The "Open House" game is one that many realtors play to prove to you that they are really doing something to sell your home. Most realtors don't even like these showings, but they're a necessary evil. One type of "open house" is only for realtors, it's called a realtor's tour and usually involves as many as 50 to 100 agents from different firms flying through your home in a few minutes. If your agent has done a good job of packaging the marketing of your home, these realtor tours can help move your home fast. Otherwise, be prepared to do "open house" showings, usually on weekends. Here's what to expect and what you'll have to do for "open house."

• Make sure everything is spic 'n span from the front door to the back fence. Focus especially on kitchens and bathrooms. If you have a microwave, clean it thoroughly.
• Clean all the floors and vacuum the carpet, and be sure hardwood floors have a nice glossy shine.
• Throw out all trash, newspapers and any stinky garbage. Dispose of any old food from the refrigerator (yes they're going to look in there) and place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb any odors. Turn on the garbage disposal and run cold water through it to clear out any debris. Then pour a pine-scented cleaner into it for a few seconds. It really freshens up the sink.
• Clean out the fireplace grate of any old ashes or half-burned logs. If you're showing is during the cold months, a nice fire in the fireplace will really improve the way your den or living room looks. Be sure you have a glass-fronted fire screen
• Just before you leave (and believe me, you do not want to hang around for the "open house") you can always slip a roast in the oven on low, the aroma is terrific. You can achieve a similar effect with baked cookies or vanilla extract heated in the microwave. You can also purchase small electric scent heaters that you can hide behind a pot plant that will emit fragrant smells. Just be sure to turn it off when you get home.
• A word about valuables: don't leave any lying around. If you have laptop computers, firearms or jewelry, arrange for them to be stored or take them with you when you leave. The family silver can probably stay, but put it out of sight. The delicate and often valuable vases, porcelains and crystals can also stay, but move them to the back of shelves or into locked display cabinets. Turn off all the TVs, computers and stereos.
• Show your agent how to arm your alarm system if you have one, and ask them to turn it on when they're ready to leave. Also insist they turn off all lights and any electronics they may have turned on. Finally, make sure they know to lock all windows and doors as they leave. Most already know this, but sometimes you just have to gently remind them.