6 things to do before selling your condo

If you are a Phoenix condo homeowner, you already know that keeping your property in great shape requires dedication and and sometimes patience for the ongoing maintenance. But what if you've put your home up for sale, or even accepted an offer? Perhaps you're thinking: I'm good It's not my problem anymore.

Sorry folks, we've got some news for you: Just because you're selling or even have a contract doesn't mean you're off the hook from routine maintenance or the daily tasks and that's especially true if you've already vacated or moved out of the condo.

Sure, a well-cared-for condo shows better: Small things like broken doorbells and leaky faucets make buyers wonder if your property also has more costly issues hidden elsewhere. But more important, a little routine maintenance can help you avoid a major costly problem down the road ( such as, burst pipes, roof leaks, unwanted critters moving into your attic or walls) that could devalue your property, cause problems and derail that sale.

To prevent minor issues from escalating into full-blown, money-sucking or expensive, sale-killing problems, focus on these six important areas you can't afford to neglect.

1. Keep up the entrance area

Whether you're still living in the home or your home is already vacant, have somebody tend to the home regularly and your homes appearance. That first appearance when a potential buyer or appraiser pulls up are vital. You want to make sure to make a good first impression.

If your home does not have a well-maintained exterior, (potential buyers) will keep driving, and not even look inside. Plus, this kind of neglect can be a bulls-eye for vandals to break into your property. Most of these don't apply to Condo owners but even the patio can make a big impact.

 If you have moved out consider having lights on timers so the house doesn't look dark all the time, and papers picked up. You also don't want to let mail pile up in the mailbox.

2. Check the roof

Most condos take care of the roof but the following things are worth noting. This ones easy to forget about when we live in the Desert, its kind of like the wiper blades on the car. But when it comes to roof issues, neglect can cause a dangerous domino effect. 

You don't want a surprise the day it rains with leaks of course, you don't want buyers seeing puddling water as they approach your house.

 Of course, it will be examined during the home inspection, but it would behoove you to do it before putting your home on the market. Small roof cracks can remain undetected for years, causing water to slowly infiltrate your home and damage ceilings and walls. It's best to clean these issues before they become major get them fixed now before putting on the market.

If water starts to penetrate a property, it can be a very difficult sale, water can kill a deal quicker then anything I've seen.

3. Service your A/C and heating systems

Its not fun, but the hidden guts of your home need regular attention, whether you're still living in your condo or not. That means having your HVAC systems professionally serviced. This can be a small service fee that easily takes away major issues.
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First up, your furnace: If you get it addressed before you list your home, it wont smell like dust when you crank up the heat during an open house on a chilly day. While you're at it, have the duct work and filters cleaned as well. And if you have baseboard heaters, vacuum those out, too.

Have a chimney? Be sure to have it inspected and cleaned as well.

You want to make sure there are no cracked flue tiles, and that from the exterior, there are no gaps in the mortar between the bricks, 

4. Keep the critters out

If you don't want to add family of rats included to your listing (and pay the hefty tab for getting them out), inspect the inside and outside of your home for any areas that need to plugged up. Take care of holes from damaged siding or fascia under the roofline and do it promptly.


Stove and dryer vents, for example, should be covered with wire mesh to deter pests.

5. Wash your windows

Most people associate sparkling windows with spring-cleaning,  However if your house is on the market, it doesn't matter what time of year it is you need to get those babies squeaky clean. Cleaner the better!

If buyers walk through your home and all they see is dirty windows, that'll really mar the showing process, It is sometimes subconscious for buyers.

Make sure to wipe them down after a bad storm, when they're especially likely to show muck and grime buildup.

6. Check the calendar

Make sure seasonal things are put away. Nobody wants to see Christmas stuff up in February Find a way to make sure someone can visit and keep home not looking vacant.

Staying on top of these regular tasks will make it easier to sell your home with fewer obstacles and headaches. Plus, it will preserve the value of your property, and potentially, the thickness of your wallet at the end of the day.