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:

• Roof structure and covering
• Foundation, basement, and/or crawl space
• Central heating and air conditioning systems
• Electrical system
• Plumbing system

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

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
• Replace burned-out light bulbs, and wherever possible, replace broken light fixtures
• Secure loose railings
• Patch small holes in walls and ceilings and repaint
• Repair or replace faded or peeling wallpaper
• Repair and coat the driveway

The Added Value of Home Staging is a great article that will help you see not only the details, but the vision.

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

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 squeaky 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

 Selling your house?

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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

How did your house make out? 

Hopefully, this home seller’s checklist has helped you gain a clearer knowledge of your home’s overall condition – from a buyer’s perspective. Now you can make repairs or improvements will will increase your home’s marketability. And remember, you ARE marketing your house – you probably wouldn’t try to sell your car without making it clean and ready. It just makes good sense! Of course, even if your house is already in optimum condition, a professional home inspection can also be a good marketing tool. Just leave a copy of the report on the kitchen table for agents and purchasers to read.