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HOME BUYER'S CHECKLIST Home Location Exterior of the Home
Doors and Windows Kitchen Basement Other Rooms - Features Recent Renovations Systems - Plumbing: copper pipes or other material; signs of leaks; recent repairs; age; - Water service: city supplied or well; if well, drilled or dug? Ever run dry? - Sewer or septic system: if septic, where is septic field? Holding tank and system - Heating type: oil; gas; electric; hot water; baseboard; combination; heat pump; age; - Air conditioning: type (window, central) age; size; recent repairs - Hot water heater: leased or owned; gas or electrical number of gallons; efficiency; age - Insulation type: ______________________________________________ - Ask to see copies of recent utility bills: ___________________________ - Cable or aerial TV service: adequate room outlets __________________ - Internet access: High Speed; Dial Up ____________________________ - Other notable features and comments: ___________________________ Community - Close to: Local Neighbourhood First impressions count with buyers. In today's age of consumerism, every buyer is comparative shopping. A small investment in time and money can give your home a solid advantage over competing properties. So by paying attention to detail now, you can enhance the perceived value later. The following are some suggestions for preparing your home to show to its best advantage. Create A Buying Mood Turn on lights Turn on air conditioner/heater Open the drapes Light the fireplace Exterior Appearance Keep lawns cut Trim hedges and shrubs Weed and edge gardens Clear driveway and clean up oil spills Clean out garage Touch up paint Make repairs where needed Create Space Clear halls and stairs of clutter Store surplus furniture Clear kitchen counter and stove top Clear closets of unnecessary clothing Remove empty boxes and containers Maintainence Repair leaking taps and toilets Clean furnace and filters Tighten door knobs and latches Repair cracked plaster Touch up paint Clean and repair windows Repair seals around tubs and basins Replace defective light bulbs Oil squeaking doors Repair squeaking floor boards Squeaky Clean Clean and freshen bathrooms Clean fridge and stove (in and out) Clean around heating vents Clean washer and dryer Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds At The Front Door Clean porch and foyer Ensure door bell works Repair screen on door Fresh paint or varnish front door Repair door locks and key access -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Send change of address to: Post Office: Give forwarding address Subscriptions: Notice requires several weeks Friends & Relatives Be sure to contact: Bank: Transfer funds, arrange check-cashing in Insurance: Notify new location for coverage (Life, health, fire, auto, homeowners). Automobile: Transfer car title registration; also driver's license; state windshield sticker; motor club membership. Utilities: Gas, light, water, telephone, fuel, get refund of any deposit made; arrange for immediate service in new town; arrange final reading and change of name for billing. Route Men: Laundry, paper boy, milk man:change over services. School: Ask for copies or transfer of children's records. Medical: Ask Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacist for referrals; transfer needed prescriptions, eye glasses, X-rays and records. Organizations: Transfer memberships (Houses of worship, clubs, civic organizations); get letter of introduction. Pets: Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags. And, don't forget to: Empty freezer; plan use of foods. Defrost freezer-refrigerator. (Place charcoal to dispel odors.) Have appliances serviced for moving. Clean rugs or clothing, before moving; have them "moving-wrapped." Check with your moving counselor: insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment. Plan for special care needs of infants. Plan garage sale. And on moving day: Carry currency, jewelry, documents yourself; or use registered mail. Plan for transporting pets. (They are poor traveling companions if unhappy.) Make sure you can be found if they become lost. Carry traveler's checks for quick available funds. Tell close friends or relatives your route and schedule (including overnight stops). Use them as "message headquarters." Double check closets, drawers, shelves (to be sure they are empty). Leave all old keys. needed by new tenant or owners, with agent or Realtor. |
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