NOTE:  Please Also Read the TOP DOLLAR page and send for our Newsletter for more info. Are you ready for showings and buyers?  Before you start showing the house,  it's a good idea to line up a title company, lawyer, some advertising contacts, maybe an appraiser and a home inspector too.  With these bases covered, you are ready to put out the sign and start the ads.  All of a sudden, somebody wants to see your house!  That's exciting, and maybe a little scarey too.  For showings, it is best to get the house as clean and fresh as you can.  Install brighter lights than usual.  Don't go overboard with air fresheners, but do light a few candles if you like.  Perhaps you can sprinkle some cinnamon on a baking sheet in the oven?  This smells like an apple pie baking - which is a fragrance most people like.  Best to keep pets out of sight if possible, since some people might be allergic or otherwise averse to animals. To avoid wasting your time with people who cannot afford your house, you will probably want to qualify your 'buyers' before you let them in the house.  This means you need to find out if their financial situation is strong enough for them to buy your house.  See Buyers page for more info.  Once you welcome them into your home, it is best to give a tour, ask what they like about the house, and if they have any dislikes, and then offer printed flyers about your house so they will remember it.  A guest book is nice, so they can sign in.  If it helps, you can tell them that providing their address will allow you to notify them of a price reductions should one take place.  It's not a bad idea to send them a thank you card after they visit your home.         Some sellers try having showings only on weekends, or only on Sundays.  These sellers may invite any buyers to come on a certain day and time, such as Sunday between 2 and 4 PM.  This schedule cuts down on the nuisance of frequent showings, making a seller's life a little easier - but you might lose a buyer who is in a hurry.  In the end, this is up to you.  For more info, please sign up for our free BY OWNER Newsletter >  byowner@fsbo-toledo.com