Buy a House Fast

Pick up any article about preparing your DC home for sale and you will notice a trend of “how-to sell your house” tips:  declutter, repaint in neutral colors, fix obvious problems, arrange the furniture in an appealing manner, etc.  Then, when you have an open house bake bread or have scented candles burning to give the place a homey feeling. While all of this is important, buyers want value, not just flash!

They may buy your home for the sizzle, but they want the steak!

As a seller, there are a few other things you need to check out, probably best by getting a home inspection. Even if the inspector finds problems that are out of your price range to fix, you need to disclose these problems and price your home accordingly. Some other things you can cover up or downplay as part of the home’s charm.  Make sure to ask your Realtor for advice! Aside from violating the Golden Rule, you might also be violating state contract law by covering up serious problems that could affect a buyer’s willingness to buy.

Odors.  Some pet or smoke odors might go away though airing out the house or cleaning windows, drapes, carpeting, and furniture.  Others might require ripping up the carpeting if an obstinate pet  marked the carpet as “his territory.” If you have mold, you may need professional help. The heavy smell of cleaning products can tip off the buyer that there is a serious odor problem in the house.

Stained ceilings. Painting the ceiling is a good way to mask the telltale indicators of a problem – but the cause must be fixed.  The culprit might be a leaking shower or an overflowing bathtub, but there could also be an issue with the plumbing or the roof.

Ill-fitting doors. If doors don’t open or close right, that could indicate poor installation or a more serious issue like the foundation settling.

Sloping porches or driveways. Such features may appear romantic but may lead to water in your basement resulting in a musty odor, leaks, mold, or structural decay.  You may need gutter extensions, soil re-grading, or costly drain work.

Low water pressure.  If the water is slow and skimpy, the city might be to blame, but often this is due to corroded pipes that need replacement.

Inadequate outlets. The older your home is, the greater the likelihood is that there are too few outlets. As long as the inspector has verified that the electrical system is safe, adding more outlets might be the next owner’s job.  Make sure not to call attention to the lack of outlets with a telltale gaggle of tangled extension cords and power strips.

Synthetic stucco siding. Fake stucco can cause moisture problems if it is not installed correctly, and it may require costly siding replacement.  A professional inspection is crucial in humid states.

A home inspection is a good investment for sellers.  A buyer-ordered inspection might turn up some other things, but having the inspection before-hand will prepare you as a seller for what the buyer’s inspection could find.  It will give you time to prepare a game plan for addressing the issues.

Express Realty Services can offer you the guidance you need when you are selling your home.  If you need a fast sale but don’t have time or money to do the repairs, we have a number of options available to help you sell quickly.  Chat with an Agent, email us, or call (888) 306-9450 to find out how to buy or sell a home in the DC area.