If you're committed to holding an open house, here's how to do it right.

1. Clean and repair your home. It should go without saying, but clean your house as if you were going to eat off the floors. Also, consider making minor cosmetic repairs and upgrades such as touching up paint and planting fresh flowers.Make sure you move the cat box (if you have one) to the garage and keep it clean. Use baking soda in between cleanings to help with the odor. Worst fear is that people will think your pet smell is in the carpet and not the little box. "If it smells, it don't sell"...

2.  De-clutter. Put away the ceramics collection, toys and things lining the bathroom and kitchen counters.  A crowded house makes it look smaller and makes it harder for buyers to imagine it as their own.

3.  De-personalize. Take down family photos, trophies and other personal touches, even that book on your nightstand. Buyers need to imagine the house as a blank slate.

4. Consider holding an early viewing just for the locals. For instance, if you are having an open house from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., invite your neighbors from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. It will make them feel good, and allow the agent to focus on the most interested parties when the real open house starts.

5. Promote heavily.  Make sure your open house is listed on the MLS and on other Internet sites such as  Craigslist.com.

6. Aroma. Bake some cookies or light a lot of candles in the same scent (I recommend Vanilla or Sweet Pea). Vanilla creates a warm "home" scent but a floral candle is great at masking pet odors and creating a light and airy feel to the home. Be sure to use the same scent throughout the home so you don't overwhelm people.