| Before
you put your house on the market, here are some things you can do to
improve the presentation of your house. These are items you can do
prior to your home being professionally inspected by the buyer-selected
house inspection company.
Almost all houses sold will have an inspection. The typical house
inspection does not cover cosmetics such as clean carpets and house
paint. It will cover the functionality, safety, and livability of the
house. It is not intrusive (no screwdrivers in the walls).
The typical home inspection covers the exterior, walls, roof, outside
equipment, and the interior, windows, kitchen appliances, bathroom
fixtures, etc. It will take an estimated hour for every 1,000 square
feet with a two hour minimum.
Assuming your house will be inspected, here is a list
of recurring items you can address up front:
Faucets & Pipes - You may be quite willing
to live with that dripping or leaking faucet, but don't assume the
buyer will.
Windows - Cracked glass or leaking seals on dual pane windows are
not acceptable to most buyers.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
(GFCI's) - These should be in working
order. To test them push the test button. This turns the power off
to the outlet. Plug in an appliance and make sure. Press the reset
button and the appliance should now work. Older houses may not have
GFCI's. If you have them, they should work.
Toilets - Check for leaks and cracks
in toilet bowls. Make sure they are not loose.
Extension Cord or Handyman
Wiring - If you've been inventing your own wiring out on the patio
or in the garage, it can be a negative issue. If any wiring is exposed
it should be in a conduit, a junction box or seal-tight to protect
it.
A/C Filters - Change them. Dirty air filters affect the performance
of the heating/cooling system. Consider having the unit serviced and
cleaned so that it will operate properly when tested.
Pool - Pool filters and pool light bulbs should be changed. Check
for cracks and rust in the pool plaster. Make sure the pipes and filters
are not leaking and that gauges work. Ensure that pool lights are in
working order.
Hot Water - The hot water should always be on the left side in sinks,
tubs and showers.
Roof - Any missing shingles or tiles should be replaced.
Doors - They should latch and lock, if a lock is installed.
Two Additional Points
We see many
properties and other houses competing with yours for the buyer's attention
and we will consult with you. As you fill out the seller's property
disclosure statement (SPDS), ask us about any issues that come up.
Also, consider having a house inspection at the time
you list your house. Pre-inspected homes typically move faster from
offer to escrow an average of ten days quicker. With a house inspection
report in hand, you and your realtor can determine in advance which
items you'd be willing to address. Plus, you'll have a better sense
that your price is in line with the overall condition of your property.
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