Having your house on the market goes beyond making sure everything looks nice and orderly. As buyers are looking for their perfect home, further information may be needed to help in comparison shopping. Make sure you look through old bills, tax statements, warranty documents, service contracts, and repairs made on the house to gather pertinent information. It may take some time upfront to gather the information needed to answer these questions, however having the information to help the buyer feel comfortable making an offer and purchasing your home will pay off in the end.
- What do you pay in property taxes and when are they due?
- What do you pay for gas and electricity? What is average cost to heat and cool your home?
- What do you pay for water/sewer?
- What commission will you pay a buyer’s agent that brings you a client to close?
- Are there any fees for municipal or private services, such as garbage pickup, and what are those services?
- How old and what condition are the following: the roof, water heater, furnace, and plumbing system?
- Which appliances are staying with the house and how old are they?
- Do you have any guarantees or warranties on appliances or components of the home, such as siding or roofing, and are these warranties transferable?
- Is your house located in a flood zone? If so, what kind of insurance is required?
- Have you had water problems in the basement or through the roof? (If so, you must show the buyer that you have rectified the problem.) Do you have warranties or guarantees on the work?
- Where are the local schools, and what is their quality?
- Are there any Homeowners Association (HOA) dues? Who is the HOA management contact? What is the cost and when are they due? Are there “additional” HOA fees for boat storage, golf/tennis membership or pool facilities?
- Are there any parking permissions or restrictions? Are there any storage restrictions? (Examples: Boat or RV must be stored in garage. No sheds over a certain size.)
- Who are the service providers for phone, cable and internet?
- Do you have a well or septic system? Can you provide information about the inspector and the last inspection completed on these systems?
- Are there any special assessments? If so, what are the special assessments and when are they due?
- Have a copy of the Condominium /Townhome Documents (if applicable) available for new buyers.
- Has a survey of the property been done and can a copy be provided?
- If the property is being sold as an investment property, provide a copy of the tenant’s lease (if applicable).
- What is distance to closest public transportation & bus stops?
- In which school zones, Elementary, Middle & High School, is the house located?
- What are the amenities and special features that set your home apart from others – pool, landscaping, lake or river rights?
- Convenience to churches, shopping and entertainment?
- Is your mortgage assumable?
- Are there any liens against the property – taxes, assessments, etc…?
- Are there any easements and deed restrictions?
- What past problems have you had with this house? The seller disclosure forms do not require disclosing past problems that have been corrected.
- Has the home ever been treated for termites? When was the last termite inspection?
Since a buyer can’t “test drive” a home before they purchase it, they will base their decision on factors such as layout, condition, location, size, price, and many of the questions listed above. This list is a compilation of common questions you could be asked; however since buyers are all different, you may get asked others. Your Yellow Dog agent is here to help you know the best way to provide information to prospective buyers.