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 Sales Associate sell your home faster, at the
best possible price.
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Make the Most of that First Impression
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome
prospects. So does a freshly painted - or at least freshly scrubbed - front
door. 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.
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Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends
Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up in the living room,
the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading,
consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to
your property. Prospects would rather see how great your home really looks
than hear how great it could look, "with a little work."
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Check Faucets and Bulbs
Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or
worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs leave prospects in the dark. Don't let
little problems detract from what's right with your home.
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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 you can easily plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth
the way toward a closing.
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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. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible
for uninitiated visitors.
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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.
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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.
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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 allure, display your best towels,
mats and shower curtains.
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Create Dream Bedrooms
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious
look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains
are a must.
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Open up in the Daytime
Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can
see how bright and cheery your home is.
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Lighten up at Night
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside
- when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and
make prospects feel welcome.
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Avoid Crowd Scenes
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. Keep the company present to a minimum.
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Watch Your Pets
Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're showing your home.
Pets have a talent for getting underfoot. So do everybody a favor: Keep
Kitty and Spot outside, or at least out of the way.
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Think Volume
Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate transaction.
When it's time to show your home, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.
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Relax
Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view
your home with a minimum of distraction.
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Don't Apologize
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If
a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment about your home's appearance,
let your experienced RE/MAX Associate handle the situation.
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Keep a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But RE/MAX Sales Associates know
buyers - what they need and what they want. Your RE/MAX Associate will have
an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the
background.
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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.
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Defer to Experience
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters,
let them speak to an expert - your RE/MAX Sales Associate.
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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!
