• Add downspout extensions of 4” black flexible tubing 5’ from the house to control basement seepage.
• Maintain a positive grade of dirt away from the foundation for 3’ to direct water away from the house.
• Check the attic for water stains and seal any leaks from the outside with roofing cement. Check chimney flashing, skylights, and cave edge nail holes from toe boards and caulk with roofing cement.
• Clean all gutters and check alignment. Replace rusted sections.
• Power wash exterior siding and decks with bleach to remove mildew and algae.
• Clean masonry stoops and walks with bleach or mild acid and paint handrails with Rustoleum.
• Caulk windows and door thresholds with silicone/latex caulk.
• Freshly paint the front door, window trim and shutters.
• Spread fresh pine straw and add flowers to brighten the front flowerbeds.
• Check the foundation for cracks less than 1/8” and repair with an epoxy sealer. Consult a professional for larger cracks.
• Check attic rafters and exposed floor joists for stress cracks and repair damaged area by sistering another board, i.e. 2 x 10 for 6’.
• Look carefully for wood rot on exterior siding, chimney areas in attics and under plumbing areas.
• Repair floor squeaks by screwing the subfolder to the joist and repair excessive floor sags with jack posts.
• Professionally service any known defects or amateur wiring. Check the panel box for loose connections and moisture.
• Professionally service the furnace and air conditioning and get a written report: check for gas leaks, heat exchanger problems, etc.
• Repair leaky faucets, loose toilets, plumbing leaks, and re-caulk the bathtub and tile caulk.
• Clean motor oil on garage floors by using Tide detergent to absorb the stain and then apply concrete sealer to a clean floor.
• Clean ashes from the fireplace and check firebricks for cracks.
• Patch cosmetic sheetrock cracks with spackle compound. Touch up paint and freshly paint dark rooms a lighter neutral color.
• Remove window screens for more daylight. Make sure windows operate smoothly.
• Remove carpets over hardwood floors. Clean and wax all hardwood floors or use a high gloss polyurethane finish.
• Clean stains in carpets with Simple Green or Resolve spot cleaner. Stretch and steam clean carpets if necessary.
• Clean all bathroom tiles with a tile cleaner and regrout with white grout for a new appearance.
• Add 6-mil polyethylene over exposed dirt. Keep crawlspace vents open at all times.
• Run a dehumidifier and connect into the condensation pump to pull moisture from the basement.
• Check doorway framing and settlement and make sure all doors work freely.
• Check exhaust fans, whole house fans, ceiling fans and attic fans for operation.
• A home warranty helps houses sell quicker-invest $469.00.

It is very important to introduce your home in its best condition to potential buyers. By taking the following steps you can make your home more appealing and increase the likelihood that it will sell for the best possible price in the shortest amount of time.

Steps to Take Now:

Keep lawn neatly groomed.

Clean entry porch and front door.

Tidy up closets. Store as many items as possible.

Eliminate clutter from counter tops, desktops and bookcases.

Replace light bulbs with higher wattage bulbs.

If you have pets, combine or remove them during showings.

Give your home a careful cleanings.

Steps to Take for Showing Appointments:

Turn on all lights, even in the daytime.

Open all drapes and blinds.

Shine the kitchen and bathrooms.

Freshen the cat litter.

Keep the house a comfortable temperature.

Put money and valuables out of sight.

Leave the house during the appointment.

CLOSING INFORMATION 

Loan Payoff Information:

Have available the lender name, address, phone number and loan number for the mortgages being paid off.

Note: If you have an obligation that has been paid off, but has not been released by the lender, contact the lender and obtain a release in writing.

Association Status:

If you own a condominium, townhouse or home governed by an Association that collects dues, the contact information for the Association will be needed..

Special Sellers:

If any of the following circumstances apply to you as Seller we must discuss special requirements in advance.

1. Estate seller or one seller deceased.

2. Partnership seller, corporate seller, trust seller, foreign citizen or other “entity” seller.

3. Absent seller, power of attorney seller, minor or mentally or physically impaired seller.

4. Seller with state or federal tax liens, civil judgments, pending divorces or other litigation affecting ownership of the subject property.