Let the negotiations begin! Soon Spring will arrive and the real estate market will heat up. I have often heard that selling or buying a new home is one of the most stressful situations we will face in our lifetimes. Transitions can create anxiety but also exhilaration when we reach the closing table. Having confidence in knowing the sale price was all it could be requires preparation long before potential buyers cross your threshold. As a builder I have been on both sides of the equation many times and know the majority of buyers will request the services of a home inspector. Anticipation of the inevitable will help your closing progress in an efficient manner and allow you to move on to your next housing adventure.
First impressions matter to real estate agents, home inspectors, appraisers and potential home buyers. Being prepared for the scrutiny associated with selling your home begins long before signing the listing papers. What we often walk past everyday stands out like a sore thumb to a fresh set of eyes so getting ahead of the curve is always a wise plan. I recommend doing an initial walk through and making a list of issues you know need to be addressed. This process may also expose issues you previously never noticed but suspect need further investigation.
If initial inspections and investigations reveal issues that need to be addressed and you have the time and know how, fixing them yourself can save a lot of money. If you are unsure of how to make a repair always turn to a professional in that given field. The landscaper may not be the best choice to tune your HVAC or sweep your chimney! More importantly never attempt to “cover up” a known problem. Paint and caulking do not fix sources of stains and rotting wood. Although it may improve the appearance temporarily expect someone to discover the disguise. Covering up problems is never the answer and will lead to deeper inspections as buyers question what else is being hidden.
The old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure definitely holds true for proactive home maintenance. Leaks and stains are the canaries in the coalmine. No one involved in a real estate transaction wants to hear the word mold or organic growth. Always give immediate attention to unwanted water problems when they present themselves. Changing out a light fixture may improve visual impressions but resolving moisture and water intrusion problems quickly can save you time and money in the long run. Most buyers can see past a loud paint color or dated tile. Mold growth can lead to indoor air quality issues and effect the structural integrity of any home or structure. Prompt remediation of mold issues and fixing the source or sources of the problems are prudent responses for any homeowner looking to sell and to preserve the soundness of their most valuable asset.
Knowing your home’s health will expedite the closing process and prepare you for the next chapter in your life. The same skills will also help you evaluate the condition of your next purchase and hopefully prevent surprise expenses in the future.
