When preparing a house for sale, the usual steps are to make sure things are uncluttered, clean, smell nice and are generally spiffed up.
As a licensed home inspector and mold remediation contractor, there are four things that I consistently see holding up, slowing down or even be a deal-breaker on a sale. I encourage all sellers to make sure the following items are handled prior to listing and showing a property for sale.
- If you live in Massachusetts and have a septic system, a seller is required to have a Title 5 inspection. Have it done and be able to present the certificate to your potential buyer when it passes, or fix what needs to be fixed to make it pass.
- There is mold in a great percentage of attics because houses are now so well-insulated with improper ventilation, or maybe there was an ice dam situation. Mold remediation usually takes only a few hours with a transferable warranty to that new buyer.
- Have an electrician make sure your electric panel is up to code.
- Test the home for radon. Radon testing kits are easily available and simple to use.
