Q: I have been trying to sell my condo in Conchas Chinas for over a year and so far no offers. What should I do to get it sold fast at the best price?

A: Prospective buyers form their opinions about your property within the first 15 seconds. Therefore, you have to make your home as appealing as possible, as quickly as possible to the broadest clientele you can. The new buyers need to imagine themselves in your property, living the good life. Otherwise, they will not be interested in your property and you may never get an offer.

The first thing to do is make a good first impression. Re-paint your front door and change the old hardware. Place planters on either side of the door with flowers in vibrant colors that excite the senses. Inside the entry way, make sure the paint is creamy white and fresh and the floors look great. All you need for décor is a thin table, a lamp and a vase with fresh flowers.

Then get rid of the clutter. All the newspapers, mail, laundry, personal photos, collections and knickknacks must go. Take all the furniture out of the rooms and bring it back one piece at a time. Only the items that are essential should stay. And arrange them to showcase the view, not block it!

Streamline your kitchen counters. You can keep the coffee pot, but put away the toaster, blender, dishes, storage tins and fruit bowl. You want sleek, clean lines. You want the buyers to think, "Wow, look at the counter space!"

And the views, DON'T block the views. Once you get organized, keep everything neat. Polish the floors and put on a fresh coat of paint. The bathroom can never be too clean, so hide the shampoo bottles and get rid of the old bath mat. Search and destroy odors. If you can smell it, we can't sell it.

Make your home feel as spacious as possible. Closets should only be half full. If buyers see a jam-packed closet, they will think it will be too small for them too. Bedrooms only need a bed, night table, lamp and maybe a comfy reading chair in the master. So get rid of the exercise bike and pair down your excess belongings. Pull the furniture out a few inches from the walls, and make sure the corners of rooms are visible.

Next, you want to "lighten up." No, not you, your place! Get rid of any big heavy curtains, and install sheer window coverings and pull them to the side wherever possible. You want the buyer to come in and think, "I could live here, it's nice and bright."

Then find yourself a superstar agent who will spend some real time and effort marketing and selling your property. Ask for referrals and get someone in AMPI and the MLS.

Finally, think price, price, and price. Because everybody wants to think they are getting a good deal right now.

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