Monday, October 21, 2013

Preparing to Sell Your Home in the Fall

When showing a home in the fall and winter months, pay attention to how warm you feel in the home, how the spaces are heated, how to control the heat and moisture, the presence of natural light, and how warm they are to the eye. When showing a home during these months, you will want to ensure that the warming aspects of the home stand out.

Understanding the heating system of a home is key information for many buyers. Information to have available for potential buyers include:
  • Type of heating system(s) in all areas of the home.
  • How the heat works and best practices for using the system(s), including the presence of a programmable thermostat.
  • Source of energy, and operational costs.
  • Age of the system and maintenance history, if available.

Heating a space is only part of the warming equation. Appropriate insulation and attention to places where heat may escape are key points to consider. Insulation in walls and attics should be clean and dry, free from signs of animal infestation. Windows in cooler climates might be double or triple-glazed, and doors and windows should close tightly and no drafts should be present around them. Caulk and seal around window frames, if needed, and pay attention to areas that seem particularly prone to cooling down quickly.

Some rooms in the home will naturally be warmer than others. When showing a home, be present to this fact and decide if you will “close off spaces” by shutting doors to conserve heat in some living areas, or if you will seek to warm cooler spaces by keeping doors open.


Insulating hot-water heaters could be a plus if they are located in a cooler location such as a basement or garage and ensuring that water pipes are insulated is also useful to homeowners in frigid areas. 

Attention to these details shows that the home is well-cared for and ready for anything.

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