Preparing your Home to Sell
Things you need to locate and provide to your realtor a copy of, if possible
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Your legal description (attached to your warranty deed)
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A survey if you have one
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Most recent tax bills
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Utility bills for the past year (many Buyers like to review)
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Any warranties on
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Roofs,
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Water Heaters,
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HVAC systems and
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Appliances
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Flooring
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Things you need or should do
It is important to be proactive as a Seller. A house that shows rotted trim or water stained ceilings sound alarm bells and cause buyers to scrutinize a home even more. These things imply the house has not been well maintained. This also applies to smells from old carpet and/or upholstery. It is imperative to present your home in its best light to potential buyers
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A fresh coat of paint goes a long way to freshen up a home
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Repair any damaged walls or ceilings
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Clean or replace carpets and/or rugs, if necessary
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Have home thoroughly cleaned prior to listing
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Have windows cleaned and remove any screens
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De-clutter home including cabinets, closets, attics, bookshelves, countertops and basements
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Clean up outdoor spaces including yards, decks and porches to make them inviting. Rake up leaves and pressure wash walkways, stairs, patios and/or decks, if necessary.
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Stage outside areas with potted plants with colorful plantings and add a sitting area on patios, decks or porches, if possible. Even if you just have a front stoop make it inviting.
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Never leave important documents or belongings (prescription drugs, important jewelry, etc) out during open houses or showings. Secure these things in a safe place
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If you see any evidence of mold address it before listing.
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Make arrangements for pets during showings
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Termite Bonds are very appealing to Buyers.
Documents that need completed prior to listing
There are certain documents that are require prior to or within days of listing a property.
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A signed Listing Agreement - this establishes the price for the listing, the term of the listing and the commission.
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A completed and signed Seller’s Property Disclosure
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A completed and signed Lead Base Paint Exhibit if any portion of the home was built before 1978
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If subject property is in Unincorporated Dekalb a Low Flow Plumbing Exhibit