Buyers and Sellers

BUYERS:  "How to take stress out of buying a home"... This is an exciting time, but stress usually accompanies the whole buying and selling process. Do you wonder why you are doing this to yourself. But the more prepared you are, the smoother the process. Most homes seem to be in fairly good shape... or are they? No home is perfect and every home will require "Honey-Do Maintenance" to make the investment hold its value. However, most people make a decision to purchase a home emotionally based on whether their furniture will fit and where the TV will go instead of questioning if it is a good investment based upon how much needs to be done to keep the home well maintained. If your dream home turns out to be a nightmare, you could be facing expenditures in the thousands of dollars, money you probably won't have in the wake of making the single largest purchase of your life. People often take a mechanic for a test drive before buying a used car, but will acquire a twenty-times more expensive home based only on their own impressions. I treat the inspection as an educational process. I encourage you to attend the inspection so you have the best understanding of any problems. Your questions are welcome at any time during or after the inspection. You should feel comfortable with your investment. I will take the time to explain and educate on how all the systems of the property operate and need to be maintained.

Checklist for Buying A Home

• Bathroom and kitchen fixtures should be in good shape. Make sure the range, refrigerator, dishwasher/disposal, laundry facilities, etc. are all in working order.
  
• Check doors and windows. Are they easy to open and close (or replace). Check for broken glass, misty windows and damaged/missing screens.
  
• Make sure there is no evidence of water seepage or moisture problems.
  
• Minor settling cracks are usually not significant.
  
• Check basement sump pump hole (if present) for recent moisture.
  
• Check to see if the crawl space is dry.
  
• Check walls, whether drywall or plaster. Make sure there are no water marks, cracking in corners or over doors/windows.
  
• On heating and air-conditioning systems, check the filter.
  
• Check for good water pressure through-out the house.
  
• Check exterior lot and landscaping. Is it properly graded or contoured? Are trees and shrubs touching the siding or roof?
  
• Are the roof, gutters, and downspouts in good condition?
  
• Is the garage door or opener in good working order?

SELLERS:  The more prepared you are, the less apprehension between both parties. A new concept for stress-free selling is the more information you provide to the buyer and their agent, the more credibility replaces suspicion. A pre-sale inspection can ward off costly surprises from the buyer's inspector. Inspections usually cost $300 to $400, but if the inspection reveals major issues such as a bad furnace or the need for a new roof, it could affect your decision to sell as well as your price. Most states now require sellers to disclose any issues that may affect a buyer's decision to purchase your home. Make sure you understand what you need to disclose and decide whether to make repairs or adjust your asking price. This is not the time to undertake major improvements. It is generally wiser to make only necessary repairs (such as replacing cracked windows or rickety front steps), and cosmetic improvements (such as painting the exterior and planting flower beds) that will enhance your home's salability.

Some reasons to consider a pre-sale inspection: 1) To equip your home for the Real Estate Market: 2) To gain a marketing advantage 3) To be prepared for buyer's questions with answers from a professional 4) To correct things before they become a doubt in the buyer's mind 5) To make your home the right house to buy.

Repairs to Consider Before Selling

Inside the House

• Fix or replace damaged flooring, such as torn linoleum or cracked tiles. If you can't afford to replace damaged or worn floors, consider offering the buyer an allowance for renovation.
• Fix any drains, faucets, or plumbing fixtures that aren't operating. Fixes can range from replacing a faucet washer to buying a new toilet.
• Paint the Interior. Fill and paint any cracks or holes in the walls. (You may need to repaint entire walls to mask such repairs.)
• Replace burned-out bulbs and broken electrical sockets. Most agents will want you to turn on all the lights before a showing.
• Replace or fix broken stairs. Fix any creaks as well.
• Fix any doors that don't open easily, including the garage door. If your garage opener doesn't work, repair or replace it. 
• Get the Furnace and A/C unit Serviced. This will give you information on the unit(s) so if they need to be repaired or replaced, you can deal with accordingly.

Outside the House

• Replace cracked windows and torn screens. Don't let your house be shown with the equivalent of a black eye.
• Fix cracks in the driveway and entry walkway, and clean up stains. If the driveway requires major repair, it may be preferable to offer the buyer an allowance for the work. 
• Paint the Exterior. Touch up peeling paint, window frames, porches, and shutters. Repaint the entire exterior if it is drab or peeling. 
• Reseal the deck and repair broken boards. A new coat of sealer can spruce up a fading deck. 
• Replace or fix broken stairs. Fix any creaks as well. It's a matter of both safety and aesthetics. 
• Repair the roof. Replace shingles and tack down loose flashing. If the roof is old, you may want to replace it and adjust your sales price accordingly.