Why You Should Keep Your Household Records Accessible
As Realtors, it has been our experience that the Homeowners who keep Home Records can usually avoid snags in the Selling process. The following is a List of Items that we think should be kept with your "Home Record File" and put in a safe but easily accessible place.
Keep anything pertaining to the maintenance and repairs of your home in a File or Binder that is clearly marked "Home Records". This will help you to remember where it is at all times. We all know that memories fade with time { I know mine does}, but when you have kept a Record, guessing isn't necessary. Items such as names of contractors, repairmen, dates and receipts can all add value to buyers of the Home Sale!
Dont let it become this kind of nightmare!
1. Heating System - Repairs & Maintenance Records for your Boiler or Furnaces should be marked with the repair or the maintenance completed as well as the date it was done and who did the work.
2.Hot Water Heaters - Replacement of the Hot Water Heater should be marked with a date right on the Unit. Additionally, the date as well as who did the work should be kept in your Home Records File. Hot Water Heaters can sometimes sit in a Warehouse before they are purchased so the date could be the manufacturer's date. Mark the date it was replaced with a permanent Marker right on the Unit.
3. Roof - Any Warranty Information on the Roof along with the date, who did the work & the type of Roof (ie: 25 year, 30 year, etc.)
4. Siding - The date the work was done and by whom in addition to the product and color should be recorded. Any maintenance that should be performed in the coming years is also a good reminder for the homeowner as well as the buyer.
Why You Should Keep Your Household Records Accessible
5. Windows & Doors - If a warranty was offered, the date will be important to record. Also, who it was installed by of course for future possible work.
6. Electrical Panel - Many homes need higher amperage electrical panels to support today's technologies in the home. If your panel has been updated, be sure to keep this important record in your Home Record File. Labeling the Breakers for what each controls will be a great help to the new homeowners.
7. Gutters - New gutters or items such as gutter guards also sometimes come with warranties.
8. Fireplaces - Keep the name of your Chimney Sweep along with the dates he cleaned your chimney as well as any masonry work that was done. Additionally liners and caps are items that should have records.
9. Plumbing - Anytime your plumber comes to do work on your plumbing - whether it is drain blockages, replacing pipes, etc. document it in the Home Record File.
10 . Major Renovations - New Baths, Kitchens, Finished Basements, Dormers or Adding Rooms. Be certain to keep the Warranties along with dates and names of Contractors in your Home Record File.
11. Removal Of Underground Tanks - This includes Oil Tanks & Septic Tanks and could be an extremely important fact necessary for the completion of a trouble-free Sale.
12. Landscaping - Most Buyers will appreciate the name of your landscaper to maintain or update the landscaping. When you have a tree or bush replaced, record the date and name.
13. Pools - The type of pool, the age of it as well as the liner, heater or any other component of the pool should be recorded along with any warranties. 
14. All Major Appliances - If you are leaving any major appliances such as Refrigerators, Washers & Dryers, the new owner will appreciate any and all information you can provide, even if you are leaving them in as-is condition. This includes Owner's Manuals and warranty information.
Why You Should Keep Your Household Records Acessible
Homeownership is one of Life's Major Investments and Homeowners should think of keeping Records on their Homes in much the same way that you would keep records on any Investments. This simple yet valuable exercise can assist in the completion of the Seller's Disclosure which is being used more often in today's Real Estate Transactions. Although the Buyer's of a home will usually have the home inspected, these Home Recordsare a valuable tool in the process because nobody knows your home better than you. In the event something becomes questioned, quite often the Home Records can become the answer to relieve the concerns of a Buyer and afford a "Hassle-free Transaction".
For more Tips on Home ownership, call Bob & Lisa at (201)218-6802. Your Real Estate Resource for the Pascack Valley in Bergen County New Jersey.
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