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Every home
seller can benefit from some simple tips before putting his
residence on the market. For example, a pre-listing inspection
could help identify the components of the house that are most
in need of repair — which will make the home unattractive to
potential buyers. Homeowners who hire a qualified inspector
will find it well worth their investment.
Here are the six common problem areas that are typically
identified by thorough home inspectors. Early correction of
these problems will increase the house’s marketability (and
its selling price!).
1.CHECK
THE MAJOR SYSTEMS.
After size, style, and location, nothing will sell a house
quicker than the good condition of the home’s basic
structure and major mechanical systems. A pre-listing
inspection of visible and accessible home components can
reveal problems in the structure ands ystems, and an inspector
will recommend the necessary repairs. The most important
components to consider are the roof structure and covering;
the foundation, base mentor crawl spaces; the central heating
and air-conditioning systems; the electrical and plumbing
systems.
2.MAKE MAINTENANCE
IMPROVEMENTS.
These basic, simple, and usually inexpensive improvements will
make the home
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more
appealing to buyers. After all, first
impressions count, so make the home
"drive-by perfect" by trimming trees
and shrubs, applying new caulking
or weather stripping
as necessary,
cleaning gutters of leave sand
debris, and making sure all windows
are free of cracks.
Inside, the
homeowner should
replace bathroom
caulk or grouting,
ventilate closed  basements
and crawl spaces,
regrade the soil
around the
foundation to keep water away from the house,
replace dirty filters in the climate
control systems and have the systems
professionally serviced, and maintain
chimneys, having them professionally
cleaned and installing hoods
or caps as needed.
3.PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS.
Fixing minor problems as they occur will
indicate "loving care" to the potential
buyer. The homeowner should
repair leaky faucets, tighten loose
doorknobs, replace damaged screens
and windows, repair driveways,
repaint walls and ceilings, and
make sure all railings are secure. These
simple steps will make sure the
buyer doesn’t leave with a bad impression.
Continued
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