Without a broker involved, showing the house is going to be up to you or to your hired help. Showing a house is something of an art and in many cases those few minutes make the difference between a sale and a walk-away. First of all, before you even put the house on the market, you should make as many cosmetic upgrades as financially feasible. Paint the walls, paint the exterior, re-tile the floor, polish the wood, and do some new landscaping. Before your visitors arrive, clean the house. That means putting away clutter, making beds, mopping the floors, and putting dishes away. Light some scented candles if the visit is in the evening, and try to invite the buyers to see your house at the best time of day – night to emphasize the view of the Central Valley, or sunset so the light is hitting your porch just right. Details make a big difference.