Pre-Selling Home Repair Suggestions
If you did a pre-market inspection, we should already have a list of items that need to be fixed. If not and your dish dispoal hasn’t been working for years or your AC unit has been making an unusually loud noise, we need to know so we can have those items repaired before your home goes on the market. It’s better to get items fixed now before they come up in an inspection report and potentially scare off a buyer later.
We have access to affordable repair people, electricians, handymen, etc. and am happy to make repair appointments and even be at your home to let workers in and oversee the work. In general, we always recommend:
- Installing new caulk around every shower and tub
- Repair any leaky faucets
- Hire a professional HVAC company to service and CLEAN both your AC unit and furnace
- Have the water heater serviced
- Repair any damage flooring - especially if it's a trip hazzard
- Making sure all light bulbs and light switches are working and that every light fixture contains the highest wattage light bulbs it can bear
- Having chimneys professionally swept and add a rain/rodent cap. If any brick is loose have it repaired.
- Repairing any broken window screens and making sure window and doors open smoothly.
- Testing all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly with good batteries
- Making sure downspouts aren’t improperly sloped or damaged in single family homes. If they are, have them repaired.
- Repairing any damaged, broken or missing roof shingles if you own a single family home
- Repairing damaged sheetrock/plaster (including ceiling and touching up the paint in your home
- Tightening loose cabinet hardware in kitchens and bathrooms and replace broken/mismatched hardware
- Making sure all areas with three steps or more have railings
- Make sure there are no loose boards or railings on the deck
*KEEP RECORDS AND RECEIPTS FOR REPAIRS. Some repairs/expenses may be tax deductible and receipts often eliminate inspection requests.
If you need help, please request a list of recommend service providers such as handyman, appliance repair people, etc :-)
See also:
FHA LOAN APPRAISAL GUIDELINES (What the Appraiser Looks for) and review the HUD document 4150.2 PROPERTY ANALYSIS to understand the condition requirements of many loans.
A TISH report - What Is That?
Should you put a Home Warranty on your house?
