Be Ready to Show at All Times

Sellers should be aware that same-day and even last-minute requests for showings are
common. You should always be ready or a showing, so keep your home organized and clean.
Tell the kids to put their toys away when they are done playing and make sure you don't let
those dishes pile up in the sink.

Keep it Flexible

Most agents do try to arrive within the scheduled showing time, but sometimes it isn't possible.
They may get stuck in traffic, or the house they saw prior to your showing took longer than
expected. It happens, and sometimes it happens too late to be fixed by a phone call.

If this happens you may want to stay away from home a little longer than you think is
necessary, just to make sure you don't interrupt a showing.

Pets Must Be Controlled

Pets should be out of the house during showings, especially large dogs, since many people
are afraid of them. A gruff bark coming from inside the house is enough to make some home
buyers turn around at the front door.

Because most people are not aware of odors in their own home, such as those from a pet, you
may want to keep the pets outside or in a controlled area, or maybe just use an air purifier or
freshener. You don't want buyers to remember the home as the house that smells.