Getting Ready to List Your House

Right now, I'm getting more phone calls from people wanting to sell their home than individuals that want to buy a home. That's a change and I think it's been brought on by the federal tax credit for repeat buyers that have owned their current resident for at least 5 years. Of course, there are a million things to do to get your house ready for the market....cleaning, organizing, de-cluttering and just making it look like a model home. It's a ton of work, I know.

There is also a lot of paperwork that needs to be organized and available for closing and since you will be busy packing all your belongs, I recommend that you get the following items in order before you list your home. They include:

• A payoff statement (or recent bill showing balance due) from all mortgages on the property.
• Two sets of keys to the house.

• A copy of all certificates of compliance for improvements to the property, such as fences, pools, sheds, finished basement or attic, new bathrooms, etc.

• Twelve months of utility bills (or one month if on a budget plan).

• Copy of property tax bills.

• Completed Property Condition Disclosure.

• Copies of any environmental testing done, i.e. lead testing, radon testing.

• Contact information for your real estate attorney.

• A list of appliances that you plan to offer with your property.

• Copy of all transferable warranties, such as for a newer roof or appliances.


If you'd like more information about getting your home on the market, don't hesitate to call me. My office number is 585-756-7457.

Mary Shelsby
ReMax First