RED FLAGS IN REAL ESTATE SALES

August 15th, 2008

There are a number of things that buyers see as red flags when they preview a home.  These consist of obvious things that have not been taken care of by the present owner.

To name a few:

• Unkempt yard
  
• Unpainted front porch
  
• Other inside and outside painting left neglected
  
• A stain on a ceiling after the roof has been repaired
  
• Fingerprints and stains left on the walls
  
• Dirty or worn flooring
  
• Wallpaper peeling away
  
• Stains and odor left from pets on rugs or in the basement
  
• Stained or moldy bathroom tile or dingy tub area
  
• Dirty kitchen stove

There are many more that can be added to the above list and each and every one makes a potential buyer wonder about the state of repair of the “not-so-obvious” items such as the furnace, hot water heater, septic system, plumbing leaks, etc.

There is a reason to take care of conspicuous repair work.  This is not the time to be “penny-wise and pound-foolish”!  For each obvious problem in a home there is a red flag waving and warning — “Don’t get involved with this headache.”

The moral is obvious.  The fewer apologies you have to make for your property, the easier it is to sell.  If you have any obvious red flags waving  — remove them!

Our Associate Brokers are trained to advise you where best to spend a little money in repairing a deferred maintenance item that will, in most cases, return $3 to $4 when you sell, for every $1 spent and your sale will be expedited.

Call me if you need assistance with your real estate decisions.  If you prefer, email me at donkingsley@kingsleyrealestate.com   I will be happy to share my knowledge with you at no cost or obligation.

Entry Filed under: Buying A Home, Real Estate Tips, Selling Your Home