Get the most from open houses
There's one form of marketing that sellers tend to overrate: Open houses. This weekend ritual is more useful for introducing agents to prospective buyers than it is for selling a home. An open house might generate some interest, but realize that many people hit the open house circuit to check out décor, get ideas for remodels, and to dream.

There is one type of open house that is highly useful—an agent's open, where local real estate agents are invited to tour your home. These are the open houses most likely to generate a buyer, and less likely to generate stress. Expect the agent you sign with to do a couple of agent's opens: one where they bring the agents who work in their office on a tour of your home, and another when they bring local agents from other offices through. A final note on allowing strangers access to your house: Do put small valuables, jewelry and the like away in a safe deposit box before putting your house on the market.

Follow your agent's advice on whether you need to be present for open houses and showings. Generally, it's good to have an owner present for the agent's open to answer questions about the house. Owners shouldn't linger during public open houses, or when agents are showing prospective buyers the house. Leaving during showings accomplishes two things: It allows prospective buyers to truly shop your house without fear of offending you. It also protects you from the temporary insanity of hating the strangers who hate your carpet. Most real estate agents aren't this blunt so we'll say it—excessive hovering by an owner scares potential buyers away.

General Preparation
Planned open house appointments will allow you time to prepare. But oftentimes, the window of opportunity to expose your property to a motivated buyer can be small. So every time you leave your home, make sure it is ready for an unexpected showing. When preparing your home, think about the techniques used to show builder's model homes or what you might do to prepare for honored guests.

• Review pointers from "First Impressions" checklist, particularly regarding
  cleanliness, clutter, and repairs-interior and exterior

• Create as light, cheerful and serene an environment as possible

• Open drapes and light lamps including those in closets, basement or attic

• Add a welcoming touch by filling candy dishes and putting out fresh flowers

Bedrooms

• Make beds, put clothes and toys away, keep decorator pillows orderly.

• Turn blinds so slats are uniformly open. Put on light if room is dark, including bathrooms

• Put on clean hand towel, fresh soap and soap dish

• Put commode lid down and ensure tissue id adequate

• Potpourri dish can provide a nice sight and scent

Dining Room

• Arrange inviting centerpiece

• Consider setting the table with fine china and linen

• Light chandelier

Kitchen

• Put away last minute dishes and conceal countertop articles

• Simmer a few drops of vanilla on stove

• Make a pot of fresh coffee
  Consider making a fresh cookies

Living Room/Family Room/Den

• Straighten pictures on walls

• Adjust couch cushions and throw pillows

• Dispose of newspapers and drink containers, and polish tabletops

• Light fireplace in winter

Entryway

• When exiting just before buyers arrive, turn around at front door and see the vantage point? Is it an asset?

Notify your neighbors of scheduled open house days, and assure them they'll be welcome. Their eagerness to discover decorating ideas for their own homes may actually result in them turning up a buyer among their friends.