It’s a seller’s market. Based on the basic laws of supply and demand, there just aren’t enough homes for sale right now. This means it’s a great time to sell, because there is huge competition over properties. Asking prices are being met, or exceeded, and buyers are not pushing back with a million demands. However, every homeowner does a little sprucing up to increase curb appeal before listing their house. And buyers will definitely be interested in the condition of the roof, siding, and windows. If you are ready to sell, but need updates or repairs, contact us at Vanguard for your home improvement needs.
Understand the Basics
In general, you want to have lived in your home for at least five years before selling it. Closing costs and real estate commissions account for between seven and 15 percent of the cost of a house, so if you want to make a profit, then allow time for the value of the home to appreciate. The longer you keep a house, the more money you stand to make…so long as you have kept up with the regular maintenance needs throughout the years.
Spreading a little mulch and repainting the interior to a neutral color definitely help buyers picture themselves making a new life in your house. However, when it comes time for the home inspection, don’t be tripped up by the most critical construction component of a home: the roof.
What to Look for on the Roof
- Improper venting that doesn’t allow the house to breathe
- Poorly installed gutters that overflow or cause pooling near the foundation
- Hidden mold or mildew on facia boards
- Cracked and curled shingle edges and loose, broken, and missing shingles
- Bald spots on the shingles where granules are missing, check for large amounts of granules in the rain gutters
- Sagging ridges
- Corroded flashing near plumbing vents, heating or cooling vents, chimneys, and sky lights
- Signs of leaking or water damage such as water stains or sagging ceilings or dark spots in the wood in the attic
Get the Inspection
You may get a sense of the condition of the roof from the ground level, but it is critical to have a roofer do an inspection. Replacing a roof can run upwards of $10,000 depending on the size of the house. If the roof hasn’t been maintained and repairs are necessary to fix evident leaks, more often than not, the seller will be responsible for replacing or repairing the roof. Don’t let the condition of the roof be a deal breaker.