1. Less is More: Most realtors suggest that you not hold open houses too often, lest potential buyers - and other realtors - think there's a problem with the property. So, how often should you hold an open house?

This depends on your home's location, its selling price, your timeframe for selling, the average days on market* for your area, etc.

2. Go Away: As in, make yourself scarce during the open house. Let your realtor handle it.

This serves two purposes: (i): potential buyers will be more comfortable looking around and asking questions of the realtor; and (ii) the realtor will be more comfortable answering questions and explaining away potential problems without worrying about if they're hurting your feelings or stepping on your toes.

3. Go Generic: As in, remove as many personal photos, children's art work, etc. as possible. Again, buyers need to be able to picture themselves, their family in your space.

4. Valuables: Remove all private, person and financial documents from view. Put them in a safe place - preferably in some kind of home safe.

While the great majority who attend open houses are upstanding citizens, open houses are an excellent way for potential thieves to case your house for future robbery, or snatch up what's easily accessible right then.

5. Keys: While this could be under the previous tip, I wanted to separate it out because many homeowners over look it. Always keep all extra keys to your home with you. Don't leave them under the mat, over the doorjamb, on the key hangar by the front door, etc. It's too easy for someone to simply take them and come back and clean you out later.

Finally, if you decide to hold your home open to the public--keep personal safety in mind and hide or remove valuables and private documents.

6. Clean Means Green: I know we discussed cleanliness in Part I of this article, but a further note about this. Cleaning your home for an open house should go beyond your regular cleaning. Things like dust along baseboards, windowsills and on tops of cabinets should be addressed.