Hugh Cairns: Selling your home in 2015

With some of the great weather we have had this winter it is not a stretch to start thinking about Spring. If you have plans to sell your home in this year’s Spring real estate season then now is the time to get started before you list.

(Photo: Hugh Cairns)

Repairing those small items before you sell will make for a smoother negotiation and stay ahead of your competition.

Engaging a professional realtor is sure to alleviate much of the stress that comes with selling your house. From a home inspector’s point of view, looking after those little things that need attention around the house will consume precious time fast.

Of course, there are improvements that cost only a few thousand dollars that are great investments and almost guaranteed to increase the value of your home and its marketability, but you should run them past your Realtor and a home-staging professional before you embark on them. Items like replacing old, worn-out carpet, or updating a dated bathroom, painting, or installing new countertops may be on your list, but to a home inspector they hold little weight.

If you are wondering where to start and not interested in undertaking major overhauls then it is time to get to work on small repairs to get your home in tip-top shape.

Start with decluttering. Empty out your crawlspace and attics for sure. Having unrestricted access to these spaces will allow a quick review for any routine repairs that may be needed. The same can be said for your garage and utility rooms. If it is an option, consider storing belongings off-site.

Service that furnace! Every home buyer wants to know the condition of your furnace, and the home inspector will be looking too. The reliability of aging furnaces can be difficult to predict, so have the furnace cleaned, serviced and the heat exchanger and interior flue system inspected.

Check out the age of your water heater. Insurance companies are interested in the age of hot water heaters. Although they may be working like a charm, insurance underwriters prefer newer, more reliable models.

Have a roof inspection conducted by a professional roofing company. Just because the roof covering looks old does not mean that it is in trouble. In most cases, simple repairs, sealing up flashings and penetrations is all that is needed to continue.

Get a seller’s home inspection. Now we all know that normally it is the buyer who sets up and pays for a home inspection, but it is always a good move to stay one-step ahead of the competition. By having a pre-sell inspection, you will arm yourself with the knowledge of the condition of your home. There may be some items that you will want to correct before a negotiation. Others you may leave for the buyer’s taste and expectations. One thing about a pre-sell report, you’ll have confidence in your product that all involved will respect.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.