In my 19 years of selling real estate, there are a few common maintenance items that frequently come up as points of contention during a home inspection.  You can save time, added stress, and possibly avoid renegotiating your selling price by addressing them BEFORE your property goes on the market.

1. Service your furnace.  If it’s been a few years since your last service, have it done and keep a record on hand to prove it.
2. Pump your septic tank.  Septic tanks should be pumped every few years as it is.
3. Clean and seal your chimney and make sure it is in good repair.  Poor flashing around the chimney can be an issue so check that as well.
4. Test your drinking water and include testing for radon, uranium and arsenic.  Better to deal with these issues up front.  If you have a dug well, it is very important to have a water test – dug wells are highly susceptible to coliform bacteria.
5. Touch up any flaking paint.  Not only does this help with curb appeal, but also if a buyer uses an FHA loan, there cannot be ANY peeling paint either inside or out.

If you are looking for more ideas on how to expedite the sale of your house, visit my website at www.DonnaForest.com and click on Real Estate Tips.