Thinking of selling your home and want to be prepared?
Often times when I go to list a home I notice a list of neglected items that need to be done before the home goes on the market. Thinking of selling your home this fall? Follow this list to help ensure a smooth transaction:
Foundation: Look at the base of the walls and the ceilings in each room. Are there obvious cracks or apparent shifts in the foundation? Do the same around the outside. Are there any trees encroaching on the foundation and need to be removed? Any visible cracks on the inside or outside of the foundation?
Lot: With 95% of foundations issues caused by improper drainage, start with making sure that the water from downspouts and sump pump discharge pipes flow away from your house. Are there any low spots around your foundation? Are there any obvious soggy areas in your yard? Are there any repairs needed on your fence?
Roof: Do a visual inspection of your roof from the ground. Are there any missing shingles? Are gutters clean and leaf free?
Exterior: Walk-around your house. Does the house look like it will need repairs or repainting soon? Are gutters and downspouts firmly attached? Are there loose boards or dangling wires? Is there any soft wood on the siding or trim? Are there any voids under concrete slabs (driveway, stoops or patios)?
Attic: How does the interior of the roof structure look? Are there any signs of leaks? Do you see any holes that critters could enter? Do you have the proper amount of insulation?
Interior evidence of leaks: During your inspection, did you observe any stains on the walls or ceilings? Are they currently wet? Could they be mold or mildew?
Basement: Inspect your basement. Are there any damp or wet areas?
Electrical: Do the switches work? Are there any obvious malfunctions? Have the outlets been grounded? Is the panel updated and expandable for additional appliances or a potential remodel? Are there any lights that don’t operate properly? Check the GFCI switches. Do they operate correctly?
Plumbing: Any unusual noises or malfunctions? Do any drains drain slowly? Shut off exterior hose connections to prevent freezing. Add water to the sump pit to make sure the sump pump is working properly.
Appliances: The inspector will run appliances that stay with the home. Do any of them not operate properly?
Heating/cooling system: First replace the furnace filter and wipe off the dust on the furnace and spray the A/C. Does both systems seem to do the job? Have you had both systems serviced in the past 12 months?
Odor: Does the home smell? Can you detect what it might be and whether it could be fixed? Beware of musty odors which could signal a wet basement.
Hoses: Remove hose bibs to prevent freezing.
Sprinkler System: Drain and service your sprinkler system, if applicable.
Tile: Check bathroom tile and replace any missing grout and broken tiles.
Clothes Dryer: Clean lint from dryer and duct work.
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