Let’s be real, right now with homes selling faster than you can say “home-loan”, it might be possible to skate on a few fixes by selling “as is.”  Because, honestly, you don’t want to invest much more in a house that you’re planning to sell.

Since an “as is” house needing repairs may not fetch the price you’re hoping for, peruse this short check list of reasonable requests home buyers make. To keep your for-sale house in the game and get top dollar, these should be taken care of before you put your house on the market. Otherwise, they may be used as buyer bargaining chips for lowering your price—sometimes considerably.

1. Termites. A house with termites may not be structurally sound, and getting rid of them is no small task. Call your local pest control professionals and properly correct the problem.. Replace termite damaged wood. If you fail to disclose and damage is the buyer discovers damage, you would likely be subject to liability for damages as a result of any lack of disclosure.

2. Wildlife. Mice, squirrels and raccoons are particularly destructive. If you have not been successful in removing them and their entries sealed off, it’s time to call your local service. Wondering if you should tell your buyers? It’s better to err on the side of full disclosure even if the issue has been resolved.

3. Mold growth can affect air quality and pose serious health issues. Once it takes hold, it can be extremely difficult to eradicate. Depending on the location and severity it might be necessary to call in specialists. It is best to be informed about procedure to repair the problem.

4. Drainage or water problems. A client wanted to buy a home in which the seller insisted that their “dry basement” never had water. But a close inspection revealed brewing drainage issues. Because the soil sloped toward the house, it put pressure on the basement wall. Inside, a horizontal crack and soil above sill plates allowed water to seep in. Water trails leading to the drain and mold on the basement walls confirmed a leaky basement.

5. Radon levels above suggested EPA. While Radon is a naturally occurring gas, homebuyers are concerned with high levels causing lung cancer. For further interesting reading on simple ways to mitigate radon check out this article by Carl Brahe.

6. Major electrical defects . Anything that interferes with the normal function of a home, or could be hazardous. A rusting or sparking fusebox, exposed wiring, or

8. Well water problems. Lack of pressure or volume of water. As a seller you will want to have the water tested to remediate any contaminants like heavy metals, chemicals and microorganisms in the water. The State of Ohio does have standards in place. If you’re uncertain, look here.

9. Presence of lead paint . Federal regulations require that home sellers provide lead disclosures to home buyers who are buying a home built before 1978. Lead attacks the brain and central nervous system and can cause coma, convulsions and even death. Children exposed to lead may become mentally challenges and develop behavioral disorders. If you have performed lead tests you must disclose the results.

It is highly unlikely that your house will have more than one or possibly two of these concerns, depending on the age of your home. Many of these can be taken care of before you put your house on the market. It tends to put buyers at ease to know that you took steps to remedy issues that were out of order, especially when you have recent documentation of your activities like a bill for services. Knowing what potential home buyers need positions you for quick and easy sale.

If you have questions about your next home purchase, please feel free to call one of our loan officers at 614 891 9000 or stop by our website. OhioCapitalMortgage.com.