As a real estate Broker and Realtor, here in San Antonio, Texas, when I meet with Sellers to discuss putting their homes on the market, there is a consistent oddity that I notice. They have not recently serviced their air conditioning or heating systems!
OK, so we only use the heat for a month here, but the A/C does get a bit of a work-out!
During the Option Period (unrestricted right to cancel), when the Buyer gets their inspection, your lack of maintenance is nearly sure to come up. The Buyer may then ask you to have the unit serviced and repaired to good working order before they purchase. "That's it?", you ask.
Well, not really... As the unit hasn't been serviced, that one item has just called into question the maintenance of your home and may make your Buyer question the purchase. They're looking at the bigger picture:
No Buyer wants to feel that the home's vital systems have been unmaintained.
Do yourself a favor. Have a licensed serviceperson out to do a maintenance inspection of your home and get legible copy of the receipt that they provide to you. Be sure to give a copy to your Realtor to be included in your listing documents.
That one piece of paper can really can go a long way toward making your Buyer feel secure about their purchase.
You want them to close escrow, don't you?
Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas
If you are planning to Buy or Sell a home or land in San Antonio or the Texas Hill Country, we'd be happy to get you moved on with your life! You can go to our blog, website, Facebook page or just, call to Chat: 210-492-6683
www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com
Sara and Steve - That's good advice. More proactive maintenance prevents issues and gives the buyers comfort.
which reminds me...I've been meaning to have my own a/c checked out:-)
Steve and Sara, isn't your part of the world where they have two seasons - summer and August? I can't imagine anything worse than having an airconditioner bail during July or August. Makes me sweat just to think about it.
Steve and Sara,
This is a good informational tip. Also I like your title..... #1 Tip For Sellers- It Cost Under $80
Are you guys going to continue with #2 Tip For Sellers etc?
I have been thinking of starting my library and putting my blog posts in order. I guess this is a good way of doing it.
Thanks for sharing.
Hello Steve and Sara and it doesn't get HOT enough to use a Air Conditioner does it?
"Kidding" and some great advice!
VB ;-)
Hi Wendy- Is there any downside to increasing the Buyer's comfort?
Hi Shannon- Isn't it always the last thing on the list when it should rate higher?
Hi Patricia- "Summer and August" Cute! Best to be proactive.
Hi Esperanza- Yikes! I suppose that there could be a #2 tip....
Hi VB - it's been hot enough for 3 months! Just like in your fair city....
Thanks to you all for stopping by to comment!
--Sara
Great post. Whenever I am working with a buyer I urge them to have not only a home inspection but also an inspection on the HVAC system by a licensed HVAC professsional.
Annual check-ups are a good idea for the homes mechanical systems just like they are for your body's parts.
Great advice...In the cold climate here in Minnesota, we may use the air 2 months or so, and 5-6 months on the heat.
Terrific advice Sara !!!!! I have even had a few sellers do full prelisting inspections, and they have been a great help to address a few things such as AC problems and other stuff !
... a quick AC service is a great use of $80 :o)
Hi Diane- It never hurts to get a full spectrum of inspections!
Hi Carra- If only we could get homeowners to do more maintenance, we'd live in a different world with fewer surprises!
Hi William- It's all in where you live...
Hi Sheldon- We do this when we sell our personal residences, though not a lot of Sellers are interested in the concept. It can yield helpful information.
Thanks for stopping by!
Sara
By "licensed service person," do you mean a home inspector, because s/he is the only one who would know enough about all the systems in a home in order to do a "maintenance inspection."
Gthe reat advice. That receipt could be useful for buyer in relationship with home warranty insurance. They ask for maintenance also or they wouldn't repair anything.