Home inspectors see homes in all different conditions. Since they are an integral part of the home buying process, they also notice when a home’s condition is more likely to make the purchase go smoothly. Here are some tips to help secure a higher resale value for your home.
Stay Current on Maintenance
Keeping up on regular maintenance issues throughout the house will keep it in top shape and will make it more attractive to buyers. The home inspector will look at the heating and cooling systems as well as the water heaters. These can and should be regularly maintained and serviced to keep them running smoothly and prevent long-term issues or the need for early replacement.
Keep Water and Drafts Out
Water does not belong inside the house, and drafts should only occur if you intentionally open a window. A water stain on the ceiling is a bad sign for a home inspector, as it can mean water is getting through the roof. A damaged roof can definitely affect the resale value of a home, so it should be monitored for missing shingles or leaks, and repaired when necessary by a professional. Air leaks can occur around windows and doors, along baseboards, and in attics or basements. Make sure to regularly check for unwanted air leaks and repair if necessary.
Clean Regularly
Cleaning the house on a regular basis can help you stay on top of repair issues before they get worse. Regularly maintaining bathrooms and kitchens can keep showers and wall tiles pristine and free of mold, grout and caulk fresh and appliances working properly. Frequent dusting can help prevent buildup and helps vents remain clog-free. And don’t forget about the outside of the house! Gutters should be cleaned out several times a year and cobwebs should be cleared often to keep the bugs out. Since resale value can be affected by the overall appearance of a home, always keep up on lawn maintenance and weed control.
Get a Pre-Inspection Before Listing
Nobody likes surprises when it comes to buying or selling a house. The buyers get a home inspection in order to get a true understanding of the condition of the home before purchasing – but the same can be true for the seller! Getting a pre-inspection can allow you to discover any issues you were unaware of and take care of them before listing the house. This can put your home in a better selling condition and can help you maximize your asking price.
Lakes Area Home Inspections wants to be one of your best resources when selling your house. We know sellers want the highest resale value possible, and we can help you prepare you home for selling by identifying any significant defects that would affect the salability of the home, so you can correct them before listing. Contact us in Northern Illinois at 224-338-8885 or in Southern Wisconsin at 262-818-0911 to learn more and to schedule your appointment.
Additional information can be referenced here
LAHI serves the entire area of Northern IL and Southern WI. If you are in Johnsburg, Libertyville, Schaumburg, St Charles or the surrounding areas, give us a call at (224) 334-8885 so we can get you on our schedule