Monday, January 14, 2013

First in our Series on Preparing your Home for Sale - The Home Inspection

So, you're thinking of getting your home ready to put on the market for Spring Market...Don't wait too long! The Spring Market has sprung! In the Northeast, a combination of mild temperatures, low inventory of move in ready homes, and low interest rates make for the perfect storm to help our sellers sell their home.

I'm starting a series of educational tips to help you improve the value of your home, and get it sold faster.  I've interviewed with Staging Experts, Interior Designers & Home Inspectors to provide you with the best information.

Often times, our clients have watched HGTV or A&E and learned how to stage & de-clutter their homes.  So, you got your offer quickly - now what. The buyer is going to have a home inspection. They're going to check the heating system, plumbing, roof, windows, etc. Some of the routine maintenance is often overlooked and creates an uneasiness in the buyer. Before we work on cosmetics & staging, I prefer my clients start with the "guts" of their house and then we can quickly take care of the rest.


Home Inspection - Get it right the first time!

Here are some components you should start taking a look at:  Heating System, Electrical Service, Water Heater, Septic System, Fireplaces, Foundation, Roof, Deck, AC, Pool & Jacuzzi. Here are just 10 items to look for and remedy:

1. Mold stains and odors, particularly since the black mold is toxic. You never want to have an inspector note "mold" on their inspection report. Get it taken care of properly before a buyer asks you to do it, if it wasn't scary enough for them to back out of all together. Get to the source to correct it, get it cleaned up by properly trained professionals.

2.  Lighting:  Test all the fixtures both interior and exterior to make sure all are in working order.  If bulbs are out, replace them before the inspector tests it and makes the buyer question if it isn't more than just a burned bulb.

3. Heating System:  Test the thermostats and make sure the heating system is working. How is the ductwork - open the returns and registers - are they filled with dust? When was the last time the system was serviced? We recommend servicing annually and have the tag on the system as to when it was serviced leaving no questions with the inspector.  When did you last change the filter? Write the date on the edge of the filter.

4. Smoke Detectors & Carbon Monoxide Detectors.  Not all states require them, and those that do vary in their placement requirements.  Having Carbon Monoxide Detectors on all livable levels of your home help the buyer feel safer.  We recommend AC/DC Units. It's always better to have battery backup in case of power failure.  Check with your local Fire Prevention Office to determine the codes where you live.

5. Hot Water Tank:  Are there any evidence of leaks? Small leaks mean it could blow at any minute to a home inspector. When did you last change the tank? We suggest that you always write the date on the Tank.  It is always helpful to have any receipts for repair work and warranty for those items nearby the system so they can be referenced to during the inspection.

6.  Basements & Crawlspaces should be inspected in daylight.  Excessive moisture could lead to mold. If your basement is damp & musty, the inspector is going to be looking for mold. Inspect all tiny crevices - even behind the washer & dryer. Often times Mold builds up there because of the lack of air circulation combined with dampness.  In damp basements keep a dehumidifier running.

7.  Septic System:  Are you connected to Municipal Sewer?  If not, you're serviced by a private septic system. When was the last time the system was pumped? Does your state require a test in order to sell your home? We suggest having this test performed prior to putting your home on the market so there are no surprises.  

8.  Gutters:  Check the gutters and clear channels to ensure uninterrupted flow.  Downspouts will allow the water to be directed away from the house. 

9.  Termites:  Do you see soft spots on any wood trim around the home? Is there evidence of wood shavings? If yes, you may want to have your home inspected for termites prior to putting the home on the market. Take the inspectors recommendations of what to repair and if termites are an ongoing problem, set up a termite treatment schedule.  In my opinion, it's better to be safe than sorry. I tell my buyers it's better to have a home that is being treated than one that is not.

10. Water: If your home is serviced by a well, ensure a full potability test.  If you don't provide one, the buyer is sure to have one.  Add any filtration systems as recommended since this is a health and safety item.


Alphabetical checklist of areas you want to also check out.
Rule of Thumb: If it doesn't shine, it becomes questionable to an inspector.

A. Air Conditioning, Appliances, Attics
B. Basements, Bathrooms, Blinds, Brickwork
C. Carpet Spots, Ceilings, Closets
D. Decks & Patios, Dehumidifiers, Dishwashers, Doorbells 
E. Electrical, Exterior walls, Energy Efficient Devices
F. Fences, Fireplaces, Floor Scratches
G. Garages, Gutters & Downspouts
H. Heat Pumps, Heaters, Humidifiers
I. Insulation, Interior Walls, Insects
L. Laundry Rooms, Lawn & Garden, Lawn Sprinklers, Lighting
M. Mirrors
O. Odors
P. Plumbing, Pools, Ponds
S. Stairs & Steps, Skylights, Stains, Security, Septic System
T. Tiles, Termites
W. Windows, Woodwork, Wood Rot, Water Heaters, Wallpapering

If you are thinking about selling your home in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, The Lazrak Realty Team can be reached at 978-935-9668 or visit our website at www.ChristinaLazrak.com.  If you need a referral to an agent anywhere in the world with the same knowledge and passion for real estate, we will help you find a well qualified agent to help you.

The information in this blog piece is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed these will be the only things your buyer's inspector will look for or recommend.


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