9 Easy Repairs to do Prior to Listing Your Home

In a recent video, Scott Wagar with Scott Wagar Inspections, mentioned four tips for homeowners to prepare for the upcoming selling season.
(see Preparing for 2019 Real Estate Market)

The first tip was to consider having a pre-listing home inspection.  In a previous article (Why Do a Home Pre-Inspection), I shared some thoughts about why homeowners might want to check things out around their home prior to putting it up for sale.

The second tip was to do all the easy repairs prior to having the buyer's inspection.  Below is a list of 9 things often found during a home inspection that need to be included in the inspection report - yet are very easy for homeowners to address.  If these items are done, it shows to the buyer that the home is well maintained and possibly prevents nitpicky items from being included on a repair addendum.

1. Prune vegetation away from the house   - any hedges, tree branches, plants near the home should be trimmed away from the siding or roof.  It is best if the foliage is trimmed back at least 6 inches from the home.

2. Clean the gutters - especially during the fall months when the leaves are falling.  Full gutters can create clogs causing rain water to overflow or run behind the lower shingles, or may exaggerate leaks in the gutters.

3. Repair leaking faucets - this can include leaks coming from above the sink from the faucet or handles, leaks under the sink, leaks at the bathtub or shower faucet or even the outside hose faucets.  Any sign of dripping will be something an inspector will need to include in their report.

4. Replace or clean dirty furnace filters - it is recommended to change your furnace filters every 3-6 months.  A great time to put in new ones, or clean a washable filter, is right before you list your home for sale.

5. Install missing, or replace broken, covers on electrical switches, outlets and junction boxes.  Any light or fan switch and outlets for plugging in electrical cords found throughout the home should have an undamaged cover plate to prevent access to the inside wiring.  Electrical connections in the attic are often found without a junction box and should be repaired.  And, all of the outdoor electrical outlets should have weather proof covers on them to prevent water intrusion into the outlet.

6. Replace burned out light bulbs - this seems easy enough, but it's surprising how many light fixtures are called out as possibly non-operational simply due to a burned out bulb.  This is often found on front porch light fixtures.

7. Pull soil 6 inches away from the siding, basement windows, foundation vents and decks.  The earth should be pulled away from the home to prevent moisture seeping into or behind the siding, flowing into the crawl space through the foundation vents or pooling under decks.  These may create potential water intrusion issues or an easy pathway for insects to come into the home and create damage.

8. Install seismic (or earthquake) straps on the water heater.  This repair is often called out by both home inspectors and appraisers.  The water heater needs to be strapped in two places (upper and lower) to prevent it from tipping over in the event of an earthquake.

9. Update all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they meet Oregon regulation.  As of now, smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors installed before 2009 need to be replaced.

More  information about the 3rd and 4th tips will be provided in future articles.  Let me know if you would like to arrange for a pre-inspection on your home, and I'll set you up with an excellent home inspector!