Answers by Rene Hauck

This can be a hard one, especially if you have worked hard to clean your home. However, it always amazes me how sensitive buyers are to animal and food smells. You need to trust your agent's professional advice; they are trying to help you get the most money for your home. You may want to contact different cleaners - In my market, a whole house cleaning is around $250.

Remove existing window screens, change light bulbs to a daytime bulb, and add a few lamps. If you have dark paint colors, consider painting - Alabaster by SW is a great color

It is best to start having that conversation early so you can be ready and fully aware of how the process works. It's also a good idea to have a realtor set you up on a search early so you can see what you can purchase within your price range and how quickly homes are selling. It usually takes a few weeks to find the perfect home and about another 30 days to close. In the past, I've had renters contact me a month before their lease is up, and we are scrambling to find them a home and close within the timeframes they would like.

No you do not need to sign a buyer's agreement to tour an open house.