and some new-fashioned, marketing tools.

• The "For Sale" Sign Despite our leaps in technology, the "For Sale" sign continues to be an extremely effective way to advertise. Anybody responding to your sign is a solid lead because they've seen your home with their own eyes.

• Traditional media We may choose any or all of the following: classified ads in the newspaper (often with a photo), ads in real estate publications, property listings on cable television and good old-fashioned mail. Neighbourhood mailers can be incredibly effective.

• The power of the Internet If you decide to have your home listed on a real estate Board's MLS® System, you can also have your home advertised on www.REALTOR.ca, Canada's most popular Internet research tool for residential real estate, and a big reason why over 85% of Canadians who search for a home start their search on the Internet.

• We know how to network. We are a part of an extensive community of REALTORS® who collectively represent hundreds of eager buyers. We can call other realtors, who can call other realtors, who can call other realtors.

Ultimately, your home itself becomes a selling tool

• Start with an open house. Open House is an efficient way to attract realtors and their buyers to see your home with their own eyes.

  Many buyers want to get a feel for your neighbourhood before they start working with a realtor. That's why Open Houses to the public are so important. They usually last a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday, and there are a few simple but important rules to follow.

• Make sure your home looks its finest Your best buyer may just walk in off the street!

• Lock away valuables Most folks are decent, courteous and honest, but it's wise to stash away jewelry, cameras and other small valuables. You can ask us to request a name and phone number from every visitor for added security.

• Attend to any hazards Is there an electrical cord somebody could trip on? Is there a chair that will collapse if somebody actually sits in it? Fix it, or lose it.

• Avoid cooking foods with strong aroma Almost nobody's dream home smells like smoked herring!

• The best way you can help: Don't be there You want people to feel relaxed and daydream that your home is their home. This just isn't possible with you there. Go see a movie, or take your pets on a field trip.

• A "lock box" makes it easier to show your home A "lock box" is a small, secure box that's affixed to your front doorknob. It's a mini safe with a key to your house inside. We are given a combination to the lock box, so they can show your home to interested buyers.

Be patient with visits. Hopefully they will lead to a great offer, soon.