- Locate your survey from when you purchased the house. I strongly recommend getting a new survey if there have been any significant changes like building a carport, adding a deck, or building a pool. Your real estate agent’s favorite title company can usually recommend a reasonably priced surveyor who can get the job done quickly. I only recommend omitting a survey if your house is in teardown condition.
- Get a roof inspection from a reputable roofer. If there has been hail damage, you will have time to negotiate with your hazard insurance company. As a rule, I recommend having your roofer meet with the insurance adjuster. If your house is not a major fixer-upper, go ahead with the roof repairs before listing your house.
- Thoroughly clean the interior, and remove all downed tree limbs, and trash from the yard. Also remove any wasp, hornet, or mud dauber nests and relocate any beehives. If you see visible signs of active termites, go ahead, and have an exterminator treat them before listing.
Doing these things before listing reduces closing delays and reasons that a Buyer might back out.