Boundaries

home are trying to determine (both consciously and unconsciously) if the property has been well-maintained. Even if buyers don’t catch a potential issue, their home inspector almost certainly will. As real estate agents, one thing we’ve found over the years is that buyers tend to “horribilize” issues (we borrowed this term from a fellow agent). In other words, the buyer will imagine the worst-case scenario. For example, let’s say the HVAC filter hasn’t been changed in a while and is dirty. From the seller’s perspective, the cost to replace the filter is only a few dollars. Buyers, however, may think the clogged filter has strained the HVAC system, which will shorten its life, and wonder what other routine maintenance issues have been neglected in the home. Regularly and proactively maintaining your home will pay dividends when you decide to sell.

In preparing to list a home for sale, we ask from our seller clients — those who own townhouses, rowhouses and single-family detached homes — for a copy of the plat, also known as the survey. This is a document that the homeowner likely received at the time he or she purchased the property and is included with the original closing papers. Anytime you or your neighbor installs a fence, driveway or other landscaping/hardscaping feature, make sure it is on the correct property. If there is an encroachment, even a small one, you will want to consult an attorney. There is often a simple legal solution at the time the encroachment occurs, such as recording an easement or sending a simple “permission” letter. Encroachment issues are potentially troublesome when selling a home;