Sellers: What Every Buyer Wants to Know about Your Home
Real Estate statistics still indicate a seller’s market. These things cycle constantly, so if you’re thinking about selling your home, you’ll likely want to take advantage when the data is inclined in your favor. Regarding value to a Home Buyer, the Residential Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement closely follows location and price. It addresses most of what a buyer wants to know about your home. However, the Property Disclosure may be even more valuable to you, the Home Seller, than it is to the buyer, as a means to avoid the delay of your home sale. The more detail included in the disclosure, the fewer obstacles you’ll need to overcome later in the transaction.
By Suzanne De Vita
Home sellers are in an advantageous position this summer, with demand high and sales at their strongest in close to a decade. Planning to list your home in the coming weeks? Get the most for your house before the season’s up by making it accessible to buyers—with information.
Every homebuyer wants to know specific aspects of homes they’re considering purchasing—information that may seem premature to advertise initially, but could ultimately be determining factors in their decision to make an offer.
This information may include:
- How old is the home? When was it last renovated? How old is the roof?
- What structures or fixtures are included in the list price? (Appliances, ceiling fans, lighting, shed, swing set, window treatments, etc.)
- What are the home’s annual costs? (Electric, municipal water, gas, oil, lawn care, pool maintenance, etc.)
- Has the home required asbestos, lead or mold removal? Has the home been tested for radon?
- How is the home heated and/or cooled? How old is the heating and/or cooling system? How old is the hot water heater?
- How old is the wiring? Is it up to code?
- Has the well water been tested?
- Is/was an oil tank buried on the property? Is there a septic system, cesspool or drywell?
- Are there any outstanding permits or liens on the property?
- What are the homeowners association fees? What is the move-in fee? What amenities or services are provided by the HOA?
Providing these answers up front not only meets prospective buyers on their terms—they’ll be searching for it online—but also could lead to an offer that much sooner. Work with your real estate agent to compile this information as comprehensively as possible. It will be appreciated!
