In this competitive housing market it's important to be inventive when it comes to showing your house.

A perfect example of this is the television series, "Date My House," on TLC. In this program, prospective buyers are invited to stay the night in a home they are considering to purchase. The idea is that by spending more time there and testing the waters they'll have the opportunity to really get acquainted with the home, and hopefully envision living happily ever after there.

Now you may not be comfortable letting strangers stay the night in your home, but there are less extreme ways to woo buyers.

First of all, you want to take away anything that's too personal. Just as you wouldn't show pictures of your ex on a first date, put certain things away. You want to engage the buyer emotionally and leaving out family pictures and your children's artwork just reminds them that the house belongs to someone else.

Secondly, set the mood. Really think romance here. If you want them to fall in love with your home have soft lighting, light the fireplace if it's cold outside, play instrumental music in the background, offer finger food and drinks, put out flowers. The longer they linger, the harder they'll fall head over heels.

Thirdly, get out of there. Let your agent play matchmaker; there's no need for you to be the third wheel on this date. This is a time for the home and the buyer to get to know each other better.

And lastly, be gracious. Leave them a note on the way out explaining that you appreciated their visit. Encourage feedback as well. After you've "wined and dined" them so to speak, they'll feel more obligated to respond to the request.

The bottom line here is be creative and thoughtful as you begin to show your home. And hopefully the date will lead to an "I do" on the final sale papers.

Published: August 5, 2008

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Tara Darby is a head anchor for Realty Times. She began her career in television soon after her reign as Miss Alabama USA 2004. She also landed in the Top Ten lineup at The Miss USA Pageant and participated in a special Miss USA Fear Factor on NBC. Obviously fear was not a factor for her since she won the competition! Later, she appeared as a special guest on Larry King Live to share her experiences. After that the media opportunities grew and so did her love of the camera, and thus her career began. Since then she has hosted several shows including two national series, and a new home builder show.