While your home is for sale, whenever the phone rings it could be someone who wants to take a look. Here are some guidelines to follow when a prospective buyer asks for a showing:

* Set an appointment for a specific time.
* Always prepare the home before it is shown, even if you have to leave work to do so. Make sure the kitchen and bathrooms are spotless, dishes are in the dishwasher or put away, beds are made, and everything is picked up.
* Turn on lights in every room, open curtains or blinds, and have soft music playing.
* Verify that valuables are put away. Lock up guns and medicines.
* Have copies of your property brochure or flyer available.
* Ask visitors to sign a guest register so that you’ll have their name and contact information.
* Introduce yourself at the front door, but then invite them to tour your home by themselves. Buyers will feel uncomfortable making comments about your home in your presence, so give them as much privacy as possible.
* When they’ve completed their tour, ask them if they have any questions or would like to take a second look at anything.