Once you have inspected your house and  you are now ready for a showing.

Following you will find a checklist of steps to take to prepare your home to show well.

• Open all drapes, blinds, etc.
• Air out the house to get rid of cooking, pet odours, and so on.
• Have fresh flowers in view.
• Pick up clutter, and empty garbage.
• Make sure everything is spotless.
• Set your thermostat at a comfortable level.
• Remove pets from the house or put them outside.
• Leave when the house is being shown
• In poor weather, provide a place for boots, overshoes and umbrellas.
• Display photos of the house in summer to show landscaping if selling in the winter months.
• Leave out heating and hydro bills.
• For those on a septic system and/or well, leave out inspection and maintenance
• As long as the day is not sweltering, dramatize your open hearth with a small fire, or turn on your gas fireplace.
• If you have a smoker in the house, empty ashtrays and spray room
• Turn on lights from top to bottom, even in the daytime;
• Turn off TV, dishwasher and any other noisemakers.
• If you leave your stereo on, play neutral easy-listening music very softly.
• Make beds up with the best spreads, put toilet seats down, display newish towels.
• If you have time and the right linens set a beautifully-set dining-room table.