Seven Deal Killers
7 Deal Killers You Should Address
Before Going On The Market
Even if your home is only a few years old, chances are it has some problems – little or big – that need to be taken care of. Perhaps a cracked tile on the roof. A leaky faucet in the kitchen sink. A heater or air conditioner that’s on its last legs.
As a seller, even when you’re prepared to pay for repairs or replacements in your home, waiting to make those repairs or replacements could make it more difficult for you to find a buyer at all – or to get the kind of offer you’re looking for.
So, pre-empt the house inspection that your buyer will order with one of your own. And once you have a list of all the repairs and replacements that need to be made, make them – before you show your home.
The real estate experts at MyPhoenixMLS.com have prepared a list of the seven most common problems that homeowners in the Phoenix area face. Be sure to look out for these when fixing up your home for showing.
1. Leaky or clogged plumbing
A visual inspection of the pipes that run under sinks and behind toilets can be a good gauge of whether you have leaky plumbing. To test for clogs, turn on all of the faucets in the highest bathroom and then flush the toilet; if you hear running water, you may have a clog (or pipes that are too small). Another common problem, rusting pipes, can seriously affect the quality and safety of your water. If the water appears dirty when you turn on the faucets in your home, you may have rusting pipes.
2. Inadequate wiring
Is your home properly wired to meet your electrical needs? Your home should have at least 100 amps of electrical service, and wiring should be copper or aluminum.
If you have a number of multi-plug adapters in your home (the adapter plugs into the wall and you plug a number of devices into the adapter) that could be a sign that you don’t have adequate wiring. When you draw more amperage out of an outlet than that outlet was intended for, it can cause a fire hazard. 15 amp circuits are the most common, though circuits for appliances like dishwashers and washing machines may be larger.
(If you do have adequate wiring, you shouldn’t be using multi-plug adapters, as they can damage the outlet and could cause a fire.)
3. Improperly functioning heating and cooling systems
In Arizona, a properly functioning air conditioner is a must. If it’s hot outside, forget even showing your home without an adequate A/C, much less selling it. If your home isn’t cooling or heating properly, there could be a number of causes.
First, it could be your actual A/C or heating unit. Have the unit professionally inspected, especially if it is more than a few years old. Your furnace should be clean, with no rust on the heat exchanger, and should be within its typical life span of 15-25 years. If you have a forced air gas system, it should be closely inspected because it could emit poisonous carbon monoxide if not functioning properly.
Second, your home may have insufficient insulation to retain the cool or warm air. Check windows and doors for leaks, as well as exterior walls for proper insulation.
And don’t forget about the air filter. Put in a new one before you put your home on the market. The filter is one of the first things buyers notice!
4. A leaky roof
Monsoon season in the Phoenix area wreaks havoc on roofs. Downspouts that don’t work properly can direct flowing water into your home’s walls. Damaged asphalt or tile shingles or flat tar roofs can also allow water to flow into your home. If you have water leaking into your home, you’ll have to repair the source of the leak (the roof or downspout, for example) as well as interior damage (including wet drywall and carpet).
5. Rotting wood
Despite being a desert, the Phoenix area can be quite humid – especially during monsoon season – and that makes rotting wood a potential problem. To check for rotting wood in your house, probe door and window frames, trim, siding, decks and fences for soft spots. If you find rotting wood, have it replaced; if you try to cover it up with a fresh coat of paint instead, your buyer’s home inspector will still find it.
6. Inadequate security
An alarm system is not a necessity, of course. But other basic safety features are, including proper locks on all windows and doors (including dead bolt locks for the front door) as well as smoke detectors on every level and in every bedroom. If you do have an alarm system, it should be functioning properly.
7. Structural deficiencies
Properly functioning plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling, a watertight roof, wood in good condition, and adequate security are all critical for a safe, saleable home. But the structural integrity of your house is paramount.
Structural integrity encompasses your home’s foundation as well as frame. Problems including water leakage, termites, or rotting wood can all affect your home’s structural integrity – potentially making your home unsafe to live in. Repair structural problems before they get to that point.
Your MyPhoenixMLS.com Realtor will be able to help you navigate these seven and other potential problem spots in your home – and offer suggestions before you start showing your home for sale. To chat with us, call us today at 602-318-1114 or 866-249-1678 or e-mail us at info@myphoenixmls.com.
