Be way out in front of the curve, hire your own inspector and complete the repairs before placing your home on the market. A good real estate agent will suggest that you hire an inspector on any home that at first glance says I need help. You could spend $200 to $500 but getting to it first may help you make a sale and get you a higher price.

Don’t cover anything up, don’t hide problems. They will be found if not by the inspector then when the buyers’ final walk through before closing after you’ve moved all your furniture out. How would you like to move back in or spend 2 weeks in a hotel while the repairs are being completed so you can close and move to your next house, if that deal didn’t already fall apart?

Basement problems, wet walls or floor? Most times covered by stacks of boxes or other things stored away, inspectors don’t move things they only check where they have access. The point is this will come back and bite you, basement problems are sometimes a very easy fix clean and repair gutters regrade around foundation so water moves away, a leaking hose bibb (outside faucet).

Painting and touch ups should be done inside and outside a clean fresh look will give everyone confidence in the rest of the property. Painting the front door and entry is the best place to start. Hallways and corners always show a lot of use.

Cleaning interior and exterior get rid of all the junk you plan on tossing anyway. Too much stuff in the house may be cause to question what’s behind it or underneath of it. Wash off any mold or mildew from your siding and roof.

Landscaping trim all shrubs around the foundation, tall shrubs cause moisture to stay on walls and foundations a good place for termites and wood rot. Shrubs also hide your house what else are you hiding? This can cause a lot of questions from a home inspector and pest control inspectors they both know they usually find something here.

Each of these can help you make your sale. Home inspectors are not the enemy remember your buyers agent will suggest that you hire an inspector for your purchase.

Bill Carey with over 30 years in real estate sales, investments, and home building offers a unique perspective to the buying and selling process of residential real estate for F*R*E*E consumer information and reports log on to http://www.CharlotteNCExecutiveHomes.com and see
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These are my 10 ten ideas for sellers to get their homes in top condition for a quick sale.

1. Make the Front Entrance SPARKLE!.

You need to make a great first impression! A coat of paint and a new brass kick plate or doorknocker says “welcome home”. Remove any personalized doorknockers or signs from the front of the home. Remember to trim bushes and shrubs and keep walkways clear. A blooming plant or festive wreath is a nice touch.

2. Organize the Kitchen.

Kitchens sell homesmake yours appear more large and inviting! Clean off counters and organize cupboards and drawers. Store or pack seldom used appliances and large pans. Consider replacing the counter if it is worn or has an unusual color. Repair or replace leaky kitchen faucets and dated florescent light fixtures.

3. Reduce Clutter Inside and Out.

Sort out E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G! Throw away anything you do not need and organize the rest. Too much stuff? Consider an off-site storage facility during the move. Donate unwanted items to a local charity. Campers, boats and old cars should be parked at a different location.

4. Clean.

Your home should be spotless and smell clean too! Remember to give attention to the yard and garage too. Buyers want to see the size of your garage not where you dumped all the stuff from the house. If you have a dog, make certain that the yard has been picked up before every showing and it is completely free of debris.

5. Paint.

Light neutral colors make small rooms appear larger. That cute personalization you painstakingly painted on your child’s wall is a paint-over project to a new buyer. Do them a favor and paint over before the first showing. Remove dated wallpaper and borders and paint walls. Use premium quality paint and remember to patch holes properly and tape woodwork prior to starting. A sloppy paint job can be more detrimental to your bottom line than no paint job at all.

6. Update Bath.

If cleaning and painting cannot help a dingy bath, consider replacing vanity, counter and sink. Look at the faucets and light fixtures. If they are vintage, consider replacing. Also consider installing new flooring or buy nice plush floor mats to make the bathroom cozy. If the tub is nasty and stained, look into having it resurfaced.

7. Make Minor Repairs.

Tighten knobs, fix leaky faucets, oil squeaking hinges, replace dirty filters, repair cracked windows and holes in screens. If it can be fixed, fix it! Buyers do not pay top dollar for a “project house”.

8. Fix Roof Leaks.

One tiny water stain on the ceiling will cause a buyer to question the entire roof. Find and fix the leak at the source. This may be the time to call in an expert. Repair any ceiling damage. Disclose any information on repairs made to potential buyers.

9. Explain a Wet Basement.

Do what you can to make repairs but be prepared to explain all existing and repaired problems to the potential buyers. Never try to cover signs of a wet basement.

10. Exterminate.

Call a professional to get rid of the pests, repair any damage, and allow time for any pesticide smells to dissipate before showing. One bug, dead or alive, can make a bad impression on a buyer. If you have periodic mice, remove the traps and bait before showings. Again, disclose any pest infestations to potential buyers before the sale.

Copyright 2006 Teri Eckholm.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Teri Eckholm, Realtor
Keller Williams Premier Realty
http://www.terieckholm.com

Teri Eckholm is a native Minnesotan with nearly 20 years of sales and marketing experience. She grew up in a St. Paul suburb and working as a Realtor, she has serviced residents of the Twin Cities metro area for over five years. Teri has assisted hundreds of clients move from across town, across Minnesota and across the United States.