Owner’s manual can ensure smooth sale

WRITE UP A GUIDE WITH TIPS, NAMES TO MAKE IT AN EFFECTIVE TRANSITION

To sell, homeowners know they must impress potential buyers. What they may not realize, though, is the importance of leaving a lasting good impression with the buyer who actually purchases their home.

In about 10 percent of transactions, buyers have post-closing questions for sellers, estimates Leslie McDonnell of RE/ MAX Suburban in Libertyville, Illinois.

Usually, new owners send their questions through their real estate agent, who passes it to the seller’s agent, who in turn queries the former owner and relays answers. About one-fifth of the time, McDonnell estimates, a buyer will contact the seller directly.

Questions can center on anything from whether the washing machine is still under warranty to when to change the furnace filters.

Sellers may avoid the annoyance of questions — which can veer into complaints — by anticipating what the new owner should know.

“Thoughtful sellers,” says Mike McElroy of Center Coast Realty in Chicago, “will put together a packet that has warranties, where to find this or that in the neighborhood, and any other important information.”

The condo buyers McElroy works with usually ask, “where the keys to the mailbox are, so I always tell sellers to leave them out, clearly marked.”

Kathryn Bishop, a Southern California agent with Keller Williams Realty in Studio City, finds that it’s especially important to leave behind instructions and any relevant information on “smart home” features.

Other information that agents suggest be left behind include:

• Names of contractors who have completed remodeling projects or have installed new equipment.

• Paint brands and color names used in rooms throughout the house.

• Names of flooring and tile, and it’s also considerate to leave any extra tile.

• Contact information for any professional services used, such as landscaping, gutter cleaning and snow removal.

Such seller etiquette not only avoids postclosing hassles, but it can also spur good neighborly relations when the seller stays in the area.

“We had a seller who just moved across the street, who left behind an information packet and a bottle of Champagne,” McElroy concludes.