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 Mountain High Real Estate sell your home faster, at the best possible price.

1. Make the most of that first impression Well maintained grounds, 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 needles. If it's winter, shovel the walkways. We want to keep the obstacles between your prospects and the true appeal of your home to a minimum.

2. 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. Prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look, "with a little work."

3. 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. 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 fix them. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.

4. 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 visitors.

5. 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 these areas are clean and free of unnecessary items.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 clean window shades are a must.

9. Open up in the daytime Let the sun shine in!
Pull back your or roll up your window shades so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Watch your pets Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're showing your home. If possible keep your pets out of the way and the kitty litter box.

13. Think volume Set a mood with Smooth jazz, soft classical music. 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.

14. Relax! Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.

15. 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 Realtor handle the situation.

16. Keep a low profile Nobody knows your home better than you. But your Realtor knows buyers; what they need and what they want. Your realtor will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.

17. 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.

18. Defer to experience When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your Realtor.

19. Help your agent Your realtor will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through the office. You'll appreciate the results.

20. Call Rick Raduziner and Mountain High Real Estate for a FREE market analysis.