Sellers Checklist

Selling a home is just as complicated as buying one, if not more. As a buyer, you get your pick of Newport Beach homes for sale, and your agent can help you narrow them down to fit your requirements. But as a seller, you’re up against several other Newport Beach homes, all with their own strengths. Besides making yours stand out, you also have paperwork, inspections, and your own move to take care of.

NewportOC.com understands the pressures of home selling, and we’re more than happy to help out. This page offers a quick list of things to remember when selling your Newport Beach CA home.

1. Gather Your Documents.

Newport Beach real estate agents usually ask for some basic paperwork before they can start selling your home. Each has his own requirements, but try to have the following on hand:

• Lender appraisal: a certificate assuring the buyer that your home will be accepted as collateral for a mortgage. This is more often done after you accept the buyer’s Offer to Purchase, but doing so in advance can save both parties some time.
  
  
• Pay-off notice: a letter notifying your lender that you intend to pay off the mortgage to reduce interest penalties. Your agent can mail this to a Newport Beach CA lender; you’ll have to give them your lender’s contact information and details on your mortgage.
  
  
• Utility bills: records of gas, sewer, water, electricity, and trash bills for at least the last 12 months. This will help give the buyer an idea of living costs for Newport Beach real estate.
  
  
• Property tax and housing association records: proof of payments for local property taxes and maintenance fees, if applicable. Most Newport Beach homes are part of homeowners’ associations where members pay monthly fees.
  
  
• Supplementary documents: house location survey, floor plan, subdivision map, legal description of the property, insurance policy, title search abstracts, warranties on any major systems

2. Check Basic Structure And Mechanical Systems.

Most buyers would rather pay more for a fully functional home than invest in repairs after the sale. At least three months before putting your home on the market, make sure to:

• Check your major systems for compliance with regulations for Newport Beach homes.
• Inspect the roof structure and roof coverings.
• Have the foundation and basement checked for faults.
• Test the air conditioning and central heating systems.
• Check the electrical and plumbing systems
• List down any improvements needed and schedule repairs if any.

3. Make Maintenance And Cosmetic Improvements.

Take a look at other Newport Beach homes for sale and see if there’s anything you can do to make yours stand out visually. Remember, you don’t get a second chance at first impressions, so it’s important to give potential buyers the right idea. Make sure to:

• Trim overgrown shrubs and trees.
• Touch up caulking and paint on exteriors, including doors and windows.
• Repair any cracks or breaks on the driveway.
• Clean chimneys and fireplaces, and replace any old parts.
• Tighten loose knobs, replace damaged screens, and secure loose railings.

4. Prepare Documents For Inspection.

The pre-purchase inspection is more or less a standard procedure in Newport Beach real estate. Days before the buyer’s inspection, do your own walk-through and check for any flaws. The following documents will also come in handy:

• Receipts for appliances, warranties and service records
• Documents stating the age and condition of major components, such as the furnace, air conditioning, and roof coverings
• Warranty certificates on furnishings and appliances