Tips for Sellers

Home Listing Tips

When you are listing your home you are not thinking about issues that have not affected your family over the years but that may be new regulations now. Some of the issues that come up daily in homes in our area are listed below. This does not mean that you are required to repair them, however it may be helpful to know in advance and can save you time and stress during the selling transaction. Considering some of these big topics and ensuring your house is well maintained may be YOUR POINT OF DIFFERENCE when buyers are looking in your neighborhood. The Texas Real Estate Commission has set standards and guidelines that must be maintained when inspecting and even an older house that may have been grandfathered on codes now may be asked to upgrade depending on the lending institute.

The following “Seller's Tips” could help you through the home sale and inspection process:

Address Federal Pacific breaker panels, older or rusted panels, panels located in clothes closets, open light bulbs missing the globe, open grounded or incorrect polarity outlets and GFCI in wet areas.
Consider having a local foundation company assessing your house if you notice a lot of cracks throughout,
outside at the siding seams or brick around windows; doors that are sticking; windows not opening properly; uneven floors and rafters that are split or that are not flush in the attic against the ridge boards.
Consider the overall age of water heaters and check after running a lot of water to see if it is making noise or has an inconsistent flame.
Consider the age of the AC evaporator coil (ac part in attic usually) and see if it has had an ongoing issue with water dripping in the overflow pan (which must have a drain line and/or a shut off float switch present), if the pan is rusty or the primary drain line has clogged. Consider having both AC’s and furnace (especially if rust in burners) serviced and diagnosed to determine if ready for cleaning or replacement.
Consider the roof covering and determine if it has two layers and/or is nearing the end of it’s life expectancy.
If two layers some Insurance companies are not eager to insure so if they do then may pass information to the buyers to ease their mind. If several roofing contractors state its ready to be replaced or provide an estimate to repair minor issues, ex (cracked roof vents allowing water inside, raised flashing etc), then at least you have an idea of the cost analysis.
Make sure all stove burners are working properly, oven gets to 350 F bake, around 500F broil, anti-tip is in place, dishwasher works properly and drains, tight, high loop correct and any other built in appliance is working.
Must ensure all the plumbing drains properly, faucets are hot on left, cold on right, good water pressure, no drippy faucets and no leaks at the drain connections or rust build up at the p-traps, tub overflows, lines in attic.
If a large amount of wood rot around the eves, walls around the house get a few estimates to upgrade to hardy board or newer product.
Check if circuit breakers are tripping improperly, two wires under one circuit breaker, overheating in the breaker panels, lights not wired into the gfci.

Can provide repair invoices to sellers and transferable roof, foundation, pest control, pool or septic system warranties if applicable. Please remember that these are just a few simple tips and that every home will have some issues that need to be addressed. There is no such thing as a perfect home and there is no Pass or Fail. The buyer inspection is about providing as much information about the home as possible to address the issues and keep the buyer informed. Sometimes it is good to be proactive, provide invoices and knowledge and be ahead of the game which may be YOUR POINT OF DIFFERENCE.