Many of us when faced with a large project looming ahead of us tend to avoid the mouse in the room which then grows into an elephant with a pressing deadline. Procrastination and avoidance of doing the unpleasant or tackling the unknown is not easy. When preparing your home for sale this is where the guidance, expertise and knowledge of your Real Estate advisor kicks in. This is a path you do not need to walk alone!

 

Recently I have met with several homeowners that have lived in their home for over 10 years. I look into their faces and I can just see that preparing their home for the open market is not a project they relish. With that being said, I though it was high time I compile a check list for homeowners to follow.

 

Checklist for Preparing Your Home for Sale

 

1. Find the right Real Estate Firm
 

2. Choose the Real Estate Sales Associate that meets your needs.
 

3. Sign an Exclusive Listing Agreement accompanied by a Waiver of Broker Submission to the Multiple Listing System and a Waiver of Broker Cooperation. Both forms list a dissemination date to The Multiple Listing System which you will estimate with your real estate agent.
 

4. Hire a Licensed Home Inspector. Request the following inspections depending on the age and systems of your home:
 

Structural Inspection
Radon Test
Wood Boring Insect Inspection(unless you are under warranty)
Mold Test
Lead Paint Test (if your home was built prior to 1978)
Chimney/Fireplace Inspection, (Level 2 inspection recommended)
Septic Inspection
Well Testing (responsibility of seller)
Oil Tank Testing/Removal
Pool Inspection
EIFS
Metal Sweep
 

5. At the Recommendation and cost of your Real Estate Associate  meet with their  Professional Stagger
 

6. From the Professionals Recommendations Make The Necessary Improvements
 

7. Choose a Real Estate Attorney and Estimate Your Closing Costs
 

8. Establish Power of Attorney if Relocating or not Attending Closing
 

9. Review Tax Documents, Permits and Required Certifications and Inspections at the Municipal Office of your Borough or Township. Copy and E-mail to Your Attorney
 

10. Locate The Following Documents for your Real Estate Sales Associate  and Attorney
 

·       Title

·       Deed

·       Survey

·       Permits

·       Original Divorce Document

·       Home/Wood Boring Insect Warranties

·       Estate Documents

·       Warranties

 

11. Donate or Remove Items That Will Not Accompany You in Your Move
 

12. Review Curb Appeal and Landscaping

 

13. View Area Homes During Sunday Open Houses and with your Real Estate Agent.

 

14. Review Current Tax Laws with Your Accountant.

 

15. Price Your Home with your Real Estate Sales Associate and Hire an Appraiser if Necessary

 

16. With your Real Estate Sales Associate and at their expense Schedule the Photo Shoot, Copywriter and Floor Plan Professionals

 

17. Update/Renew Identification Documents for Closing

 

·       Driver’s License

·       Or Passport

·       Or State issued ID

 

       18. Schedule a Certificate of Occupancy Inspection

 

I truly hope this list will assist you in “Swiss Cheesing” the process of preparing your home for sale on the open market.

 

Madolyn Greve, ABR, AHWD, CNE, CRS, GREEN, SRES, SRS, NJ Notary Public, is a REALTOR® and licensed Broker Associate with Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty, 4 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542, Cell: 609-462-2505, MadolynGreve@CallawayHenderson.com