Planning to sell your Tamaqua home? Start gathering this information.

Today’s Tamaqua home buyers have plenty of questions, and if you’re like most of us, it could take you a bit of time to find the answers.

 

For instance: “When was the furnace installed, and is it still under warranty?” Unless it was installed within the past year or so, you probably don’t remember. And unless you keep an organized file for such information, you may need to do a search.

 

Since people will want to know, go ahead and get that information gathered now. Think about the furnace, the air conditioner, the water heater, any appliances that will convey with the house, and even your roofing and siding.

 

Next, gather up your utility bills for the past year, because buyers will want to know the average costs. Think of heating fuel and electricity, plus fees for water, sewer, cable TV, and garbage collection. If you’ve installed any energy-saving features, such as LED light fixtures, be sure to let your agent know.

 

They’ll also want to know what you pay for homeowner’s insurance, and whether that policy could be transferred to them. Are you paying an additional premium due to location – or due to the presence of a dog or an above-ground pool that will be removed? Be sure to point out those facts.

 

If you’re covered by a Homeowners’ Association, get a copy of the bylaws and fees.

 

What about property taxes? Your agent will access public records, but do take time to make sure those records are accurate. Do they include special assessments that will expire in a few years? Do they reflect exemptions that a new homeowner might not be allowed?

 

You know you’ll be filling out a property disclosure form, so think back over any repairs or alterations you’ve made. If repairs were of a serious nature, such as a water leak in the roof or the foundation, gather documentation to show that those repairs were made.

 

If you’ve made alterations to the house that required a permit, make copies of the permit(s) to give to your agent for documentation. And… if you were supposed to get a permit but didn’t, warn your agent so he or she can begin helping you solve that issue.

 

Gathering all of this information now will save you time and stress later, so have it ready to hand to your Tamaqua real estate agent the same day that you sign the listing agreement.