Getting Your Home Ready

There is nothing like a good first impression to produce a sale. When homes come on the market, they are rarely in perfect condition and most of them have a special "lived in" look. Trying to be objective, ask yourself what a buyer will notice as they drive up to the property. What's the general first impression? If you need help, you might consider hiring a home inspector before you list the house.

The purpose of a home inspection is to confirm proper working condition of major systems in the home: electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural. However, minor items are often identified during the inspection process. Individually, these items are not a big issue, but the cumulative effect of many small items could be discouraging for a potential buyer. The following is a checklist of items often noticed by buyers or found in need of repair during the home inspection. By looking over this list and addressing these items prior to putting your home on the market, you can ensure a smoother transaction.

General Evaluation

What's the general first impression? Things to watch for include:

• Clutter. Piles of newspapers, magazines, toys and other objects distract from the fine points of a room and make it seem smaller
• Poor lighting. Good lighting can contribute to a feeling of spaciousness. Make sure all burned out bulbs are replaced. Open curtains and shades. Make sure windows sparkle from inside and out.
• Dirt. You know to clean in obvious places like heavily trafficked kitchen and baths but you also have to check inconspicuous places that a serious buyer might investigate such as in closets, on windowsills, and inside of the pantry. If your home is in a competitive market, it is strongly recommended that you hire a professional cleaning service to completely clean your house. A clean house gives the impression of being well cared for and offers a subtle assurance to buyers.
• Too much furniture. This is often a problem when you've occupied a home for a long time. In some cases, moving furniture from one room to another or removing certain pieces to storage can greatly improve the look and feel of a room. Remember. how you live in a house is not necessarily how you sell it.

If your goal is to sell your home, you have to do whatever it takes to make sure it's ready for the market. Stay focused on the goal. The process of getting your house ready requires a critical eye, an impersonal attitude, and, in some cases, a little bit of money. Do it right, and you will be rewarded by a quicker sale!

Interior

• Do wall and ceiling surfaces have holes or cracks that need patching?
• Do all windows have operable latches?
• Can all windows open and close properly?
• Do any of the windows have cracked panes or broken seals?
• Do windows need caulking?
• Are any windows painted shut?
• Are stair railings and moldings loose or broken?
• Do interior doors stick or open and close smoothly?
• Are kitchen or bathroom tiles cracked?
• Can you explain the existence or repair of old water stains on walls and ceilings?
• Does the chimney damper open and close properly?
• Dose the chimney need cleaning?
• Does the chimney mortar need pointing?
• Is there insulation present in the attic?
• Is there a distracting amount of clutter in any room that would prevent a thorough inspection?
• Are there any signs of insect infestation?