Maurice Gilmore - GUIDE TO SELLING A VACANT HOME.pdf

drive by to check out a home, minor details of the house itself stick out. If your home is currently on the market, ensure that the exterior of your home has fresh paint, the lawn is well manicured without looking too high maintenance, your windows are washed, and that you do not have any dead flowers in your garden. This is also a good time to trim or prune trees.

DON'T FORGET THE ROOF!

Roofs are selling points, no-sale points, and bargain chips in negotiations. Optimally, your roof is within five- to ten-years old. Buyers do not want to buy a home that is going to require as expensive a maintenance item right off the bat. Buyers will expect a roof over their head that is in good condition. Bring in a roofing professional prior to listing the home who can tell you exactly what needs to be done, such as re-shingling. They can make small improvements to enhance appearance and repair areas of neglect. Gutters, particularly box gutters on older houses, must be in good repair. Be prepared to calculate repairs in your listing price, but do not expect to get dollar-for-dollar back on roofing. However roof maintenance may help the home sell at a better price. A savvy buyer will know to have the house inspected for any faults prior to a sale, so making all necessary repairs beforehand will ensure that the process of selling will go faster, smoother, and without surprise. If the seller cannot afford the costs of a new roof or maintenance, a quote can be had from a reputable roofing company. Then in sale negotiations, offer to subtract the cost of the repairs from the overall selling price. Doing so is generally convenient for both the buyer and the seller, considering the buyer will be at ease knowing

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