Part 3 – Final Touches

• Freshen up. It could be argued that of the five senses smell is the most influential on our kneejerk response to something. Open all of the windows, and then set floor fans in each of the rooms, and let natural airflow help carry away that lived in olfactory presence. Then, close all of the widows and make plans to be out of the house for an hour or so. Before you leave use an air sanitizer and go bananas with it. Spray every room in the house thoroughly. Also use a fabric scent sanitizer for curtain, couches, etc. Follow up with plug-in air fresheners that will keep the house smelling pleasant on a daily basis. 
• Have the carpets cleaned. Doing so will not only make a huge difference is the appearance of the house, it will eliminate odors as well.
• Deep clean shelves and the interior of appliances. There is the possibility that someone will take a quick moment to peer inside the oven or pantry cabinets. If either of these is dirty it’s a major turn off. Scrub things thoroughly, and if necessary use fresh shelf liners.
• Un-clutter the kitchen. Visit any home and you’re likely to find the kitchen overflowing with stuff. Unread mail, homework assignments, blenders, coffee maker, utensils. Try the 80/20 rule. Remove 80% of these things from sight and leave 20% so the space still looks a little lived in.
• Appeal to people’s sense of taste by displaying a container of seasonal fruit and vegetables on the countertop or table. The human eye will make a quick connection with the space being a great place to eat.
• Light it up. Turn the lights on in any and all spaces that benefit from it while guests are touring. Even if it’s daylight outside, people will respond best to well lit areas. For example, a bathroom with a window should still be shown with the light on. Also, as soon as dusk sets turn on outdoor accent lighting.