Occasionally, you will receive a call to schedule a showing to take place within the next few minutes.

The following is a checklist for this type of panic:

Sound:                 Turn off the television and tune the radio (low volume) to a soft rock, middle of the road or classic rock station.

Sight:                        Turn on every light in the house (day or night) and open every drape and blind (daytime only).

Odors:                      Heat some frozen pastry slowly in the oven, or heat a pan of water on the stove and drop in a few drops of vanilla or potpourri.

Kitchen:                   Wipe counters, place dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

Bathrooms:              Wipe counters, flush and close toilets.

Living Room:           Hide magazines and newspapers, remove clutter.

Family room:           Hide magazines, games and newspapers, remove clutter.

Bedrooms:               Straighten beds, hide clutter under bed (not in closet).

Exterior:                   Put away toys and clutter.  Keep walkways clear.

Pets:                         They are a distraction, so send them outside.

Goodbye:                 Sorry, this is the single most important thing you can do in a showing to help sell your home!  Even if the showing agent insists that it's O.K. to stay, you must leave.  Buyers must get emotionally committed to your  home to buy it and they cannot become emotional about their "new home" if you, the current owners, are present.  Please, at the very least, go into the backyard.  Even better, go to the store.