Spring, and the traditional increase in real-estate sales and listings, is just around the corner. If you are thinking of listing your home for sale this year, now is the time to start getting ready. Boggs Inspection Services is an integral part of hundreds of home sales in the South Sound and knows what makes or breaks a sale. There are many simple things homeowners can do prior to listing to avoid common “dings” on their home inspection report. And while these tips help close the sale, they also help get potential buyers through the door in the first place.
1 – Curb Appeal: No matter how fantastic your home is inside, if the exterior looks neglected, buyers won’t get past the driveway. Dwayne Boggs, owner of Boggs Inspection Services, suggests adding a fresh coat of paint if needed. “Even though this isn’t a cheap upgrade, it really brings buyers to the table and shows a history of upkeep,” he shares. Tidy up the yard, add fresh bark to the flower beds and cut back bushes from the sides of the home.
2 – Add Splash Blocks: Splash blocks are concrete or plastic wedge shaped devices placed under downspouts, directing water away from the home. These are inexpensive yet often get broken or lost after years of home ownership. Add clean, fresh splash blocks at every downspout, protecting the foundation and showing buyers you take care of your home.
3 – Roof and Gutter Care: We live in the Pacific Northwest and all deal with moss and leaves on our roofs. Take care of this before listing, sprinkling “moss-out” (available at home and garden supply) on the roof and cleaning gutters regularly. Buyers will appreciate the clean slate when they look at a potential new home.
4 – Safety Upgrades: All homes are now required to have CO2 monitors. Save a step in your inspection process and add them prior to listing. Check outlets in kitchens and baths to ensure you have GFCI outlets. Swapping these out is simple and ensures safety in these “damp” locations. Add an earthquake strap to your hot water heater and consider having your furnace serviced prior to listing. These small upgrades add up to a big boost of confidence for potential buyers.
5 – Pre-Listing Inspection: Boggs Home Inspections offers Pre-Listing Inspections, the ultimate check list for homeowners preparing to sell their home. Read more about Pre-Listing Inspections here.
