Leave easy listening music playing in the house during the showing on your television or stereo. Keep the volume low.

Ensure the house temperature is inviting. If it’s summer time, make sure to set the thermostat to a reasonable temperature.  Having the house set to an uncomfortable temperature because you are not there may limit the amount of time a Buyer will spend in the home. The same holds true for setting winter temperatures as well.

Keep your animal caged if it has an aggressive nature.  If it will bark constantly when strangers are in the house, consider removing it from the house during showings.

For cat owners, clean litter boxes frequently.

For dog owners, tidy up the areas of the yard where they relieve themselves.

Keep the kitchen garbage can clean and free of foods that creates odors.

If you are into heavily aromatic foods, you may want to limit cooking them during this period.  Strong food odors can be a serious distraction for some homebuyers.

Refrain from leaving dirty dishes in the kitchen sink.

Keep dirty clothes picked up and in laundry baskets.

Keep toilets flushed with lids down.

Empty garbage cans throughout the house daily. 

Keep your personal information tucked away from wondering eyes.  Bank, credit card and other financial statements should be secured. Find a safe place for the collection of daily mail.

Collectables and jewelry, as well as prescription drugs, should also be placed in a secure location.

Keep your window blinds up and window treatments open to allow as much light in as possible.

Leave lights on to avoid any appearance that the house has dark areas. If you have any blown out light bulbs replace them immediately.

Make sure that all doors to the outside of the home can be opened.  If a key is required to open them, make sure you place a key near or in each door.

Make sure everyone leaves the house ahead of the scheduled showing time or immediately upon the Buyers arrival.  There is nothing that will make Buyers want to rush through a home quicker than if they think they are intruding.