Now the preparations are finished. You're tired from the entire fix up and clean up. The good news is you're almost done. All that needs doing now are the atmosphere setters.

Before a showing there are a number of little things you can do to complete the picture on which you have been working so hard...

• Put a little vanilla on a cookie sheet and heat it in the oven to give the effect of freshly baked cookies or bread. A scented candle also works well.
  

• Turn on all the lights, even if the sun is shining. This makes the house feel larger and warmer.
  

• Open all curtains and drapes to let in as much light as possible.
  

• Turn on a little classical or other soft music for background.
  

• It it's cold out, turn up the heat. If it's hot out turn up the air conditioning.

• If it's a perfect day, open the windows to let in the fresh air.

Now it's time to let the Realtor do their job. Take a walk or drive while the buyers are in the house with the Realtor. Buyers feel very uncomfortable looking at, or talking about, you house when you are in it. Many are unable to imagine living it it themselves if they feel you are still "home" there. What you want is to let the buyers absorb the wonderful atmosphere you have created, to allow themselves to be comfortable in it, and to fantasize about living in this house.

If you have dog it's a good idea, if possible, to take the dog with you. Many people are fearful of dogs. Buyers can't fantasize if they are afraid they are about to be bitten or jumped on. Remember this fear does not have to be based on reality (your dog may be perfectly friendly) to have a negative effect on the potential sale to these buyers. If the dog must stay, it's best to contain him or her securely, away from the buyers, perhaps in the garage, in the basement, or in the yard.