Keep a Record of your Home's Maintenance, Repair, and Upgrade Projects
We are always thrilled when home-sellers tell us they have complete records of all they've done, or hired to have done to a house. It tells us, and potential buyers, they really care about their home. And, a well maintained home is generally in much better condition thanks to all that regular, loving care.
Inspections rarely turn up anything unusual when homes are well-maintained, and the sellers are more relaxed throughout the often nerve-inducing process. Sellers know their home well, and have taken the necessary steps to keep it in tip top shape - from the roof to the crawlspace, and everything in between.
Organizing your Homeowner's Journal
It's a good idea to start a file prior to moving into your new home. You're already going to have paperwork with inspection notes and any other tests or inspections that were done on the property. At the front of the journal make an outline of all the important dates to remember.
For example, if applicable, when the well water was last tested. In Clark County, you need to check your well water for coliform bacteria once a year. Every three years, it should also be tested for nitrates and arsenic. Make sure you know how many gallons per minute the well pumps, and how deep it is for future reference.
In fact, if you have a septic and well, make sure you have a plat map showing where the well, septic, and drain field are located in relation to the property. It can save you costly repairs down the line if you are aware of the areas that need to be free of landscape improvements ( drain fields). And where all the lines are located, to help ensure a truck doesn't bust a pipe on moving day.
HVAC inspections and maintenance should be noted, siding and roofing inspections, and all repairs. Save your invoices too and have them in the file for easy access. Label the sections and it will make life a lot easier when you need to find an important item.
However, don't stop at the maintenance and repair jobs, keep a log of any upgrades such as new paint, appliances, and flooring. The next owner is going to appreciate having the paint names, carpet and flooring information, and other items required for any necessary repairs or touch up.
To help our buyers get off on the right foot, we're going to start including a copy of The Home Owners Journal in our closing gift baskets. It's already well-organized with handy pocket pages for reciepts and warranties. When it comes time to sell, it's going to give them a lot of peace of mind - and any potential buyers.
If you have any questions about real estate in Clark County, Washington, call us today. Harcourts USA - The Carl Group, We're Your Locals.
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