Before Selling, Fix the Things that Take it on the Chin
Getting ready to sell your VT property? You will–of course–clean your home thoroughly, remove visual clutter and service major systems. You might add a fresh coat of paint to any well-loved walls. And, call your pro, your REALTOR. For key repairs you can consider, check out this list of common home defects found during property inspections.
According to InterNACHI, these eight items are common home defects;
- Doors need adjusting and servicing
- Faucets and shower heads need servicing
- Moisture seals [caulk and sealant] are missing from exterior and interiors
- Outlets and switches are not working and/or not GFCI
- Smoke alarms are missing or not current with fire safety regulations
- Sheetrock on walls has nail pops or small cracks
- Light fixtures are not working or missing bulbs
- Electrical panel has deficiencies
In Vermont, none of these should be a surprise, given our intense winter weather. Your house takes it on the chin.
We have 30+ years of experience helping Sellers here in North Western Vermont. What do we see nearly every time? Missing GFCI outlets in bathrooms, near the kitchen sink and washer. GFCI, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter was invented by Californian Charles Dalziel, in 1961. GFCI outlets protect you from electrocution. GFCI first became required in 1971, and is now required within six feet of any water supply. This includes sinks, showers, tubs and washers. Having GFCI in these places brings your home up to current National Electric Safety Code. So, you can be confident you are selling a safe home to your Buyer.
Smart Buyers Will Trust, and Verify
The buyer may need to pay for a property inspection, for financing. The Inspector will investigate these common areas of defect and much more. Ask your Realtor to help you maximize the inspection process, and anticipate the critical repair items that the Buyer might ask you to address, before closing. For more things to expect from your Realtor, visit our FAQ. For more help getting your home market-ready, read here.
Source: Wikipedia, InterNACHI
Don grew up in Vermont, loving the outdoors. After college, he had an illustrious career as a professional ski instructor at Smugglers Notch Resort where he enjoyed sharing his love of the mountains and the sport with kids and adults. The off-season led to Don shifting roles to a year-round position in permitting and planning for the resort. This provided him a foundation of knowledge and experience in these areas that has extended into Don’s current career in Real Estate.
Looking for all-in, old-school intense support for your real estate transaction? Amber Foote is a Broker and REALTOR with Blue Spruce Realty since 2018, after 12 years as a civil rights advocate helping families negotiate and collaborate with PA school systems seeking services for children with disabilities, and supporting attorneys through litigation. She grew up in a real estate household. She is experienced in successful negotiation, persistence, collaboration and working with a thousand details that all matter. Prior to advocacy, Amber had a successful design and marketing firm serving small businesses in South Central Pennsylvania. Before moving back North, Amber first worked in advertising, public relations and marketing for Wunderman Worldwide, Grey Advertising and Doubleday Publishing in NYC after graduating from Syracuse University. She has two adult children. She enjoys everything outdoors, and historic properties.
Gary grew up on the West Farm in Jeffersonville.
Tami has lived in Vermont her entire life and loves it. For a major part of her life, Tami’s focus has been raising five beautiful daughters. As her children grew, she enjoyed the opportunity of working in education, tutoring literature and directing a Shakespearean Theater Company for teens that raised money for charity.