How you keep your home will make a big difference

You might not ever be able to sell your home if you don't keep it spick and span. I have had a few horror stories of my own and heard of several more. The latest one I heard about was from a seller's agent, meaning the agent who represents the selling side. She was contacted by a couple who wanted to see the house. She made the appointment with them and verified the time with the sellers.
As they toured the home, there in the middle of the bedroom floor was a pair of dirty underwear. The prospective buyers had been impressed with the property until that moment. As soon as the "dirty deeds" were seen by these buyers, they decided to leave and make an appointment to come to the office to look for other properties.
So if you are trying to sell your home, before you leave in the morning, be sure to tidy up!

"Spring Maintenance Checklist" a checklist from Housemaster

SPRING MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
GROUNDS
Check condition of driveways and walks.
Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for blockage.
Check fencing conditions and gate operation.
Check retaining walls for cracks, bulges and leaning.
Check all landscaping; trim all bushes and trees.
Check all out-buildings, porches and patios.
Check for proper grading and drainage throughout property.
Check lawn sprinkler system operation.
Check all equipment in preparation of pool opening.
Check (during rainstorm) for drainage away from foundation. SIDING AND CHIMNEYS
Check all surfaces for damage or deterioration.
Check caulking at all joints.
Treat or paint worn or exposed wood components.
Check condition of masonry chimneys and vents.
Check foundation for settlement, cracks and spalling. WINDOWS AND DOORS
Check for damaged screens or broken glass.
Check weatherstripping, caulking, and window putty.
Check for frame decay or damage.
Clean and install screens. ROOFS
Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing.
Check fascia and soffit for signs of leaks/moisture build-up.
Check all flashings for fit and seals.
Check television antenna or satellite dish mounting.
Check and clean all gutters (eavestroughs) and downspouts.
Clean fungi or algae from roof surfaces. PORCH AND PATIO
Check all wooden supports and railing components.
Check flooring for wear or damage.
Apply preservative to wood decking and components.
Seal patios at foundation. INSECT INFESTATION
Check for signs of termite, ant or other insect activity.
Check for insect damage.
Arrange for treatment or repair. INTERIOR AREAS
Check attic, ceilings and walls for evidence of leaks.
Check ventilation openings for nests, or other blockage.
Check condition of all painted or finished walls and trim.
Check carpet and flooring for wear or damage.
Check condition of all stairs and railings.
Check condition and operation of all windows and doors.
Test smoke/fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. SLAB/FOUNDATION
Check for cracks or breaks in wall.
Check for evidence of water infiltration or dampness.
Check for decaying sills and window frames.
Check for signs of termite, ant or other insect activity
Check for changes in framing conditions.
Check crawlspace ventilation, insulation, and vapor retarders.
Test, clean and lubricate sump pump. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Assess power distribution for overloads issues.
Check condition of incoming service wire and supports.
Test circuit breakers and label all circuits at panel.
Test arc-fault and ground-fault circuit-interrupters (regularly).
Check circuits for over-fusing.
Check all receptacles and switches.
Check operation of vent and/or attic fans. HEATING/COOLNG SYSTEMS
Follow manufacturer instructions for HVAC systems.
Inspect and install room air conditioners.
Clean all serviceable elements of heating system.
Change or clean heating system filter (regularly).
Check venting systems for corrosion and leaks.
Clean and de-energize humidifier.
Check and lubricate attic fan. PLUMBING SYSTEM
De-winterize and check exterior faucets.
Check well and components.
Check septic tanks and systems.
Check water and waste piping for leaks.
Check hot water supply temperature.
Follow manufacturer instructions for water heater. KITCHEN/BATHROOMS
Check condition and operation of all appliances.
Clean and change range fan filters.
Check all toilet flush mechanisms.
Check and repair all leaking faucets and valves.
Caulk and grout tile at tubs and showers.
Clean aerators and showerhead.


Copyright © HMA Franchise Systems, Inc.

They Say it is a Difficult time to buy, Just Not So

They say it is a difficult time to buy a house. You'll hear it on the news, and see it in the paper. However, if your credit isn't too bad, now is a great time to buy. On the Eastern Shore of Maryland, our market is saturated with properties for sale. This gives buyers the opportunity to pick from several homes and makes it able for them to negotiate the price.
When several homes are on the market, it gives buyers purchasing power. Sellers know that they have to either have an incentive, such as closing cost help, to lure in the buyers. One seller may offer a Home Warranty, while another offers $10,000 closing cost assistance.
If you are out looking at homes to purchase, make sure to use your buying powers.
If a home is well underpriced, don't delay, it won't last long. This is another way sellers are trying to lure buyers to their home.
Look up their tax record, you can easily see what they paid for the house. This will help you decide whether to make a higher or lower offer.