Answers by Zohra Emery

As long as your friend the realtor fullfills her due diligence and contractual agreement as specified by the code of ethics and the board of realtors, there will be no harm in hiring her to represent you.

Realtors typically hold 1 to 3 open houses per listing, depending on the market, property type, and level of interest.

1. Deep Clean Everything Clean carpets, windows, baseboards, and appliances Eliminate pet or smoke odors Consider hiring a professional cleaning crew 2. Declutter & Depersonalize Remove personal photos, excess furniture, and clutter Create a neutral, open feel so buyers can imagine themselves living there 3. Make Repairs Fix leaky faucets, cracked tiles, broken door handles, etc. Patch holes in walls and touch up paint Ensure all light bulbs work and match in color temperature 4. Neutral Paint & Light Touch-Ups Freshen walls with neutral, light tones (like greige or soft white) Repaint bold or dark colors to appeal to a wider audience 5. Boost Curb Appeal Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and plant flowers Power wash walkways and siding Paint or clean the front door and replace worn house numbers 6. Stage the Home Arrange furniture to maximize space and flow Use light staging: fresh towels, new throw pillows, and subtle décor Highlight focal points (like fireplaces or views) 7. Professional Photography Hire a photographer to take high-quality listing photos Consider 3D tours or drone shots, especially if the property has views or land 8. Pre-Inspection (Optional) Identifies issues you can fix upfront to avoid surprises during escrow