You know houses are selling fast and for big $$$. In fact, some of my favorite realtors say that this trend is still going strong.

With that in mind I spoke with a group of my home inspector friends recently and here are 10 things they say you should check out and have fixed at your home, especially if you are looking for a big return on it. (This is a great list to check out even if you aren’t selling)

One more note – this list should be used when looking at a prospective new house too…

- Defective plumbing. By defective I am referring to one of two things – leaks and clogs. A visual inspection of your plumbing can identify most leaks. Shutting off your water and checking your meter can also be an indication if you have a leak.

Clogs should be professionally taken care of to help ensure they are properly fixed.

- Poor Heating and Cooling Systems. Is your entire house conditioned, including your basement? Has your system been checked and serviced on a regular basis? Does your current system keep your house comfortable?

If your HVAC system is over 15 years old you may want to seriously consider getting a new unit. A new unit will be far more efficient and will make your home more attractive to a prospective buyer.

- Poor electrical systems. Your electrical service box should be properly marked and up to date. Have a trained electrician give your house the once-over to make sure it is up to code including the panel box.

Take a moment with a friend and finally go through your panel, marking what each breaker is responsible for.

- Damp or wet basement. A musty odor in the basement coupled with a powdery white mineral deposit a few inches off the floor can mean a water problem.

The rule of thumb for mold is that if it smells musty, you have mold.

Cracks in your basement walls or floor also need to be filled and monitored. Often adding conditioned air to the space will improve your basement air immensely.

- Roofing Problems. No doubt you have been approached by rogue roofers with the ‘you’ve got hail damage’ line. Have it checked out for real. If you have the damage, get a new roof.

New roof warranties can go as long as 50 years and they are transferrable not to mention the up-grade in curb appeal for your home.

- Bad Attic Spaces. You aren’t up there much, but your attic is one of your most important places in your home.

Make sure your insulation is up to snuff and that your attic vents are unobstructed, clean, and working properly.

- Rotting Wood. Bad siding, rotting windows and doors. Graying and cracked decks and old garage doors scream neglect when looked at by a prospective buyer.

Replacing worn siding and adding a coat a paint will do wonders. New windows and doors will add re-sale value and energy efficiency to your home.

- Masonry Work. Cracked or missing mortar and bricks are not only unsightly but can also be a cause of moisture issues down the road.

Add to that poor chimney construction/flashing and you have another area that needs close inspection.

- Structural/Foundation Problems. From cracks in your foundation walls to sagging and uneven floors your home’s skeleton needs to be in top condition. Natural settling occurs in every home and a foundation inspection can answer and question you may have about the structural integrity of your home.

- Home Security. I am not only talking about a home security system here, but also basic features of home security such as deadbolt locks, locking windows and patio doors and smoke and carbon detectors.

True, that’s quite a list for you to digest all at once, and if you have to fix more than a couple of the above areas it could get a bit expensive, but by making sure that your house is a safe and happy place to live will make it an easier sell.

Heck – you just might want to stay...

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