FOR SALE BY OWNER
FIRST AID KIT
Preparation
Home Seller’s Checklist
During The Listing
A complete home inspection for repairs (checklist included in this kit)
Take interior and exterior photographs
Write and place advertisements in newspapers
Advertise home on the Internet
Create property flyers
Send mailings to neighbors
Hold an open house
Prepare a finance plan
Place a Yard Sign on property
Make plans for move/new home purchase
Before Closing The Sale
Title Search
Choose attorney for contract review and settlement
Sellers Disclosure (to be attached to sales contracts)
Certificate of Occupancy
C of O Inspection
Home Inspections – including engineering, insect, radon (may include water & septic), mold.
Prepare contracts
Lead Paint Disclosures Pamphlet
Credit Check
Sellers Disclosure (to be attached to sales contracts)
Home Inspection Rider(s)
- Copy of RESPA Statement
Inspection Checklist: Interior
The following is a checklist, detailed to help you make an inspection and repair record as you prepare your house for sale.
Kitchen:
Sink free of cracks
Sink free of stains
No dripping faucets
Refrigerator defrosted
Appliances in good working condition
Missing floor tiles replaced
Walls free of grease stains
Countertops cleared
Pantry and cabinet
Neatly arranged
Hardware replaced
Excess Storage removed
Grease stains removed
Living Room:
Cracks in ceiling and walls repaired
Water Stains covered
Walls recently painted
Wallpaper repaired
Woodwork repainted
Windows washed
Cracked or missing panes replaced
Curtains washed and ironed
Windows operating freely
Draperies open to show view
Floor waxed
Floor refinished
Carpets clean and secure
Furniture positioned to show space
Large pieces stored elsewhere
Dining Room:
Cracks in ceiling and walls repaired
Water stains covered
Walls recently painted
Wallpaper repaired
Woodwork repainted
Windows washed
Cracked or missing panes replaced
Curtains washed and ironed
Windows operating freely
Draperies open to show view
Floor waxed
Floor refinished
Carpets clean and secure
Furniture positioned to show space
Large pieces stored elsewhere
Tablecloth fresh
Family Room/Study
Cracks in ceiling and walls repaired
Water stains covered
Walls recently painted
Wallpaper repaired
Woodwork repainted
Windows washed
Cracked or missing panes replaced
Curtains washed and ironed
Windows operating freely
Draperies open to show view
Floor waxed
Floor refinished
Carpets clean and secure
Furniture positioned to show space
Large pieces stored elsewhere
Hobby Supplies put away
Children’s Bedroom:
Cracks in ceiling and walls repaired
Water stains covered
Walls recently painted
Wallpaper repaired
Woodwork repainted
Windows washed
Cracked or missing panes replaced
Curtains washed and ironed
Windows operating freely
Draperies open to show view
Floor waxed
Floor refinished
Carpets clean and secure
Furniture positioned to show space
Large pieces stored elsewhere
Bed made
Laundry put away
Unused toys cleared out
All toys shelved or put away
Floor free from clutter
Bathroom:
Bedroom:
Cracks in ceiling and walls repaired
Water stains covered
Walls recently painted
Wallpaper repaired
Woodwork repainted
Windows washed
Cracked or missing panes replaced
Curtains washed and ironed
Windows operating freely
Draperies open to show view
Floor waxed
Floor refinished
Carpets clean and secure
Furniture positioned to show space
Large pieces stored elsewhere
Bed made
Night table supplies stored
Laundry put away
Entrance Hall:
Doorbell operating
Door recently painted
Door brass polished
Hardware operating
Hinges oiled
Broken hinges replaced
Entryway lights operating
Floors cleaned
Rugs cleaned and secure
Curtains washed and ironed
Windows washed
Closet light operating
Closet cleaned out
Walls recently painted
Wallpaper repaired
Ceiling and walls cracks repaired
Inspection Checklist
Exterior, Basement and Garage
The following is a checklist, detailed to help you make an inspection and repair record as you prepare your house for sale.
Landscaping:
Exterior of House:
Driveway & Patios:
Resurfaced
Potholes patched
Recently sealed
Pebbles smoothed
Pebbles weeded
Wood stained or painted
Fencing secure
No standing water
Basement:
Cracks in ceiling and walls repaired
No evidence of water penetration
Dampness removed
Cold water pipes covered
Dehumidifier installed
Sump pump installed
No musty odors
Drains cleared
Furnace cleared
Storage neatly arranged
Excess storage removed
Floor swept
Light fixtures operating
Laundry area clean and light
Stairway free of cleaning equipment
Handrail secure
Stairway runners secure and clean
Garage:
Excess storage removed
Floor swept and clear
Tools stored neatly on pegboard
Paint supplies stored on shelves
Garden equipment on hooks
Workbench area well lit
Light fixtures operating
Oil spots removed from floor
Door operating
Door lubricated
Cracked or missing windowpanes replaced
Electric door opener operable
How to Make Your Garage Sale a Smashing Success!
Allow plenty of time – three to four weeks – to prepare for the sale
Choose a date that will not conflict with holidays or other special events that might lure prospective customers away.
Weekends are more convenient for more people than weekdays.
Your sale is likely to attract more customers if you join together with neighbors. Some homeowners’ groups sponsor neighborhood sales that are proving popular.
Practical household goods; bicycles, children’s toys and clothes, sports equipment and garden tools are popular items; adult clothing has less appeal and should be priced accordingly. Ideally, a place for trying on clothes should be provided.
Merchandise your items attractively in neat, clean surroundings. Paper tablecloths offer a pretty setting for glass and ornamental items. Cluster things in categories; place most desirable items in the back of the garage so browsers are urged to look at other merchandise on their way to the most popular items.
Have a 25 cent miscellaneous table for young shoppers.
All items should be clean, polished and in good repair. Clothes should be sized accurately and hung on a temporary rack using two ladders and a pole.
Locate your appliance table near an outlet so customers may try before they buy.
Be sure there are adequate parking spaces and a place to load large items.
Have plenty of paper bags and boxes for packing and newspapers for wrapping glass items.
Place a classified ad in the local papers, including 3 or 4 specific items for sale, directions and other pertinent details.
Take advantage of free publicity provided by bulletin boards in grocery stores and other public places.
Provide directional signs to your property if needed, using a permanent market with a broad tip.
your home is listed for sale, have your Realtor hold an open house on the same day as the garage sale, thus increasing interest in both the house and the sale.
Visit other sales to form an idea of how to price things but remember that garage sale shoppers are looking for bargains. Be prepared to lower your price.
Really valuable items such as antiques should not be sold at a garage sale; because it is unlikely they will bring the desired price from bargain minded shoppers. On the other hand, nothing is too worthless to be valuable to someone. Have a giveaway box for old magazines and other assorted odds and ends.
Post a notice that all sales are final and payment must be in cash.
Have plenty of change in a cash box kept in a protected spot. Keep a record of sales, especially when there are several sellers. A simple and efficient way to record prices is to use small white stickers to price items. When the item is purchased, remove the sticker and place it next to the name of the seller.
A little organization will make for a successful sale and an uncluttered home!
Buyer Mortgage Pre-Qualification Worksheet
Buyer: ______________________________________ Date:____________________________
1. Gross Monthly Income (GMI) $___________________________________
2. Reoccurring Monthly Debts $___________________________________
Car: | Child Support | Other: |
Credit Card: | Other: | Other: |
Credit Card | Other: | Other: |
Loan: | Other: | Other: |
Total Monthly Debts $___________________________________
3. 1st Qualifying Ration
____________x 28% = ___________________(A)
(PITI)
4. 2nd Qualifying Ratio
____________ x 36% = ___________ - __________________ = ___________(B)
(GMI) (Total Monthly Debt) PITI
The Qualified Monthly Payment (PITI) will be lower of A or B
PITI: Maximum allowed lower of A or B =________________________ per month
Homeowners Insurance =________________________ per month
Real Estate Taxes =________________________ per month
Private Mortgage Insurance =________________________ per month
Maintenance Fee (Condo, Associations) =________________________ per month
Principal and Interest =________________________ per month
Divide by factor for interest rate and multiply by 1000 to determine mortgage amount.
Example: PI = 1000/month (x) 8.05 (x) 1000 = $124,123.60
* Factor for 30 year fixed rate at 9%
FACTOR | MORTGAGE TYPE | RATE | TERM | MORTGAGE AMOUNT | DOWN PAYMENT | MAX. HOME PRICE |
| FIXED 30-YEAR | | | | | |
| FIXED 15-YEAR | | | | | |
| 2/1 BUYDOWN | | | | | |
| ARM | | | | | |
| TWO STEP | | | | | |
Open Houses
Open House Enhancement Tips
Your Special Attention Makes the Difference!
Decorate your home – Faded walks and worn woodwork, linoleum or carpets reduce appeal. Some fresh, neutral colored paint, a little liquid cleaner and, if warranted, replacement of floor covering works wonders to induce top dollars and a quick sale. Add plans wherever necessary.
Show off the bright side – Highlight your rooms by opening the shades, draperies and curtains. During the evening, turn on lights on the front porch and throughout the house. Also, remove debris from all light fixtures (bugs, dust, etc.)
A few extras – For a pleasant aroma, burn a scented candle or heat some cinnamon and water on the oven. Bread baking in the oven is always an attraction. If you have a fireplace, use it in the winter when your house is being shown and burn cedar wood if possible.
Allow your home to gleam – A clean home shows you care. Kitchens and bathrooms are especially important. A clean stove, oven and appliances are a must. Repair caulk and grout in the bathtub and showers. Show doors, ceramic tile and fixtures should be free of soap film and watermarks.
From top to bottom – The attic and basement are important features. Remove all unnecessary articles that have accumulated. Display the full value of your utility and storage spaces. Be sure to clean the exterior of the water heater, furnace and other appliances that will be seen by prospective buyers.
Closet and cabinet presentation – Organized cabinets, clothes properly in place and shoes, hats and other articles neatly positioned will make your cabinets and closets appear roomy and adequate.
Avoid cluttered appearance – Remove excess furniture and other unnecessary items such as toys and newspapers.
Create space – Scale down your personal artwork (portraits, landscapes, posters, signs and family photos), thus creating a feeling of spaciousness.
Pay special attention to the garage – Clean the garage of everything but cars. If your garage has become a two-car attic, throw out the excess.
A day with a handyman – Dripping faucets, missing roof shingles, loose door knobs, sticking windows and drawers, creaky floors or doors that do not close properly are noticed by the potential buyer and suggest neglect. Avoid unnecessary objections by fixing them now.
Spruce up all entranceways – Fill potholes in your driveway and tidy up walkways.
Straighten up outdoors – Straighten gutters, the TV antenna, the fence and other things that sag. Also, repair broken windows and shutters. In addition, clean off your outdoor furniture.
First impressions are lasting impressions – An inviting exterior ensures inspection of the interior.
Highlight your home’s features –If your home has a particularly attractive feature (fireplace mantel, wood flooring, bay window, etc.), make sure it is well lit and easy to view.
Three’s a crowd – Stay in one part of the house or outside. Too many people present during an inspection may make the potential buyer feel like an intruder, making it difficult for the sales associate and buyer to be at ease. Allow the sales associate to emphasize the virtues of your home and talk freely with buyers about their needs and desires.
Unnecessary distractions – Keep pets out of the house; buyers may be nervous around a strange animal. Turn the TV off and the radio on with soft, mellow background music.
Silence is golden – Be courteous but do not initiate a conversation with the potential buyer. They are there to inspect your house – not to pay a social call. If you are asked questions, respond honestly but diplomatically and refer questions to your sales associate. Avoid discussing price, terms, possession and personal property with the potential buyer. Your sales associate is trained and experienced to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
Why put the cart before the horse? – Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to potential buyers before they have purchased the house can cost you a sale.
Use your representation – If potential buyers without sales representatives ask to see your home, explain that it is not ready for showing at the moment. Take their names and telephone numbers and inform them that you will put them in touch with your sales representative. Your safety will be guarded and your sales associate can qualify their interest.
¨ Label Hazards
Cords, steps, loose flooring, low ceilings, etc. must be marked before a prospective buyer enters your home.
¨ Hide Valuables
Be sure to keep all jewelry, cash, firearms and valuables safe and out of sight.
¨ Stay With The Buyer
Try not to leave a person in your home unattended. Give a tour. If multiple people show up at once, politely ask them to remain outside or in the car until the first family goes through.
¨ Do Not Seclude Your Home
The lights should be on, blinds open, television or radio off. You want to be able to see and hear everything that happens in your home, and be able to be heard or seen in an emergency situation. If you live far from other people, make sure that you do not conduct the open house by yourself.
¨ Register Visitors
Keep track of everyone who has stopped by. (Open House Register included in this kit)
Open House Guest Register
Address: ___________________________ Date: ________________________________
Sales Associate: __________________________________________________________
____________________________________ Is this your first visit? ð YES ð NO
Name
____________________________________ Do you: ð Own ð Rent
Address
When do you need a home?
____________________________________ ð Now ð 1-3 Mos. ð 3-6 Mos.
City State Zip
How did you hear of us?
____________________________________ ð Friend ð Driving By ð Signs
Phone Fax ð Radio ð Newspaper ð Other
____________________________________ ___________________________________
____________________________________ Is this your first visit? ð YES ð NO
Name
____________________________________ Do you: ð Own ð Rent
Address
When do you need a home?
____________________________________ ð Now ð 1-3 Mos. ð 3-6 Mos.
City State Zip
How did you hear of us?
____________________________________ ð Friend ð Driving By ð Signs
Phone Fax ð Radio ð Newspaper ð Other
____________________________________ ___________________________________
____________________________________ Is this your first visit? ð YES ð NO
Name
____________________________________ Do you: ð Own ð Rent
Address
When do you need a home?
____________________________________ ð Now ð 1-3 Mos. ð 3-6 Mos.
City State Zip
How did you hear of us?
____________________________________ ð Friend ð Driving By ð Signs
Phone Fax ð Radio ð Newspaper ð Other
____________________________________ ___________________________________
Moving
Preparations before Moving Day. . .
Address Changes (See “Change of Address Checklist)
Post office: Give forwarding address
Charge accounts, credit cards
Subscriptions: Several weeks notice required
Friends and relatives.
Bank
Transfer fund, arrange check cashing in new city
Arrange credit references
Insurance
Notify company of new location for coverage: Life, health, fire, and auto.
Utility Companies
Gas, light, water, telephone, fuel
Get refunds on any deposits made
Delivery Service
Laundry, newspaper, milk; change-over of services
Medical Services
Ask Doctor and Dentist for referrals; transfer needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays. Obtain birth records.
Church, Clubs & Civic Organizations
Transfer memberships; get letters of introduction.
Pets
Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags, etc.
Don’t Forget to:
Empty freezer; plan use of food. Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator. Place charcoal to displace odors.
Have appliances serviced before moving.
Remember arrangements for TV antenna.
Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them wrapped for moving.
Check with your moving counselor; insurance coverage; packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, etc.
Plan for special care of infants.
During Moving Day. . .
Carry enough cash or traveler’s checks to cover cost of moving services & expenses until you make banking connections in new city.
Carry jewelry and documents yourself; or use registered mail.
Plan for transporting pets; they are poor traveling companions if unhappy.
Carry traveler’s checks for quick, available funds.
Let close friend or relative know route and schedule you will travel including overnight stops; use him/her as message headquarters.
Double check closets, drawers, and shelves to be sure they are empty.
Leave old keys needed by new tenant or owner with Realtor or neighbor.
After Your Move . . .
Obtain certified check or cashier’s check necessary for closing Real Estate transaction.
Check on service of telephone, gas, electricity, and water.
Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater, incinerator, and furnace.
Have appliances checked.
Ask mail person for mail he/she may be holding for your arrival.
Have new address recorded on driver’s license.
Visit city offices and register to vote.
Register car within 5 days after arrival in state or penalty may have to be paid with getting new license plates.
Obtain inspection sticker and transfer motor club membership.
Apply for state driver’s license.
Register family in your new place of worship.
Register children in school.
Arrange for medical services: Doctor; Dentist; etc.
Moving Tips:
Your Arrival to Your New Home
Here are some suggestions for what you may need immediately upon arriving at your new home. The box should be labeled “LOAD LAST, UNLOAD FIRST”
Cleaning:
Soap powder (cleaning agents or aids)
Kitchen cleanser
Dish towels
Paper towels
Dish cloth
Steel wool pads
Sponge
Window Cleaner
Kitchen:
Paper plates, cups, napkins
Plastic knives, forks, spoons
Plastic pitcher for mixing drinks
Small saucepan
Serving spoons
Tea kettle
Sandwich spreads
Bathroom:
Facial tissues
Toilet tissue
Bath towel
Shower curtain
Face cloth
Bath soap
First aid kit
Aspirin
Miscellaneous:
Light bulb or two
Flashlight
Hammer, screwdriver, pliers
Aluminum foil
Shelf paper
Trash bags
Twine
Newspaper
Children:
Coloring books and crayons
A favorite toy or two
Reading materials
Puzzles
A small surprise gift
Snacks:
Easy-open cans of pudding
Package of crackers
Instant creamer, sugar, salt
Dry soup mix
Boxes of dry cereals, raisins
Instant coffee, tea, chocolate
Fresh fruit
Follow these tips for a smooth transition into your new home.
Household Items
¨ Use strong containers that are in good condition and secure tightly with twine or strapping tape. These can be purchased from your moving company for $1.00 to $7.00 depending on size. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe, and other special items.
¨ Label each box with its contents, which room it should go in, whether it is fragile, and loading order.
¨ Don’t load more than 50 pounds into any one box – make sure the weight is evenly distributed.
¨ Cushion contents with newspaper or other packing material to prevent breakage. Use tissue paper for items that might be soiled by newspaper.
¨ Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. Alternate bindings and wrap valuable books separately.
¨ Have your rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in their wrappings for easier handling.
¨ Remove all breakables and liquids from drawers and pack them separately. Seal medicines and other containers to prevent leaking and pack in a leak-proof bag or container.
¨ Pack linen and clothing in drawers, but don’t overload them.
¨ Carry all valuables with you. Don’t pack jewelry, documents, coin or stamp collections, or anything that will be difficult to replace. Contents of a safe deposit box can be moved for you by your bank.
Pets
¨ It is not practical to move fish in their aquarium. A gallon of water weighs eight pounds. Plan on giving the fish away and restock the aquarium when you arrive at your new home.
¨ Cats and dogs can be either shipped by air or taken along in the family car. If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. Your pet will need a health certificate from your vet. Call the airline in advance to find out about special boxes they may have. It is a good idea
to get some tranquilizers from your vet to give your pet right before going to the airport. It’s also a good idea to put a piece of clothing with your scent on it in the animal’s box so it will feel more at home.
¨ If you aren’t flying with your pet, but are having it shipped by air, make sure someone is on the other end to pick it up at the airport and take care of it until you arrive. The easiest way is to let a kennel do it for you. Many kennels can take the pet several days before you move, box it, take it to the airport, and arrange to have a kennel on the other end pick it up and take care of it until you arrive.
¨ Think twice about taking your dog or cat with you on a long cross-country trip. Not only can animals get carsick, but being cooped up in a car all day can make them nervous and upset. They must be fed and they have to make rest stops and they have to be on a leash to keep them from running off any time the car door is opened. Some motels and hotels don'’ allow pets. Others have special facilities for handling traveler’s pets. Call in advance and check out the available literature on hotels along your route.
¨ Hamsters, birds, mice, and such can be transported in the family car fairly easily. Make sure they have enough food and water in their cages and are out of drafts or extreme temperatures. Cover cages with a cloth to keep them quiet and restful.
Plants
¨ Call your local U.S. Department of Agriculture to check on regulations if moving from one state to another. Many states have restrictions on certain kinds of plants to prevent importing bugs or pests.
¨ A couple of weeks before you move, prune plants, A week before you move, put your plants on a black plastic bag with a bug/pest strip, conventional flea collar or bug powder in the bag before you put the plant in. Close the bag and place in a cool area overnight. This will kill any pests on the plant or in the soil.
¨ The day before you move, place the plants in cardboard containers. Make sure they are held in place by dampened newspaper or packing paper. Use paper to cushion the leaves and place a final layer of wet paper on top to keep them moist. Water the plants normally in summer, a little less in winter.
¨ On the day you move, set the boxes aside and mark “DO NOT LOAD” so they won’t be taken on the moving van.
¨ On the day you leave, close boxes, punch air holes in the top and load in your car.
¨ When on the road, be careful where you park your car. Look for a shaded area in the summer and a sunny spot in the winter.
¨ Unpack the plants as soon as you can after arriving. Remove plants through the bottom of the box in order to avoid breaking the stems. Do not expose the plants to too much sunlight at first. Let them get accustomed to more light gradually.
¨ If you must leave your plants behind, then take cuttings. Put them in a plastic bag with wet paper towels around them.
Change of Address Checklist
Here is a handy list of all the people you might need to contact regarding your move. Don’t forget to tell close friends and relatives your new address.
Utilities:
Electric
Gas
Water
Telephone
Fuel
Publications:
Newspapers
Magazines
Professional
Fraternal
Government & Public Offices:
Veterans Administration
Library
City Hall – Garbage & Refuse
State Motor Vehicle Bureau
Social Security Administration
State/Federal Income Tax Bureau
Post Office
Draft Board
Insurance Agencies:
Life
Fire
Auto
Home
Health
Accident
Hospital
Professional Services:
Doctor
Dentist
Certified Public Accountant
Lawyer
Broker
Established Business Accounts:
Dry Cleaner
Bakery
Drug Store
Diaper Service
Department Stores
Water Softener Service
Dairy
Service Stations</
