Monday, March 15, 2010

Be Prepared for Inspection Day

Adapted from an article by the Collin County Association of REALTORS(R) Affiliate Committee.

A quick guide for listing agents and sellers:

• Make sure all utilities are ON inside the home.
• Clear the areas around the electric panel, water heater, furnace and air conditioner to give Inspector full access.
• Unlock gates.
• Clear attic access and landing areas.
• Clear out closets to access crawlspace (under floor area).
• Leave the fireplace gas key on the mantle.
• Empty the dishwasher and oven.
• Make arrangements to secure or remove pets.
• Remove pet waste from the yard.
• Clean the swimming pool.
• Be prepared to leave the house for about 3–4 hours (varies).

Reducing Items on an Inspection Report – 12 easy fixes for homeowners:
• Replace batteries in smoke detectors and/or install smoke detectors in each bedroom, hall and on each floor level.
• Replace missing or broken switch and outlet cover plates.
• Repair leaky faucets.
• Tighten loose doorknobs.
• Repair or replace exterior door weather stripping.
• Caulk doors and windows at the exterior brick/siding.
• Replace damaged or missing screens.
• Replace broken panes of glass in doors and windows.
• Replace burned-out light bulbs.
• Secure loose hand and stair railings.
• Patch holes and cracks in walls and ceilings, then repaint.
• Replace heating and air conditioning filters.

These are the most common gigs on inspection reports. Keep in mind that buyers often use 10 items to leverage for the 2-3 they really want done. So, if you can reduce the list, you the seller reduce the leverage being applied against you.

Your Broker Matters (TM)

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