REMINDERS - Fix-up and others:

Fix-ups:

I'll probably give you a "to do" list. Please don't be offended - you could give me a longer one, I'm sure, for my own house. But over many years with dozens of buyers, I've learned what they remember and comment on, positive and negative, and I can hep you decide which changes might make the most difference for the least cost and inconvenience. Especially for things that need repair for function rather than appeal, you might as well do them before a building inspection requires them anyway.

Sometimes, instead of making major changes, it makes more sense to be able to show the buyer estimates of the cost of the project so they can have more choice, and so they won't expect too much of a price reduction if the counter top, for example, isn't upgraded. Some buyers, however, just don't want to have any work to do when they move in.

Building inspection

This would reassure buyers, give you a chance to address any possible deficiencies before they're a negotiating issue, and get us to settlement more quickly because the buyer might not require another inspection. "Pre-inspected" helps. (This might also include radon inspection - we might as well know now as later.)

Warranty

Again, this is reassuring particularly to first-timers, when we can't brag about relatively new HVAC, etc. If the building inspection is clean enough, we may not need this.

Lease with option

Talk to your financial advisor about this. You do need to time your sale so that you will have lived in the property for two of the last five years, for tax reasons, but you may well want to offer this as a possibility. Weigh management costs, upkeep, possibility of vacancy and/or uncooperative tenants and/or negligence against possiblity of more net if market improves, tax aspects of investment property, etc.

Other helpful information
Recent appraisal if available.

Latest statement from tax office.

Any information you have about the school, babysitters, children, etc. - any such information that comes from sellers is warmly welcomed by buyers.

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

How to make a good first impression:

Try to look at your property through the buyer's eyes. The following ideas

will help to increase the appeal of your property to potential buyers.

The first thing a buyer sees... your home from the street.

Upgrade front door and screen/storm door if they’re not attractive.

Paint or stain the front door to look fresh and inviting, if not replacing it.

Polish hardware; replace if worn or unattractive.

Mow lawn and clip shrubbery.

Sweep walks. In winter, keep walks free of snow and ice.

Examine the exterior paint and window frames; repaint or touch-up as necessary.

Inspect the roof, and clean gutters and downspouts.

Keep decks and patios free of clutter; store any toys or bicycles in the garage.

Inside your home - the cleaner the better:

Kitchen:

Make the kitchen bright, attractive and clean.

Remove most messages and pictures from the refrigerator door.

If the kitchen floor is worn or outdated, consider installing new flooring.

Remove all but necessary items from the countertops.

Bathroom:

Repair dripping faucets, remove stains from fixtures, unclog slow drains

Keep fresh towels in the bathrooms - pretty, tidy

Living areas:

Have all walls in good repair. Choose conventional colors when painting and redecorating.

Check ceilings for leak stains. Fix the cause, repair and paint.

Remove ashes from fireplace and woodstoves and clean the chimney.

Wash windows, replace cracked glass, mend torn screens.

Have all windows in working order.

Replace burned-out and dim light bulbs with bright ones. Make sure every light switch works.

Clean the carpet and drapes as needed and polish floors.

Straighten closets. Remove out-of-season clothing.

Lubricate any squeaking doors. Use paraffin or WD40 on tracks of sticking sliding doors and drawers.

Pack collections and family pictures that may distract the buyers.

Basement, Attic, Garage:

Clean attic, basement and garage and dispose of those items you are not moving.

Pack the things you won't need until you're settled in your new home.

Have stairs to the basement well lighted.