Get Prepared For The Questions
The Buyer Will Ask . . .

It is important to gather information pertinent to your property. It will take time to coordinate this information from old bills, tax statements, work receipts, service contracts, and warranty documents, but it pays
off when you sell your home. Prospective buyers ask questions about your home and property. The following questions can be expected
and you should have the file of information to answer them:
 

c

  What do you pay in property taxes and when are
 they due?

c

  How much does it cost to heat and cool your home?

c

  What do you pay for gas and electricity?

c

  What do you pay for water and who supplies it?

c

  How old are various structural components and
 systems, including the roof, water heater, furnace,
 and plumbing system?

c

  How old are any appliances that will stay with the
 house?

c

  Do you have any guarantees or warranties on
 appliances or components of the home, such as
 siding or roofing, and are these warranties
 transferable?

c

  Are there any fees for municipal or private services,
 such as garbage pickup, and what are those
 services?

c

  Is your house located on a flood plain? If so, what
 kind of insurance is required?

c

  Have you had water problems in the basement or
 through the roof? (If so, you must show the buyer
 that you have rectified the problem.) Do you have
 warranties or guarantees on the work?

c

  Where are the local schools, and what is their
 quality?

c

  What is the availability and cost of mass transit?

c

  Where are the places of worship in the area?

c

  It is helpful if the seller provides a copy of their
 original title or abstract to the listing agent and title
 provider. This assists in identifying ownership in the
 property and can expedite a title search.  It also
 assists the listing agent for submitting information
 to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) so that buyers
 know how to submit their contract offers.

c

  Is a copy of the survey and floor plan available?

c

  Have available a copy of the Condomium Documents
 (if applicable).

c

  Are there any special assessments? If so, what are
 the special assessments and when are they due?

c

  Is the current property tax for “land” only, due to the
 house being newly constructed? What are estimated
 new tax amounts, including the house?

c

  Have you filed for a homestead exemption?

c

  Are there any Homeowners Association (HOA) dues? 
 Who is the HOA management contact? What are the
 fees for and when are they due? Are the fees
 transferable?

c

  Does the development have an “additional” HOA fee
 for boat storage, golf/tennis membership or pool
 facilities? What are the fees and when are they due?
 Are the fees transferable?

c

  If the property is being sold as an investment
 property,  provide a copy of the tenant’s lease
 (if applicable).

c

  What services are available for communications?
 Cable, wireless, satellite?  Do you know who the
 service providers are?  Is the house wired for cable
 access to the internet?

c

  Do you have a well or septic system?  Can you
 provide information about the inspector and the last
 inspection completed?

c

  Are there any parking permissions or restrictions?

c

  Are there any storage restrictions? Examples: Boat or
 RV must be stored in garage. No sheds over a certain
 size.

c

  Are pets allowed? Are children allowed?

c

  Is this home in a “retirement” area, where a
 minimum age is required?

c

  If your property is in a rural area, is an aerial photo
 available?

c

  Have you had any environmental studies done? If so,
 please provide copies of reports.

  
Having such detailed information readily available will aid prospective buyers in making quicker decisions on the suitability
of your property for their future.