We recommend a few key things that you should do so your home inspects well and doesn’t scare off potential buyers.
There is nothing worse than a buyer walking away from a home after inspection, especially if there have been many inquiries after there is an accepted offer.
Realtors and their buyers want to know why or simply imagine why the offer didn’t go through.
Some common things we see that come up in inspection that can easily and affordably be taken care of prior to listing are:
- Loose toilets. Secure the toilets by tighten the bolts.
- Leaky or dripping faucets.
- Repair any caulking fails or grout fails. These allow for water ingress and which will show on an inspector’s moisture meter.
- Make sure you have metal braided hoses for dishwashers and washers. The plastic ones are prone to leaks.
- Old Rodent activity in the attic. Climb up into your attic and have a look around. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so, hire a pest professional to do so.
- Mould in the attic. Have an environmental consultant assess the mould to determine if it is benign or not and remediate if necessary. This needs to be done prior to listing. This is quite common given our dark rainy winters. Buyers can find mould extremely disconcerting.
- Number one Furnace! Old furnaces often run forever and can be way more reliable than new ones. It is one of the first items an inspector will pick off. Always have your furnace professionally checked for leaks and serviced prior to listing. It needs to be in clean working order with a fresh new filter. Have the invoice on hand to document that your furnace is in good working order.
- Fridges with non working ice makers. This is common with some of the newer fridges and homeowners don’t want to fix it because it can be expensive depending on the repair.
- Mildew in the front loading washer. Clean your front loader regularly by following the manufacturer’s instructions or using the special cleaning tabs available for sale. Always leave the door open slightly so the rim dries out thoroughly.
- Clean/vacuum your dryer vent. Lint build up is dangerous to you and your family. It’s a major fire hazard.
- Make sure your dryer has metal duct venting not flex hose.
- Turn on your gas fireplace pilot light. Often sellers turn the pilot off in the summer or because they have young children. Maker sure the pilot is lit for your gas fireplace prior to listing so it works when the inspector comes. Make sure the fireplace is clean and in working order.
- Foggy window usually mean the seal on the window has failed. Buyers often see this as entire window replacement. It’s not always. Call Capilano Glass to replace the window glass. It’s not always necessary to replace the entire window.
- Careful touching up paint. If you want to do drywall repairs or paint touch ups, paint out the entire walk. Paint patches show.
- Clean, clean, clean! Have your home thoroughly cleaned prior to listing photos so that it is easy to keep on top of it while it is listed. Makes life so much easier and your home will show beautifully to buyers!
Buyers want a home that has been well cared for and loved. Tending to these items and other deferred maintenance items prior to listing, will show that your home has been well maintained and is kept clean.
No time or no desire to do these things? We have the best handyman in the business and a network of available trade professionals to call on.
Wondering about other to do list items? We are happy to do a walk through and point out items that need attention. Call us!