DECLUTTER
It is important to declutter your house so it appears to have lots of storage space. Potential buyers want to feel like they can easily fit all their belongings and be well-organized. All built-in cabinets and closets are fair game for potential buyers to inspect. These areas must be clean, neat, and orderly. There are several key areas in your house where you will want to focus your time.
1. Kitchen
2. Bathrooms
3. Clothes Closets
4. Kid’s Stuff
Remember…First Impressions Last a Lifetime. Spacious Rooms should appear spacious. Store any unnecessary pieces of furniture to allow for easy movement around the room and throughout the house.
APPEAL
New Plants: Remove all dead plants and replace with new ‘live’ plants. Add annual flowers with pops of color.
Fertilize: Fertilize your lawn, shrubs, and trees. You want everything to look green and healthy. You might even want to ‘super bloom’ flowers to keep them blooming while your house is on the market.
Mulch: Mulch all plant beds and around trees. Mulch not only cleans up the landscape but also stops weeds from returning. Potential buyers see a mulched yard as a well-maintained yard.
Lighting: Ensure all inside and outside light bulbs are in working condition.
Touch up: Complete any touching up on walls or wood work that has been damaged and shampoo any carpets to ensure a fresh clean look. Repair any damages or issues that the house may have that would pose a problem on the inspection report.
WHAT IS A HOME INSPECTION?
A home inspection is an examination of your home and property that reveals the condition. Home insepctions should be completed by a licensed home inspector. Home inspectors provide the buyer with a full detailed report with an issues and details about the home.
TYPES OF INSPECTIONS
Home inspection
Mold inspection (PhD)
Stucco inspection
Radon inspection
Termite/Pest Inspection
Survey
Extensive Plumbing/Electrical/HVAC
Foundation
Roof
Appraisal
HOW TO PREPARE FOR INSPECTIONS
1. Make any known repairs around the house.
2. Ensure all lightbulbs are in proper working condition.
3. Ensure the inspector is able to get to HVAC, electrical box, water meters, hot water heater ext.
4. Ensure gutters are clean and trees are cut away from the house.
5. If any issue is being repaired, let your agent know asap.
6. Have a budget set aside for repairs.
It's best to go ahead and gather the following documents & items to prepare for your listing appointment.
- HOA Documents and contact information
- Any Warranties
- Survey of property (if applicable)
- Utility Provider List
- Alarm codes/gate entry information
- Spare key to the house
