Today I have common maintenance pitfalls you will want to avoid when buying or selling.
When buyers or sellers encounter unexpected maintenance issues, they can impact the sale process, slow down negotiations, or lead to costly repairs.
Here are key maintenance pitfalls to watch out for along with advice on how to avoid them.
1. Neglected roof and exterior repairs.
The roof and exterior are many times the first thing the buyer notices as they walk up to the home. Damage to these areas can lead to lower offers or potential issues with negotiations, home inspection, due diligence, and a buyer’s decision to proceed with buying or not. For sellers, before you list your home, inspect and repair your roof, clean your gutters, and check for signs of wood rot and repair.
2. Hvac systems
Prior to listing your home, have your HVAC serviced and get a clear report to share with buyers. Providing this report will provide peace of mind to buyers and likely encourage better offers. Change filters, clean vents, and repair duct work if needed.
3. Ignoring Plumbing & Water Issues
Leaks & drainage issues are common in homes but can be a red flag to buyers if not addressed and could result in costly plumbing issues and damage overtime. Best to address any issues from leaky faucets, toilets, under sinks, and slow drains as you find they exist. And if you had a leaky pipe, be sure to check for water or wood damage that may have resulted from it and repair it.
4. Electrical & Lighting
Check that all light bulbs and switches are in working order and repair as needed.
All of these things you really should be doing as a home owner anyway, but I know personally it is easy to let one little thing go by for a while and then before you know it, you have several things you need repaired. But addressing these things prior to listing will always help ensure you have a smoother selling experience.
If you are considering selling or buying and would like assistance, click on the link below. And remember, my team and I are on standby 7 days a week ready to help you take the smoother road to sold.