At RE/MAX, we understand that you want to sell your home fast for the best possible price.  The little things can help add value and appeal to your home, most for free or low cost.  Here are some tips on how to get your home ready for the sale.

First Impressions are Lasting
Welcome prospects with neatly trimmed shrubbery, clutter-free porches and decks, and clean doors and glass.  If the paint is failing on your trim, give it a quick coat of paint to make it look brand new.  Rake your lawn, shovel your sidewalk, or mow your grass depending on the season.  Pick up children's toys, garden hoses, or anything else that will distract the viewer from what a gem your home is.

Cleanliness is Sales Potential
Be sure that your house is clean before prospects come over.  A few misplaced socks on the floor or dishes in the sink will draw attention away from the beauty of your home.  Potential buyers don't want to see what a house looks like when it's lived in, or imagine what it could be with a little work.  They want to see a pristine example of what their new home can be for them.  Fix scuffed woodwork or countertops, replace wall coverings that are torn, and spruce up the paint where needed.  Washing those prints off the walls will just take a few minutes while adding a great deal of appeal to your home.

Keep Them in the Closets
If your closet doors stick or hang, get yourself a planer and scrape away the nuisance.  Human nature dictates that most prospects will remember the bad better than the good, so don't give them anything bad to remember.  Also keep in mind that the better organized your closets and cupboards are, the larger they will look.  Invest in some storage containers or extra hangers so that the viewers don't get hung up in your closets.

Make it Work to Work the Sale
Replace those light bulbs, fix those drippy faucets, clean up the discoloration in your sinks or toilets, replace that yellowed and cracked caulking, and help work your way toward that sale.  This lack of distraction will help press the usability and beauty of your kitchens and bathrooms.

Keep it Roomy
People need space.  Remove extra furniture from your rooms to show off just how much space you can have.  Give prospects room to imagine what they will put there, not to see what you've done with it.  Clean out your basement and attic so they can get a feel for how many things they can store there.  Try to keep guests, pets, and even family members to a minimum while showing your home.  Let them own the situation instead of feeling like an intrusion.  If they feel at home while they look they're more likely to make it their home after they look.

Let Your RE/MAX Agent Do it for You
Your RE/MAX agent is qualified to sell your home, so don't leave them out of the showing process.  Be sure to schedule all viewings through their office.  During a showing, don't answer questions about your home unless directed by your agent to do so.  Let your helpful agent discuss the terms of sale and price, and just try to stand back and stay out of the way while your qualified RE/MAX agent works their magic. 

Last Minute Preparations
Now that your RE/MAX agent and potential buyer are outside, it's time to set the mood.  Be sure that any drapes are open, allowing the sunlight to stream through your home.  If it's dark out, have all the lights on.  Turn off that TV or radio - You don't want your prospects dreaming of Genie instead of dreaming about your home.

Relax
Your RE/MAX agent is there to help you sell your home.  Rest assured that they're doing the best to get you there.  Sit back, take a deep breath, and smile...Your qualified RE/MAX agent has you covered.