Seller Tips
Take a look around your property. First impressions are lasting and in this market it is critical that the first impression a buyer has is a good one. Take the time to make any minor repairs. Fixing these imperfections will greatly enhance your home's marketability and they need not be expensive or time consuming. A little bit of money can go a long way. Simple improvements like a fresh coat of paint, new carpet or flooring and some flowers in the planters can increase it's value and decrease the amount of time it takes to sell.
THE THREE UPS:
1. Open up.
Clear the clutter. Each room should have a least two walls with no furniture. Remove coffee tables from in front of couches in the living and family rooms. Take a few chairs out of the dinning room. In the kitchen open up counter space. Place coffee makers, can openers and spice racks out of sight. Don't let dishes pile up in the sink and empty the trash can before showing. Sacrifice the garage if necessary. Buyers want to see walls, ceilings and floors, not your stuff.
2. Lighten up.
Once you open up then lighten up. Pull open the window coverings, lift the blinds, wash the windows and let the sun shine in. This is also a good time to air it out. We all love our pets, steamed broccoli, or an occasional cigar, however their lingering after effects are not needed when marketing a home.
3. Green up.
Water the plants. Fertilize the grass. Remember, if you water, they will grow. Mow and edge weekly. Make sure all shrubs are trimmed away from the house, especially the windows. Clean up side yards so buyers can walk around the property and remove the gifts pets leave their owners.
Remember, a buyer in California has 17 days to preform a home inspection even if the property is being sold as is. Lenders require that a property obtain a termite certification by a licenced termite company.
INSPECTIONS
Wood Destroying Organism Report
Better know as a termite report. This report is prepared by a state certified inspector as evidence of the existence or absence of wood destroying organisms or pests which were visible and accessible on the date the inspection was made. The inspector also looks for evidence of:
• Dry wood termites
• Carpenter ants
• Carpenter bees
• Wood destroying fungus
Home Inspection
A buyer can request a professional home inspection. The typical home inspection covers the exterior walls, roof, outside equipment and interior kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures and electrical outlets.
Things to fix before a home inspection:
1. Repair drippy faucets and slow drains.
2. Use specialized cleaning products to clean stains in bathtubs, showers, sinks and toilets.
3. Make sure every light switch works.
4. Lubricate squeaky doors.
