Seller's Guide

Consider having your home inspected before you list it. In doing this, you will learn if there are any major repairs needed and can address them before the house goes on the market. This also shows the buyers and their agent that you have been proactive. When it comes to finding the right home inspector, your RE/MAX agent is a great source for recommending someone. Once the inspection is completed, you will be able to determine the next steps in preparing your hom for sale:

Things to think about

• What year was your house built?
• Do your lights flicker, or breakers or fuses blow?
• Do you have a fuse box or electrical panel?
• Do you have aluminum wiring, or knob and tube?
• What condition is your plumbing in?
• How old is your fumace?
• How often do you replace your furnace filters?
• Do you have a water softener?
• Is your roof in good condition?
• Are your windows in good condition?
• What condition is your foundation in?
• If you have a deck or patio, what condition are they in?
• Do you have any water problems?
• Have you had problems with mold and mildew?

Flooring is very important in preparing your home for sale. Buyers want a home that is move-in ready, and the flooring will reveal how well the home has been maintained. Up-to-date flooring is one of the most attractive features for buyers.

Things to think about

• What condition is your carpet in?
• What color is the carpet?
• What style is your carpet-Cut pile or Berber?
• Take into consideration the rooms you are carpeting, as this will help determine
• what style to select.
• If you need to replace your carpet, do you need to re do every room? If not, select something
• that will work with rest of the carpet in the house.
• What style of vinyl flooring do you have?
• Does it need to be replaced?
• Do you have hardwood?
• Does it need to be refinished?
• Do you have hardwood under your carpet?

Buyers want to purchase a home that is move-in ready, and this includes the paint color. If your house is painted in very bright or unusual colors, potential buyers may be turned off or feel they can negotiate on your asking price. Neutral colors are restful to the eye, and most buyers want to live in the home awhile before deciding if they want to change the paint color.

Things to think about

• When was the last time you painted your house?
• Do your walls need to be painted a neutral color?
• If they are already neutral do they need a fresh coat of paint?
• Determine whether or not your house has a warm tone or cool tone before selecting your
• paint color
• Do you have wallpaper?
• Remove all wallpaper and paint a neutral color
• Do your doors and trim need a fresh coat of paint?
• Repair any holes or cracks in the walls and ceilings
• Put a fresh coat of paint on the ceiling to give the entire room a clean look

Buyers want to fulfill a wish list, not a to-do list. When they see a bunch of fix-up projects when walking into your house, they'll tum away faster than you can say "water damage. "Oftentimes it's not one big thing, but a lot of little things that turn buyers away. If there are problems and a significant to-do list, your house will drop to the bottom of their list, or attract an offer much less than what you're looking for. Present buyers with a complete package that is move-in ready-a home they can be comfortable and happy in.

Things to think about

• Front Entrance
  • How do the rooms look from where you are standing?
  • Does your entrance feel specious?
• Kitchen
  • How does the kitchen look and feel when you walk into it?
  • Determine what needs to be done if your kitchen requires some updating
  • How do your cupboards look?
• Living Room
  • Does this room feel inviting?
  • How is your fumiture positioned?
  • Are there any repairs or upgrades needed in this room?
• Dining Room
  • Does this room show its function?
  • Are there any upgrades or repairs needed?
  • How is the furniture positioned?
• Main Floor Family Room
  • What is the focal point in this room? Is it
  • apparent?
  • Are there any upgrades or repains needed?
  • How is the furniture positioned?
• Master Bedroom
  • Do you feel calm walking into this room?
  • How is your furniture positioned?
  • Are there any updates or repairs needed?
• Master Bathroom
  • Are there any updates or repairs needed?
  • Do you feel relaxed when you walk into this room?

Proper furniture placement helps present a room to its full potential. Keep in mind the traffic flow and how the buyers will walk through each room. Lighting is also a key factor. Turn on all lights for pictures and showings. When your furniture and lighting are properly placed, you show off the prime features and allow buyers to see the specific function of each room.

Things to think about

• How much furniture is in each room?
• How is your furniture placed?
• What size is your furniture?
• What condition is your furniture in?
• Do you need to rent or purchase new furniture?
• How much lighting do you have in each room?
• What condition are your permanent light fixtures in?