Tips on how to make your sale more successful and get the highest return:

• Leave on the utilities. Water, trash, and power are essential. Cable for TV's are helpful.

• Do not pile everything in boxes and haul them out to porches and garages.

• If housekeeping standards are below average, consider some basic cleaning. We can arrange for this.

• Don't start giving away items you may think are worthless. Tools, kitchenware, costume jewelry, books and linens are good sellers and can add substantially to the sale total.

• Leave appliance booklets for both major and minor appliances for the new owner and for items to be sold.

• Let friends and neighbors know about the sale. They are often the best buyers.

• Do not let strangers in the house, especially after the ad is out. They may be "casing" the house or just nosey.

• The odor of cigarettes and cigars will hurt the sale. If you are a smoker in a non smoker's home, consider limiting your tobacco use while indoors.

• Help us by providing any sales receipts, old appraisals, documents or copies of these items.

• If the house has termites, fleas, or rodents, these should be eliminated before a sale.

• Do not take the light bulbs out of the lamps and over head lights. Good lighting helps a sale and lamps will not sell if they aren't working.

• We need keys to get in the house and to any cabinets or safes.