Tips 1 - 5 | Tips 6 - 10 | Tips 11- 15 | Tips 16 - 20

Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.

Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.

Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot. Keep them outside the house, or at least out of the way.

Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your home, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.

Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.