutter, organize cupboards and closets, clutter free counters and tables, no dishes in the sinks, toys and laundry are put away, all trash cans are empty, and minimize family pictures. This last pointer is valid since it is easier to view a home without emotional reminders about.

If you know your home has some repairs that need attending to, by all means, attend to them quickly. Repair and/or replace items when they are first noticed otherwise you could have a huge project list on your hands.