1. List with Parade of Homes by calling 609-494-2121
2. Check the major systems. After size, style and location, a home buyer's primary concern is the condition of the basic structure and major electro-mechanical systems. Most buyers do not want to invest a great deal of money correcting problems in such critical areas. A thorough investigation of the following major items should be made in order to determine if they are serviceable:
3. Make maintenance improvements. The maintenance improvements listed below are relatively easy and inexpensive to make, yet they can substantially improve a home's appearance, efficiency and comfort.
Trim trees and shrubs which touch or overhang the house.
Apply new caulking and weatherstripping as needed around windows and doors.
Clean gutters of debris and leaves, repair or replace cracked or broken gutters, downspouts and extensions to ensure proper drainage
Replace bathroom caulk or grout where necessary to prevent seepage and improve appearance.
Ventilate closed basements and crawl spaces, or install a dehumidifier to prevent excessive.
Regrade soil around the house to prevent ponding of water next to the foundation
Replace dirty filters in the heating and ventilating systems
Have the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems professionally serviced
Have chimneys professionally cleaned & inspected, and install chimney hoods and caps as required. For wood-burning installations insist on a WETT Certified Technician.
4. Pay attention to details.
Fixing even minor items can go a long way toward improving that important first impression of your home. Here are some improvements which you might consider:
Repair leaky faucets
Tighten loose door knobs
Replace damaged screens
Replace broken panes of glass - cloudy sealed-pane units can often be replaced inexpensively, and will drastically improve the appearance of a window or patio door.
Patch small holes in walls and ceilings and repaint
Repair or replace faded or peeling wallpaper
Repair and coat the driveway
5. Take safety precautions. Pay attention to items relating to protecting the home and its occupants from danger. The following are important safety precaution which home buyers will appreciate, are relatively easy to implement and shouldn't cost a lot. And they'll create a great impression!
Installing good quality smoke detectors
Installing a good quality carbon-monoxide detector
Ensure adequate outdoor lighting, especially in suburban and rural locales
'GFCI' outlets outdoors and in wet locations such a bath & laundry areas.
Keep the stairwells tidy and free of debris and obstructions, and leave plenty of clearance around the garage door, electrical panel and furnace.
Keep flammables and combustibles away from the furnace and other utility areas.
If you have direct entry from the garage to the interior of the home, consider installing a hydraulic or other form of auto-closure device on the door.
Check the 'down' tension on garage door openers, and ensure that the door reverses without an excessive amount of pressure.
6. Make cosmetic improvements. An attractive, clean and tidy appearance will enhance your home's appeal. In addition to making any necessary repairs, remember to:
Keep the lawn mowed and the house 'picked-up'
Clean the exterior walls & trim, and wash the windows squeeky clean.
Open the shades and curtains to create a bright, inviting atmosphere.
Pay particular attention to the cleanliness and comfort of the kitchen and bathrooms.
7. Prepare for the buyer's inspection.
More and more purchasers are requesting pre-purchase inspections. It's a good idea to assemble in advance, the various house records that can be used to answer questions from the purchaser and their inspector.
You should try to have on hand:
Appliance receipts, service records and warranties
Information on the age of major components such as the roof coverings, furnace, air-conditioner, etc.
Major component warranties (e.g. roofing, siding, windows, carpeting furnace and other appliances
Heating, water and electric bills from at least the past 12 months
