Tips
For Sellers
You should look at your home with
the critical eye of a perspective buyer. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on
major renovations to make your house attractive to perspective buyers. It is more
important that your house appears clean and well maintained.
Seller
Checklist:
-Curb Appeal-
- Lawn and shrubs should be well
maintained
- If you have an older asphalt
driveway that is in good condition but looks a little tired consider applying a new coat
of sealer to rejuvenate it.
- Yard and driveway should be free
of debris and excess vehicles
- Exterior of home should be
recently painted or cleaned with siding wash
-The
inside-
- Reduce clutter
- Clean top to bottom (sorry, this
includes the windows)
- Have carpets cleaned and
deodorized
- Consider a fresh coat of paint in
neutral colors
- Repair any damaged sheet rock,
loose railings or damaged flooring
-The
Paperwork-
If you have made any significant
renovations or additions since your purchased you home you will probably need a
Certificate of Occupancy for the alteration or addition you’ve made.
You will need to get building
permits and inspections for these items. In some cases a zoning variance may be required.
Obtaining these permits and certificates can take time. The buyers mortgage company will
more than likely insist on all additions or renovations having proper permits before
closing. This is not something you can ignore or hope will go unnoticed.
Things
that generally need permits*:
- Decks
- Large outbuildings (varies by
town)
- In the ground swimming pools
- Exterior electric (pools and
outbuildings requires UL)
- Garages converted to living space
- Accessory apartments
*These are only examples
contact your local building authority for the actual code in your area |
