Tips on Selling
 Selling property in a resort area is quite different from selling other properties. Many of the resort properties are second homes or vacation properties which may be infrequently occupied. Colorado's climate, with its 300 annual days of h3 sunshine and the rigors of snow and ice of the alpine environment, can be tough on properties. Staying on top of maintenance and presentation can be crucial to bringing top dollar for your property in a timely manner. Few people, if any, NEED a second home in the mountains. They seek to buy for reasons that are far more emotional than those associated with the purchase of a primary residence in the city. The dream of a family getaway in the mountains is a powerful one, but it is important that it feels "just right." Purchasing a second home can be an emotional decision. As the seller, you want to help a buyer "put themselves in the picture" to improve your property's salability and shorten marketing time, currently averaging over six months. We'd love to provide you with a complimentary Market Analysis of your property-including simple tips on how it could be improved and even coordinate you with our legions of handy-persons to help get things done-especially useful if you are also a long-distance owner. Please fill out the request form so that we can get back to you right away! ÂOnsite Water Systems (OWS)Summit County's population has increased dramatically over the past 25 years, placing a growing demand on the County's infrastructures.Although public sewage treatment facilities serve the majority of Summit County residents, many others must rely on Onsite Wastewater Systems (OWS). Such systems, if constructed and maintained properly, provide a reliable and efficient means of wastewater treatment and disposal at a relatively low cost. In order to ensure the aesthetic integrity of an area surrounding an OWS, and to prevent health hazards presented by a malfunctioning OWS, the Environmental Health Department conducts inspections and issues permits for all new OWS in Summit County. Use Permits (Property Transaction or Construction Inspections): Effective on or after January 01, 2009, prior to the sale and/or major remodel of a property served by one or more Onsite Wastewater Systems, the seller(s) or current owner(s) of the property shall obtain an OWS use permit for each system on the property. Contact your Broker/Partner to learn more about Onsite Water System regulation changes might mean for your home sale or visit www.co.summit.co.us Radon TestingBecause so many people spend a great deal of time indoors, indoor air pollution can pose even greater health hazards than outdoor air pollution. While most of the sources of indoor air pollution do not in themselves present a great health risk, the cumulative effects of several sources may cause health problems, particularly in more susceptible individuals such as the very young, elderly, or health-impaired.Indoor air pollutants include mold, radon, cleaning products, lead and carbon monoxide. For more information on a variety of indoor air quality topics, please visit EPA’s indoor air quality website at www.epa.gov/iaq/index.html. Radon detectors are readily available for purchase at local hardware stores. Or, visit this link for Radon Test Kit Coupons http://www.co.summit.co.us/Ehealth/Air_Quality/documents/SHORTTERMRADONCOUPON.pdf Home Inspection Check ListElectric• Replace burned out light bulbs • Repair any obvious electrical problems – broken hanging fixtures and switches, uncovered junction boxes, outlets and switches, improper use of extension cords, etc. • Install GFCI outlets – outside, garage, crawl space, bathrooms and kitchen Plumbing System • Repair any obvious leaks under sinks, toilets, exposed pipes, etc. • Septic system – utilize regular pumping and obtain documentation of system’s functionality • Water heater – to ensure/test for adequate supply of hot water, fill tub with hot water – check temperature • Well system/conditioning equipment – utilize well system company service contract to check water system HVAC • Utilize the homeowner’s HVAC service contracts to service and obtain verification of systems’ functionality • Replace dirty furnace filters; clean supply and return ducts • Repair all dripping valves Kitchen • Ensure all appliances are working properly • Fix dripping faucets and/or leaks under sink Bathrooms • Repair any obvious leaks under sink, toilet, exposed pipes, etc. • Ensure toilet is tight to floor and not leaking • Repair broken, cracked or soft tile, towel rack and toilet paper dispenser • Caulk sink and tub details as needed • Ensure fan is functioning properly Rooms • Ensure all doors and windows operate properly • Install all screens • Repair excessive damage to walls • Ensure active heat in rooms • Repair/clean floors as needed Garage • Check overhead door automatic safety feature (place 2x4 on ground to cause door to reverse) • Ensure accessibility to allow an inspection to proceed (cars/storage) Basement and Crawl Space • Keep basements and crawl spaces dehumidified/heated in appropriate seasons to prevent negative effects of moisture and freezing temperatures • Water entry – current active water penetration should be corrected • Remove/repair any prior (repaired) water damage to storage, uprights, etc. Remove moisture-absorbing and mold/odor-developing materials • Repair any prior plumbing water-leak damage, wet insulation, etc. • Add vapor barrier to dirt crawl space floor • Storage – ensure accessibility to allow an inspection to proceed. Clear perimeter and access to all utilities Attic • Eliminate entry of rodents and birds. Clean attic as needed. • Ensure vents are open and clear of insulation and that proper airflow exists to prevent excessive heat/moisture build-up • Ensure accessibility to attic area Exterior • Cut back shrubbery one foot from house. Also cut any branches overhanging the house or main electrical service cable. • Remove soil from contact with wood around entire perimeter of house • Fill depressions and grade soil away from foundation (prevents basement moisture/water penetration) • Repair any active roof leaks • Extend downspout run-offs (3’ – 4’) to prevent roof water from flowing toward house (prevents basement moisture/water penetration) • Clean gutters – be sure they are operating properly (overflow can cause internal leaks) • Re-secure loose and/or hanging heat tape • Have active fireplace and chimney swept and inspected (obtain receipt from service company if not done recently) • Repair broken window panes • Replace outdoor light bulbs • Walkways – maintain level of slate, block, etc. • Driveway – fill cracks, seal asphalt driveway, level gravel driveway • Decks – repair loose balusters, steps and bottom step block height; nail loose nails and boards • Patios – maintain level of block/slate type patios • Retaining walls – re-set collapsing stonewalls or wood walls Environmental Testing • Perform appropriate environmental tests (e.g. radon, water, septic). Keep documentation for buyer’s review. |
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