Six Simple Things to Do Before You Sell

1. Repairs and maintenance –  Obtain estimates from a licensed repair person on items that need to be replaced soon, such as a roof, flooring, carpeting, etc.   These are not items you necessarily need to fix in the current market environment, however, it will help bridge the gap with buyers by giving them a better sense of how much these needed repairs will affect their costs.
2. Termite inspection – Paying for this is a form of insurance that your closing will go smoothly as you will be able to remediate any issues before the buyer discovers during the closing process.  This can often be a costly and timely delay or cause the deal to completely fall apart.
3. Pre-sale home inspection –  like the termite inspection, this inspection will also allow you to clear any issues and fix them that could derail the closing or cause the buyer enough concern to cancel the deal.
4. Gather pertinent paperwork – warranties and other guarantees on the HVAC, appliances, and other items that will remain with the house.
5. Deep cleaning and declutter – this is the time to go through everything you don’t need, donate it and do a deep clean or hire someone do a deep cleaning of your house.  The decluttering can a lot of time, so plan ahead before it comes time for the staging and photography of your home once you sign a listing contract. 
6. Fill out a disclosure form – Seller disclosures are key to prevent any liability for you after the closing.  You are required by law to disclose known issues to the buyer.  This is where we can walk you through every steo of the process once you are ready to begin the process of listing your home.

Preparation and education are key even if this is not your first rodeo.

.