An open house creates excitement and lets a lot of people view the property at once. Even if your neighbors who have no intention of buying come by (and this will happen), they may have friends and friends of friends who are interested in buying a house -- and if they like what they see, they will spread the word. Make sure your open house is a success by:

Placing your house brochure in conspicuous locations around the house
Replacing lightbulbs with bulbs of the highest wattage the fixtures will allow and turning on all the lights -- bright houses are more appealing than dark ones
Keeping draperies and window coverings open
Placing a bowl of fresh fruit such as apples or lemons and limes on the kitchen island or table
Making sure the bathroom towels are clean (or new), beautifully folded, and stacked or hung
Setting your dining room or kitchen table for a meal with your prettiest china and best linen napkins
Storing accumulated mail out of sight and tossing old newspapers and magazines
Cleaning out the fireplace and stacking new logs; if it's cold outside, build a fire
Turning off the TV and softly playing jazz or classical music
Grinding up a fresh lemon or orange in the garbage disposal or simmering some cinnamon and cloves in a pot of water on the stove
Locking up or securely storing small valuables
Keeping pets securely penned or contained so they don't frighten buyers or escape during a viewing

Reprinted from: Invest in Your Nest: Add Style, Comfort, and Value to Your Home by Barbara Kavovit 2006 Rodale Inc. Permission granted by Rodale, Inc., Emmaus, PA 18098. Available wherever books are sold or directly from the publisher by calling (800) 848-4735 or visit their website at www.rodalestore.com.

Published by Rodale; June 2006;$19.95US/$26.95CAN; 1-59486-151-X
Copyright 2006 Barbara Kavovit