There’s probably a lot on your things-to-do list when preparing to sell your home. You’ve addressed what you think are the obvious issues, but what about those less-than-obvious issues? You want your house to look its best for prospective buyers, so now is the time to address all the above before actually listing your home. To prevent losing that potential sale, read on to get the lowdown for some common issues that can cause a home sale to stall or completely fall through…
Leaking or Old Roof
The typical lifespan of a roof is approximately 20 to 25 years for shingles. If your home’s roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, replacing it before you sell could get you to the closing table faster. According to the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association roof issues are responsible for 39% of homeowner insurance claims.
Damaged Gutters
Want to prevent thousands of dollars in damage to the foundation of your home? If so, be sure to practice routine gutter maintenance. Recognizing the importance of this chore will not only help your siding, windows and foundation to avoid water damage, but can help to insure a quicker sale.
Old Beat-Up Doors and Windows
Let’s face it…potential buyers are going to open and close doors and windows as they peruse your home. A jammed window or creaky door is a red flag to buyers who want a well-maintained home. Replacing windows can bring a 50% to 80% return on your investment, so food for thought when considering your pre-sale to-do list.
Outdated Appliances
Today’s savvy buyers are aware they can easily replace and update appliances. However, if most of your appliances look old and outdated, potential buyers may start to wonder what else in your home needs to be replaced. Be sure to include in your sellers’ disclosure any appliances you’re planning to take with you that are not included in the sale of the home.
Heating and Air Conditioning System
No buyer wants to move in to their new home and immediately have to repair or replace the HVAC system. This costly endeavor can stop a sale in its tracks. An aged HVAC system is a true point of concern for potential buyers. Keep in mind that an HVAC system lasts approximately 25 years. Be sure your HVAC system is well-maintained and in good repair so you don’t lose out on a sale.
Termites
Be forewarned – termites in your home are very often a deal breaker. Termite infestation causes more than $5 billion in damage to U.S. homes each year. Please note – sellers are typically required to disclose this information. To give your buyer peace of mind it’s a good idea to add a termite warranty from a remediation company as part of the disclosure.
Cracks in Foundation
Don’t hesitate on this one – be prepared to fix or correct any structural problems before listing you home. Another option is to have a repair plan at the ready for the buyer who back peddles after the inspection. Cracks in walls or a foundation can often be a sign of larger problems and should be investigated sooner than later.
Radon Gas
Radon is a naturally occurring, carcinogenic, radioactive gas that’s formed from the breakdown of uranium in the ground. Radon is typically found in the basement or lower level of the home. The discovery of Radon is very serious issue as it ranks right behind smoking as the number #2 cause of lung cancer.
High Listing Price
Lastly, be realistic and honest with yourself if you really want to sell your home. Pricing your home too high can ultimately cause you to miss out on the right buyer which could lead to more time spent on the market. Not only that, but in the end, you could end up coming in at a much lower price.
If you’re preparing to sell your home, do a walk-through to be sure you’ve addressed and checked off the big and small items that your buyers will notice.
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Tom Reese has 20+ years experience in helping his clients sell their homes for a price that sells and makes them a profit. Tom has helped his clients buy and sell property in every neighborhood in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati.
About Tom Reese
Helping my clients attain their dreams has been the foundation of my success. With my strong attention to customer service, I have earned my clients continued support and referrals. Put my enthusiasm and dedication to work for you!
Call Tom anytime at (859) 393-1293
Tom may be new to rapping but he’s not new to real estate!