Are you interested in knowing what homes have sold in your neighborhood and for how much? Simply complete the form below and you will begin receiving a monthly report of the recent market activity in your neighborhood, including actively for sale, under contract and sold.
Inspection Problems to Avoid
Once you’ve found your buyer, then you need to sell your property to the inspector. Following are tips to avoid common issues that arise during an inspection.
Inspection tips
- Confirm water, electrical and gas services are turned on (including pilot lights).
- Make sure your pets won’t hinder your home inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from the premises or secured outside.
- Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electrical service panels, water heater, attic and crawlspace.
- Replace burned-out light bulbs which may suggest an electrical problem.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.
- Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely.
- Unlock any locked areas that your home inspector must access, such as the attic door or hatch, the electrical service panel, the door to the basement, and any exterior gates.
- Trim tree limbs so that they’re at least 10 feet away from the roof. Trim any shrubs that are too close to the house and can hide pests or hold moisture against the exterior
- Repair or replace any broken or missing items, such as doorknobs, locks or latches, windowpanes or screens, gutters or downspouts, or chimney caps.
- Fix any dripping faucets, clogged drains or plumbing leaks.
- Paint any exterior surfaces that are blistering or peeling, replace any rotted siding, trim, fascia.
- Ensure all downspouts are installed and lead water away from the homes foundation.
Consider offering a home warranty for your buyer. For a small investment, $399 for a gold plan, Blue Ribbon Home Warranty will provide you with a pre-inspection, allowing you to address items that could be a deal breaker before a buyer has their own inspection, provides the Seller with 9 months of coverage, and provides your buyer with a 14 month warranty from the time of closing.
Finding the right agent
Do you really need an agent to sell your house in today’s market? Here’s what Fannie Mae suggests to sellers on their website:
“Select how you’ll market and list the home (e.g., with a real estate agent or for sale by owner). Unless you are experienced at selling homes, it usually makes financial sense to get professional help—homes sold by agents typically sell at a higher price and spend less time on the market. An agent will also help you determine the best pricing for the house, they’ll market the home, and they’ll be your advocate throughout the process.”
Your home is a significant asset. Studies have shown using an agent will NET you on average 13% more than representing yourself and it just makes sense to let an expert guide you through the complex process and paperwork.
Things to considering when selecting an agent:
- Listens to and understands my needs for moving
- Experience with real estate transactions and the local market
- Communication and availability
- Marketing plan, how is my agent providing value to increase my proceeds?
- Check reviews from past clients
Bottom line, you deserve to work with someone you trust, who will provide expert guidance and has a track record for delivering results.
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5 Financial Reasons to Buy
