One of my often used sayings with those selling their home at a listing presentation is: "Marketing a home is not the same as living in one." The rebuttal from property owners is usually a groan.

But I have developed a handy checklist that is a good reference guide for day-to-day pre-showing "must do's." Pass this list on to house and pet sitters, nannies or anyone else who will be responsible for preparing your home for a buyer showing.

Stage it Well

• During daylight open all draperies, shades, and blinds. Natural light is at the top of most buyers' wish lists.

• At night turn on all the lights. Dark homes are not inviting. Don't forget outside light by the front door. Can your house numbers be read at night?

• Have photos of your garden available.

• Consider displaying before and after pictures of major remodeling projects.

• Use feature cards around your home to reinforce home benefits such as air-conditioning or nearby parks in winter months.

Keep it Clean

• Clean sinks, bathrooms before each showing.

• Vacuum rugs and carpets before each showing.

• Wash dirty dishes and put away.

• Empty waste baskets and trash.

• Put away clothes and personal items.

• Organize mail, magazines, and newspapers.

• Fold towels and make beds.

• Eliminate offensive odors from pets or cooking. No smoking in the house when your "on market".

• Keep landscaping neat and mowed. Sweep driveways and sidewalks. Shovel snow.

• Pick up litter on property.

• Clean litter boxes and pet food and water bowls.

• Pick up animal droppings in yard.

Keep it Neutral

• Minimize religious effects.

• Put sexually explicit materials away.

Published: August 8, 2006

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Mark Nash is a Chicago-based residential real estate author, broker and columnist. Mark's analysis, tips and trends are featured in national magazines, newspapers, on network and cable television. His annual year-end forecast; "What's In, What's Out with Homebuyers" is utilized by more than 500 news organizations in North America. Mark's books include: 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home, Real Estate A-Z for Buying & Selling a Home, Fundamentals of Marketing for Real Estate Professionals, Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate and Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing. He is broker associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and his real estate analysis has been featured on: Bloomberg Television, CBS News, CNN, Fox News, HGTV.com, The New York Times, The Today Show, and The Washington Post. The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. featured Nash in March 2007. You can contact Mark at .