Before I give you what is a quick, easy run through your house that you can do in a matter of a few minutes, keep in mind, your house needs to be thoroughly cleaned regularly. This is not a cleaning solution, simply a solution to prepare for those agents who did not or could not give you much notice to show your house. You should be able to accomplish most this in under 30 minutes, and consider it a great cardio workout at the same time! (Of course if your house is huge it may take a little longer)

- First, take an empty laundry basket and collect all the clutter around the house, toys, unopened mail, papers, etc. The trunk of your car is a great hiding place to get it out of sight.

- Put all the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and run at least the rinse cycle if there is time. Wipe out the sink. Wipe the counters with throw away wipes or an all purpose cleaner and a towel. Remember... simplify the decor so that quick wipe ups don't require tons of time because of too much sitting out.

- Take Lysol or similar wipes and clean up all bathrooms, make the chrome and the mirrors shine when you are done.

- Swiffer and Clorox both have mops with disposable covers that do a quick likkety split clean up to ceramic and vinyl floors. Run the vacuum over carpeted floors.

- Run a feather duster over all dark furniture first (dark ones show dust more), then light furnishings.

- Take out the trash... this eliminates all odors that could occur from your cleaning supplies and other garbage.

- Keep "Plug-ins" or similar room deodorizers on hand and working. Less time worrying what your home smells like to people who don't live there.

- Make sure that you put away the vacuum, the duster and anything else you used or that is sitting out.

- Next... LEAVE!! Take the dog and kids or a walk. Or take a drive in your car (now full of laundry and kids toys in baskets). Don't crowd your potential buyers! THIS IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE! Agents KNOW what their buyers are looking for and can point out things that would make that buyer get emotional and want to make your home theirs. Don't hang around to answer questions and definitely don't follow them through your house. By all means, DO NOT try to show them your house yourself. Your pride of ownership will show by the way your house is kept. Not by you pointing out every tiny detail. They just want to look at the house not feel like they HAVE to look at everything that is important to you. The buyers don't have time to enjoy the things that are important to them if you are in their way, and they also are left with an uncomfortable feeling. Not the warm and cozy welcome that you want them to have when they leave.

Good luck with your home sale and your move!