Redos and redon’ts if you’re planning to sell
president of the National Association of Realtors (realtor.org).
“The best real estate agents aren’t looking for quick sales. They get most of their business through referrals and know that relationships with clients develop over time,” says Helfant, a broker who co-owns several Coldwell Banker real estate offices in Virginia.
She suggests you invite one or more agents over to evaluate your property, helping you create a checklist of superficial changes that could make your place a lot more appealing.
For any given job, homeowners typically ask for three bids on the work and then pick the company charging least. But Davis questions this approach, noting that “short bidders,” who come in well under their competitors, often perform poorly, or will tack on extra charges at the end.
“Ironically, the company with the highest bid could also prove problematic. Maybe this firm is now too busy to take your job and is using a high bid to turn you down without creating ill will in the process,” Davis says. Unless all three bidders are close in price, he says the middle one is generally your best choice.
Most homeowners can readily identify minor items that need fixing around their place. But what about hidden problems with plumbing, electrical, heating or cooling systems? And has the roof reached the end of its functional life?
These questions are best answered by a qualified home inspector. To avoid surprises later, Davis advocates that sellers arrange for a “pre-inspection” to get an early indication of hidden problems. He recommends you find an inspector in your area through a professional organization, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (homeinspector.org).
The cost of an inspection can easily run to several hundred dollars, especially for a large home. But as Davis says, sellers who identify and resolve repair issues early often avoid expensive and time-consuming complications later. Your buyers are still entitled to hire their own inspector, yet many waive this right after reviewing the first inspector’s report, along with receipts showing all the home’s problems were rectified.
“Surprisingly, your inspectors’ report can be a powerful tool in marketing your property,” Davis says.