Generally speaking, it is best to greet prospects at the door with a friendly smile. You want the potential buyers to feel as comfortable as possible when viewing your home. If you are showing your home to a couple, give them the space to discuss features amongst themselves. You may want to leave them alone intermittently. It is not a good idea to allow strangers to roam about your house unescorted. Use your own judgment here. After they have completed their tour, ask if they have any questions. At that time tell them of the special features and interesting highlights of your home. Listen carefully to their comments and questions. Answer their questions in an honest, straightforward and sincere manner. It is important to reveal any known defects (such as wet basements, leaky roofs, plumbing problems, etc.) that are not apparent or easily detected. This can eliminate many problems, even law suits, in the future. This will add credibility to your answers to their questions.

Avoid long, lengthy detailed descriptions about features that are really very apparent. Brief statements about things they would not pick up on - extra insulation in the attic, a fireplace flue that's already been cleaned for the season, etc. - are great!

One request - PLEASE don't say, "this is the kitchen, this is the dining room". They can see that!

The following is a short list of important items to remember when showing your home:

• Be patient and above all- don't argue with prospects. If their attitude is bothersome, just smile, you don't have to sell your home to them.
• Schedule visits 30-45 minutes apart. This will give prospective buyers the feeling that your home is being shown on a frequent basis and they will need to make a decision soon.
• Put any loose valuables in a safe place out of sight. Out of sight - out of mind.
• Don't oversell. Buyers do not appreciate a pushy seller. Don't emphasize how nicely decorated your home is. Although it will improve the showing of your home, buyers will want to envision their own decorating taste.
• Be knowledgeable about your neighborhood and its amenities and desirable features.
• Make certain there are no "pet" odors or other unpleasant odors such as garlic, curry, etc.
• Try to have pleasant aromas such as bread, cookies or potpourri in the house prior to showing.
• Turn on the lights in every room. This lightens up the interior to your home and makes it appear larger and more friendly.