The real estate process is chock full of information. There are all sorts of things that you will need to tell your real estate agent, things your agent will need to tell you, things that you’ll tell potential buyers, and so much more. But before you even put that “for sale” sign in the front yard, there’s some information you need to put together that will help you get that home ready to be sold.
Below is a handy list of 10 pieces of valuable information that you need to gather before you sell your home.
- Gather your receipts for improvements and repairs – This is excellent information that will help you fill out your State Property Disclosure and will also disclose any repairs made to the property. Your Property Disclosure is an opportunity to show buyers the extensive improvements that have been made to your home. This can also help your agent gauge the price of your home. For example, if remodeled the kitchen within the past year, that is a great benefit to you. It also gives your agent the opportunity to see what should be done before you go live. Does the deck need work? Are there windows that still need to be cleaned? All of this is great information that will help you sell your home.
- HOA rules and regulations – Have a copy of your Home Owner’s Association Rules and Regulations so this can easily be shared with interested buyers or provide buyers and their agents with a link to the HOA website for up to date information. Also, if you live on a road that is maintained by those who live on it, it is very important to disclose that information.
- Mortgage documentation and info about any Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) – When you obtain a contract on your home, the closing office will need all of the information about your mortgage and any additional loans on the property (mortgage company name, loan #s, etc.).
- A 1-page home “brag sheet” – List any improvements you have made to your home whether major or minor including redesigns of rooms, new flooring, bathroom updates, or anything else that you can “brag” about your home.
- Warranty information – If any major improvements have warranties this could be very desirable to a buyer. For example windows with lifetime warranty or a roof with a 25 year warranty.
- Provide your Realtor with details about outdoor features – Pool, landscaping, irrigation systems, outdoor kitchens, fireplace, etc. These items have become very important to buyers and the more information they are given, the more excited they get about your home.,
- Tell the story of your neighborhood – The neighborhood website, walking trails, etc. Some buyers are from out of area and they don’t know what all the neighborhoods are like. It’s important to include information about what your neighborhood is like. Are there lots of families in the area? Is it quiet? Is it off a busy street? Anything that you can gather is important information and should be included.
- Remember how it felt when you first bought your home – You wanted as much information about the home as possible. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and try to provide as much documentation as possible. Anything that you can possibly gather, gather it. Your agent will let you know if it is overkill (although it rarely is).
- If you are having trouble remembering any issues or repairs made to your home, walk through each room – A tour of each room and the exterior will help you remember any changes and repairs or issues that have come up while you lived there. If you have had any Homeowner’s Insurance claims, be sure and provide all documentation to your Realtor.
- Always remember: disclose, disclose, disclose – Be sure not to withhold any reports or information about your home. What may seem minimal to you may seem major to a buyer. Oversharing is always good practice when selling your home!
Looking to buy or sell in the Nevada County area? Give a Coldwell Banker agent a call today!
