Gather and check off the following before putting your house on the market:
(1) A copy of the deed and title insurance papers
(2) Property survey and mortgage papers
(3) A copy of certificate of compliance for shed, deck pool, etc.
(4) A list of annual property taxes and other assessments
(5) Average monthly utility bill
(6) A list of home improvements which have added value to your home
(7) A list of local schools, churches, and recreational activities
(8) Manufacturers’ instructions and service information on appliances and home systems
(9) Room sizes and other details about the house
Preparing a House for the Market:
(1) Make as non-perilous as possible. Remove items on stairs, low-hanging overhead lights, slippery throw rugs, tangled extension cords, etc.
(2) Repair leaking faucets and replace burned out light bulbs
(3) Paint rooms a neutral color
(4) De-clutter rooms and arrange furniture in an easy ‘flow’
(5) De-clutter countertops; clean, straighten cabinets and drawers
(6) Repair loose knobs, sticking doors and windows
(7) Clean carpets
(8) Remove excess furniture in bedrooms. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains
(9) Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make the room sparkle
(10) Brighten dark, dull basements by painting walls
(10) Make sure the front door is clean or freshly painted.
(11) Keep lawn trimmed and edged. Keep garden weeded and free of refuse
(12) Remove ice and snow from driveway and walks
Preparing for Home Inspection
The following is an example of areas/items that will be checked during a home inspection. By taking care of these (with little or no cost to you), it will indicate to the buyer and home inspector that the house has been well-maintained.
Don’t do quick, cheap repairs. This could indicate that amateur work has been done and will make the inspector look closer at the house.
Exterior:
(1) Clean out dirty gutters and/or debris from roof
(2) Divert all water away from house (downspouts, etc)
(3) Trim trees, roots, and bushes back from foundation, roof, siding, and chimney
(4) Paint all weathered exterior wood and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows, and doors
(5) Seal asphalt driveway if cracking
(6) Seal or point up masonry chimney caps. Install metal fluecap.
(7) Point up any failing mortar joints in brick or block
(8) Remove rotting wood, firewood from contact with house
(9) Proper grading sloping away from house and under deck. Remove grade from contact with foundation vents.
Interior:
(1) Update attic ventilation if none is present
(2) Have clear access to attic, crawlspace, heating system, garage, and other areas that need to be inspected.
(3) Have furnace cleaned and inspected by HVAC professional. Replace filter. (Provide copy of report to buyer)
(4) Test all smoke detectors. Install carbon monoxide detector if none present.
(5) Clean chimney, fireplace, or woodstove (provide copy of receipt to buyer)
(6) Seal masonry walls in basement
(7) Make sure all windows and doors are in proper working order. Replace any broken or cracked windows.
(8) Be sure all plumbing fixtures, toilet, tub,shower, sinks in proper working order. Check for leaks.
(9) Caulk all tub/shower fixtures and along tub/floor, tub/walls, tub/shower/glass doors
(10) Check that bath vents are properly vented.
(11) Check that toilets are secure to floor
(12) Install proper vapor barrier in crawlspace
(13) Remove paints, solvents, gas, etc. from crawlspace, attic, basement, porch, etc.
(14) Check sump pump for proper operation
(15) Install GFCI receptacles near all water sources.
