Do you remember when sellers received multiple offers after being on the market for only days?  Buyers were more "forgiving" of repair issues and wanted a smooth and quick sales transaction!  However, in today's market, we have to do more.  You've heard me talk about our advanced classes in real estate photography, internet or search engine optimization, staging, etc.  One thing that we like to discuss during listing appointments is having a pre-inspection report on your house.  You can do this one of two ways.  You can have a true inspection or we can send you a blank inspection report and you can see what types of things are covered during the inspection.  You will be able to handle some of the items yourself, I'm sure.

A pre-listing home inspection could play a part in a buyer's decision about whether or not to put in an offer on your house.  It implies that YOU (the seller) are open and honest about the house...with all it's faults and good points.  Sometimes buyers will leave enough "room" in their offer to take care of repairs that may not be readily apparent.  There may be some repairs that relate to code items.  We don't usually try to "ding" a seller or ask them to bring a house up to current code.  Some buyers are picky and ask for this, but we try to keep them focused on what is important such as the dishwasher doesn't work, AC not cooling properly or a cracked heat exchanger.  Be prepared to see GFI's on the report.  That electrical code changes all the time.  Just when you think you're safe because you have a GFI within so many feet from the sink, they change the code to include ALL outlets in the kitchen!

If you've bought or sold a home before you know that buyers will sometimes "over" estimate what a repair will cost.  This is not always intentional....there are just so many unknowns with home repairs.  So, if a repair is needed, it just might make good sense to go ahead and make the repair instead of reducing the price by twice the repair amount.  This is not always the case, but it usually does make negotiations go a lot smoother!  The rule of thumb we use is to expect a $2-$3 price reduction for every $1 of repairs!

Sellers...keep in mind that buyers, just like you as a seller, are under a great deal of stress in finding a home.  They may or may not be selling their current home (which you know is like living in a fish bowl), trying to find THE PERFECT house, reviewing financing options, scheduling time off to look at homes........it is very stressful and they want to feel like they are in control of SOMETHING.....and that little GFI repair might just do the trick!

As always, if you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling, Call Me!  We're here to help guide you through the process.  Not only do we care about our clients........we're easy to talk to....no hype....we just want to help you get the job done.  Read testimonials at www.PearlandHomes.com and find out why more and more people are choosing Kathye Warfield and her Team!  Can't wait to hear from you!


Kathye Warfield
281-485-1946
www.PearlandHomes.com

        

 

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