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 and then after the staging and streamling is completed, the question is what do we need to do before each time our home is shown? I 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.

Following these simple tips by Mark Nash author of four books including his latest 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home and as a regular columnist for RealtyTimes.com will make your home shine in the best possible light. Plus you'll be anxious to know how the showing went. I've included some standard "showing feedback" and what it means to home sellers.

-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 front door. Can your house numbers be read at night?

-Have photos of your garden available. Remember to display 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.

-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.

-Minimize religious effects.

-Put sexually explicit materials away.

After the showing you'll be able to get feedback from the buyers agent. Here is some common feedback and what it means.

-First day out.=Just started home search, could come back.

-They're thinking about taking another look.=Second showings usually show elevated interest, but if it isn't how they remembered it, it's over.

-Loved it!=Looks like they could be writing an offer.

-It's on their short list of homes to buy.=Find out what your competition is.

-They have some questions.=Good sign, serious interest. Don't be vague or untimely with answers.

-They want to bring their parents back.=Family members or friends can build confidence in or kill a home sale.

-Nice first floor (in a 2-story home).=The second floor layout or number of bedrooms on the second floor didn't work.

-Too many projects.=Buyers are not prepared to do major updating or remodeling.

-Too much wallpaper.=If this becomes reoccurring feedback, take it down.

-Poor room flow.=Hard to change.

-Tired or needs tender loving care (TLC).=Buyers can't see past the clutter, dirt, or damaged walls, floors, or fixtures.

-Overpriced.=Be thankful they're honest. The rule of thumb is after 20 showings or 30 days and no offers, you need to adjust the price, and not up!

-Just didn't work.=The buyers might not have clear home parameters, or their agent stretched them.

-Nice house, wrong location.=The house worked but buyers have different location needs than your home offers.