If you have forgotten your password, you can enter your email here and the password will be emailed to you.
Your My RE/MAX Account will provide you access to the most powerful real estate tools and assist you with finding your next home.
Prepare your Home to Sell
An attractive, well-maintained home will generally sell faster and for a higher price than a similar home that looks tired or run-down. When you prepare your home for sale, take a critical look at the exterior and interior of your home. We've listed some specific areas below that you may want to address. The ExteriorObviously, the outside of your home is the first thing buyers see. Make a good first impression. Step back and take an objective look at the exterior of your home. How can you make it more attractive? Review the following suggestions:
Keep the lawn cut, edged and the shrubs well trimmed.
Remove dead tree limbs and other yard debris
Enliven your landscape with fresh plantings of shrubs or flowers
Arrange outdoor items neatly; put away toys and lawn equipment Check siding, trim and doors (especially the front door) for dirt and peeling paint; wash or touch up with paint where needed
Inspect the condition of your fence and gates and repair or paint if needed Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles or flashing
Clean and repair broken windows or screens
Clean and repair gutters and downspouts Wash the driveway and sidewalk; patch holes and cracks Clean and neatly arrange the garage or shed Make sure the gas grill is ready for use, especially in season Make sure the entry light and doorbell work. (If a repair is needed, fix the entire defect so it will not cause a distraction.)
The Interior Take a look inside your home. Make every room look as spacious, organized, bright and warm as possible. Make your house sparkle and shine. The following suggestions may help:
Wash walls, ceiling and trim; if possible, paint with light neutral colors Repair cracks in plaster Tighten loose doorknobs, pulls on drawers and cabinets, towel racks, switch plates and outlet covers.
Replace decolored or cracked switch plates and outlet covers
Clean and repair light fixtures if necessary
Fix sticking doors and windows, squeaking doors and loose stair banisters
Repair and clean caulking around tubs and sinks
Bathrooms should be sparkling clean with no stains or mildew If necessary, replace shower curtains and set out clean towels Fix leaky faucets; remove stains in sinks, bathtubs and countertops
Bedrooms should appear neat with attractive spreads and curtains
Remove any clutter from kids' rooms, including wall posters
Organize closets and remove clutter; limit the number of items stored overhead or on the floor
Organize the contents of kitchen cabinets and remove clutter from kitchen countertops
Kitchen cabinets, drawers and stove should be especially clean, degreased and free from residues
Make sure garbage is taken out
Clear ash residues from fireplaces
Organize the basement and attic so that they appear as spacious and neat as possible. Discard anything you are not taking with you
Launder draperies, blinds and curtains if necessary
Shampoo carpets and wax floors
If you have not sprayed (or "bombed") for bugs lately, now is a good time
Arrange furniture so that the room appears as spacious as possible
Remove items you are planning to take with you, including chandeliers, coordinating drapes, mirrors, etc.
Remove strong odors from the house
The Buying Atmosphere
The following suggestions are successful during a showing:
How much money you need to purchase your next home
How much you paid for your home
How much you paid for improvements to your home
The value of a similar home in a different community
Area appreciation statistics
The cost to build the same home today
Personal attachment
Remember, the market determines price!