Listings

Buyers

Sellers

Mortgage Info

Resources

About

INSPECTION AND PREPARATION TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE

Bright and early Saturday morning a Realtor with prospective buyer in tow pulls into your driveway. As you cordially approach to greet them, the prospective buyer puts down his tool box and ladder, then extends his hand to greet you. The tool box reveals the following items:

  • flash light
  • ice pick
  • magnet
  • marble
  • electrical tester
  • binoculars
  • compass

Your heart sinks. This buyer is up to something but you have no idea what. You rightly suspect that whatever it is, it may likely result in an offer lower than you'd like.

Fortunately, this uncomfortable situation is avoidable. Had you prepared in advance, you'd have welcomed the inspection, knowing the purpose for all the items:

Before any potential buyer inspects your home, go beyond the obvious tasks of cleaning out closets, drawers, and removing extra furniture. Inspect items and areas you may have overlooked such as interior and exterior walls, electrical switches and outlets, crawlspace, attic, foundation, plumbing, roof and roof structures.

Below is a checklist designed to systematically draw your attention to often overlooked items. This is not a complete list, nor is it designed to replace the services of a competent home inspector. We strongly urge you to educate yourself regarding home inspection, and obtain the services of a professional inspector. A home inspector will check all areas of interest and recommend needed repairs. You won't have to worry about what a potential buyer might find and use to his advantage. To learn more, visit your favorite local or on-line book seller and search for "home inspection."

Worthwhile Repairs

Making small but necessary repairs will increase the value of your home and help you get a good offer. Making last-minute capital improvements, such as adding a room, probably won’t be economical. Capital improvements may be economical, however, when improving the kitchen or bathroom. Ask your Realtor about which repairs and improvements are worthwhile.

Pre-sale Inspection Checklist

Check off the items after completing inspection and/or repairs.

Interior

___Windows, Doors and Door Frames
___Floors
___Carpets
___Ceilings
___Paint and Wallpaper
___Light Fixtures, Wall Switches and Plugs
___Kitchen Cabinets, Exterior
___Kitchen Cabinets, Interior
___Kitchen Appliances
___Kitchen Counters
___Bathroom Counters and Wall Fixtures
___Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures
___Bathroom Tile, Ceilings, Walls & Floor
___Mirrors
___Fireplaces & Heaters
___Crawl Space – Overhead and Under the House
___Basement
___Stairs
___Attic
___Closets & Pantry

Exterior

___Paint, Color, Siding and Trim
___Porches
___Decks
___Gutters
___Roof
___Windows
___Doors
___Garage or Carport
___Garbage Cans and Garbage Can Space
___Rubbish & Refuse
___Outdoor Sheds
___Pool or Spa

Foundation and Infrastructure

___Foundation
___Supports
___Slab
___Plumbing & Pipes
___Heating, Furnace, Air Conditioning
___Electrical
___Water Heater
___Water

Safety Issues and Devices

___Detectors
___Asbestos
___Lead, Formaldehyde, Radon

Landscaping

___View
___Boundaries & Fences
___Walls
___Soil
___Ponds
___Driveways & walkways
___Landscaping
___Drainage
___Sewer & Septic

Additional Considerations

  • The first impression is the most important. Make the front of your home a standout in every way that you can.
  • The living areas must be open, spacious, well lighted and fresh smelling. Remove and rearrange furniture as needed, turn on the lights, open a window and bake an apple pie!
  • The kitchen must appear, above all else, spacious and spotless. Store some of your overflow to make the shelves look roomier. Grind a lemon peel in the garbage disposal.
  • Master bedroom and bath must give the impression of space and flow. Thin your closets, remove all extra furniture. Create enough space so that a potential buyer can imagine filling it with their own possessions.

Ask your Realtor for additional home preparation tips!