(Continued from page 7) They could also prove to be hazardous if someone tripped over them. It‘s best to vacate premises for the day If your trim or siding looks dirty, wash it using an appropriate cleaning solution. (Your hardware store can probâ€" ably give you tips on what‘s best to use.) And if your paintwork is peeling or blisâ€" tering, it‘s time for some cosmetic surgery. A little paint can go a long way to enhance the marketability and curb appeal of your home. If you‘re unable to tackle the job yourself, hire a professionâ€" al for best results. Indoors Indoors, open up curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. This helps show your home to its best advantage. And be sure to move any clutâ€" ter out of sight and rearrange furniture that might impede traffic flow. You want people to fully appreciate all the attributes your home has to offer â€" and they may not feel like opening closets and cupboards or talking about decorating possibilities if you‘re in the house. Make arrangements for you, your chilâ€" dren and pets to have a dayâ€"long outing during the open house. (After all, you don‘t want Fido jumping on or barking at prospective buyers â€" and you certainly don‘t want purchasers to mistakenly let Fluffy, your indoor cat, out the back Rooms should also be thoroughly aired and as fresh as possible â€" particuâ€" larly if you have pets or someone in your family is a smoker. Vacate premises for the day Your Realtor will recommend that you leave the premises during the open house to help make prospective buyers feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. If you‘re in the house, purchasers are likely to be more intimidated and reluctant to give your home the thorough viewing it deserves. $124,900 THE VILLAS â€" Unique 2 Storey 3 Bdr. Condo $153,500/159,900 SOVEREIGN II â€" Bright S/E 2 Bdr + Solarium corner $249,900 ENNISCLAREâ€"ONâ€" THEâ€"LAKE â€" Excellent views of lake. $114,900 THE LIGHTHOUSE â€" 3 Bdr. corner. 1/2 block from Lake. $165,500 SOVEREIGN II â€" Ravine 2 Bdr., 2 Bath corner. Great amenities â€" Pets allowed! $174,900 THE ARBORETUM â€" 2 Bdr. in heart of Glen Abbey Sales Representative "The Results You Need, with the Service You Expect." Royal LePage Real Estt Services Lid., Broker 24 HOUR PAGE \, ooo ||||||||| 1|11 FRANCES WEDLAKE Secure valuables Before you leave, put all personal property like jewelry, medications and fragile items well out of harm‘s way, in a safe, secure storage place. Don‘t leave any money lying around. To make sure everything is secure and ready to receive visitors, quickly inspect your home with your Realtor just before you leave. Realtors know that it‘s important to control traffic in and out of open houses and to have a register for all visitors to sign. If you have any particular concerns about the open house, don‘t be afraid to talk to your Realtor to see what suggesâ€" tions he or she might have. Tips for buyers On the flip side of the coin, if you‘re a buyer attending open houses, keep in mind that viewing an open house is a privilege. Also keep in mind that the Realtor on duty is acting as host of the open house on the vendor‘s behalf. The salesperson should be treated with the same respect you would give the vendor. When asked to identify yourself at an open house, you should sign the guest register. The vendor has the right to request that you sign the register, providâ€" ing your name, address and telephone number. AN INDEPENDENT MEMBER BROKER sufton group â€" people properties inc. It‘s also important to refrain from wandering through the house without the salesperson present. If the Realtor is busy, wait until he or she is able to show you around. After all, the real estate proâ€" fessional will be able to point out the feaâ€" tures of the home and answer any quesâ€" tions you may have. When attending open houses, it‘s also important to clarify up front who you‘re working with â€" particularly if you‘ve been viewing homes with another real estate professional. Keep in mind that the Realtor you‘re working with has gone to a lot of effort on your behalf and won‘t get paid a commission if you switch to another Realtor.