| New RE/MAX program helps Canadian homeowners secure the value of their biggest investment As home sellers across the country adjust to new market realities, RE/MAX has launched Fit to Sell, an innovative new program designed to secure home equity in uncertain times. "The stark reality is that more than 2,000 properties are listed for sale every day in Canada," explains Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada, "yet only a quarter of them will be sold. With the creation of Fit to Sell, RE/MAX is intent on helping Canadians get the most out of their biggest investment - their home." RE/MAX has enlisted the help of popular staging expert Carla Woolnough, host of the DVD series ‘How to Stage your own Home' and owner of Nex-Step Design, to develop Fit to Sell. The program encourages existing homeowners to increase their stake in the home-selling process by working with their real estate professional to bring their home to the market. Fit to Sell ultimately rewards their participation by maximizing sale price and minimizing on-market time. "Sellers are no longer in the driver's seat but there's also no reason for them to take a back seat," explains Polzler. "We know that location, price, and condition are the three major factors that come into play when selling a home - and while location and price are clearly choices made by the buyer at the onset, condition is the one factor that a seller can influence. Sellers who make the right moves in preparing their home for sale can maximize their housing potential and ultimately improve their bottom line. After all, there are still buyers in the market and they are looking for quality product." RE/MAX and Carla Woolnough, the national spokesperson for RE/MAX Fit to Sell, have created a checklist of the top 10 priorities for preparing a property for sale, ranging from air quality to furniture placement and lighting. The checklist and tips can also be found on http://www.fittosell.ca/ "By following these simple and inexpensive tips, homeowners across the country can secure top dollar for their properties,' says Carla. "All it takes is a little upfront planning and some advice from your RE/MAX sales professional." These items can determine whether or not a buyer will make an offer on your home. Most people don't think about these but they are an important part of preparing your home for sale. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the house, and if the home is not presented in a manner that will allow them to do that easily, most buyers will move on. Things to think about - What year was your house built?
- Have you had any water issues?
- Check for mold or mildew
- Inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace if needed
- Avoid cooking with strong seasonings and foods that have a lingering smell
- Remove your pets while the house is on the market
- Remove any signs of the pets (e.g. food and water bowls, toys, litter box, leashes)
- If your pets must stay in the house, hide any sign of your pet during showings
- Keep the litter box out of sight and cleaned daily
- What time of year are you selling?
- Are there going to be any holidays during that time?
- Decorate using items that are simple and nondenominational
- Any holiday specific decorations need to be removed immediately after the celebrations
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