It's best to have a lock box on the property. Making your home convenient for all agents to show, will insure that your home isn't bypassed. Productive successful agents don't have time to collect and return keys to broker offices in various locations.

It's also best to be away for showings. This means both you and your pets whenever possible. Many people are afraid of dogs and cats. Also it insures that your pet isn't accidently let out. Purchasers like to look at a home at their leisure. An anxious or "helpful" seller will inhibit questions, answers and commentary between the agent and their clients. If you must be at home for the showing, stay out of sight.

I'm also going to break ranks with many advice suggestions. Keep the stereo turned OFF! Many stations blast advertising on what is an otherwise soft music channel. What sounds like a reasonable volume with the hustle and bustle of your family leaving the house for a showing, can often end up sounding far too loud when the house is empty. Agents and clients will often talk constantly while walking through a home. Having to talk over background sounds is distracting and often annoying.