Selling a Home
As a homeowner, you can play an important part in the timely sale of your property. When you take the following steps, you'll help your RE/MAX First associate sell your home faster, at the best possible price.

1. Make the Most of that First Impression
   A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does an appealing entry. A freshly painted front door maximizes appeal. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.
   
   
2. Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends
   Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your walls or woodwork are scuffed or the paint is fading it's best to have it look fresh. If you're worried about time, hire professional cleaners or painters to get your house ready. Remember, prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look "with a little work."
   
   
3. Check Faucets and Bulbs
   Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks, and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs or loose, hanging or faulty wiring leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems detract from what's right with your home.
   
   
4. Don't Shut Out a Sale
   If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's mind. Don't try to explain away sticky situations when they can be easily resolved. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.
   
   
5. Think Safety
   Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps: roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low hanging overhead lights. This will help buyers to focus on your home rather than avoiding
   
   
6. Make Room for Space
   Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They're looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items. Some sellers will use temporary off-site storage.
   
   
7. Consider Your Closets
   The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now's the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity. Neat and orderly closets send the right message.
   
   
8. Make Your Bathrooms Sparkle
   Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added appeal, display your best towels, mats, and shower curtains.
   
   
9. Create Dream Bedrooms
   Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture and clutter. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.
   
   
10. Let the Sun Shine in!
    Freshly cleaned windows can make an enormous difference in the appeal of your home. Also, pull back your curtains and drapes and open your blinds so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.
    
    
11. Make your whole house bright
    Turn on the appeal by turning on your lights. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome. Especially important are dark areas such as basements, attics, garages and closets that can be made to feel welcome when they are well lit.
    
    
12. Avoid Crowd Scenes
    Potential buyers often feel uncomfortable when they view a home when the seller is present. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through or avoid rooms that are occupied. Hint: Buyers tend to spend more time in a home if they feel as though they are not intruding.
    
    
13. Watch Your Pets
    Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot and can make some buyers uncomfortable. So, do everybody a favor: Take Kitty and Spot for a walk, or at least keep them out of the way.
    
    
14. Turn Down the Volume
    Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your home make it relaxing for the buyer; turn off the TV and music.
    
    
15. Don't Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
    When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.
    
    
16. Defer to Experience - It's the Experience®
    If the buyer or their agent want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to an individual who has your best interets in mind - your RE/MAX First agent.
    
    
17. Help Your Agent
    Your RE/MAX First agent will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through our office. You'll appreciate the convenience. In addition if a buyer approaches you directly to see your home, for your safety and peace of mind find out how to contact them or have them call us. We'll take it from there.