20 Tips for Selling your home

20 Tips for Selling Your Home

As a homeowner, you play an important part in the timely sale of your property. When you take the following steps, you’ll help your RE/MAX Sales Associate sell your home faster, at the best possible price.

First Impressions
Mow the lawn, trim the shrubs and keep your porch and entryway clean. In the fall, rake the leaves; in winter, shovel the walkways. Keep clutter out of your yard.

Clean, clean, clean
Keep all areas of your home neat and tidy. If the woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, do some touch ups. It is better for people to see how great your home really looks, rather than trying to explain to them how good it could look with a little extra work.

Check Fixtures
Fix drips and replace burned out bulbs. Don't let little problems detract from your home's appeal.

Sticky Doors
If cabinets or closet doors stick, use a plane to smooth the edges of the door.

Safety
Pick up toys, cords and clothing that visitors may trip on.

Make Space
Everyone loves “extra” storage space. Tidy up your attic, closets and basement to show off all the storage space available.

Organize Closets
Closets that are well organized will appear larger. Now is the time to get rid of unwanted items and clothing.

Organize closets, utility rooms, garages, etc.

Bathrooms
Buyers want to see sparkling clean bathrooms. Repair or replace unsightly caulking in bathtubs and damaged faucets. Put out your best towels and floor mats.

Bedrooms
Take excess furniture out of your bedrooms. Clean colorful bed linens help make a room more attractive.

Crowds
Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through.

Pets
Keep pets outside or out of the way. Take your dog for a walk or a ride in the car.

Think Volume
When showing your home, turn off the TV. If you want to leave music playing, make sure it is at a volume everyone would enjoy.

Daytime
You want your home to appear cheery and bright. Open shades and drapes to let the sun shine in!

At Night
You never want your home to seem dark and dreary. Turn on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. This will also make buyers feel more welcome.

Relax
Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.

Don't Apologize
Don’t feel you have to make excuses for things you think your home may be lacking. If someone makes a derogatory comment about your home, let your experienced RE/MAX Agent handle the situation.

Low Profile
If you are unable to leave your home during a showing, keep a low profile. You know your home best, but RE/MAX agents are experienced with buyers. Your RE/MAX agent will be able to handle the tough questions for you.

Don't Open 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.

Experience
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your RE/MAX Sales Associate.

Help Your Agent
Your RE/MAX Associate will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through his or her office. You'll appreciate the results!