This section of the book is from the "Selling Your Own Home - A Step-By-Step Guide" book, by Helen Manning and Thealzel Lee, published in 1989. Also available from Amazon: Selling Your Own Home
Your home's vital statistics!
he prospective buyer needs to know many details about a property before the decision to purchase a property can be made. Because buyers will see many properties in their search for the perfect home, you want to make sure they remember the features of your home. One way to convey this information to potential purchasers is by giving them a "fact sheet". This accurate, easy-to-read description of your home is essential. A fact sheet will make your home stand out in their minds, and at the same time it will answer many of their questions about practical details. Professional realtors make up a fact sheet for every home they list. Our example is on page 55.
• Begin with a short paragraph stating the unique properties of your home, for instance its style, construction (see Glossary of Real Estate Terms: House Styles), age, attractive features, such as privacy or view.
• State the lot size. If you do not know this information, it may be found on your tax bill or your local municipal office will have it on record.
• Is the lot "pool sized"? Not everyone wants a swimming pool, but this descriptive phrase tells prospective buyers that the lot is large.
• If the property is in a suburban or rural setting and it is appropriate, state the source of water (city or well) and sewers (main or septic).
• Is the house a single family dwelling? Is it detached, a duplex? Is the structure frame or brick, and does it have aluminum siding? (Check the Glossary of Real Estate Terms: House Styles).
• List the rooms and their sizes; describe each room's features.
• Describe the main floor including family rooms, conservatory, greenhouse windows, walk-outs, fireplaces and so on, where appropriate.
• Describe the kitchen. If you are planning to leave the appliances, describe them, including garborator, built-in microwave, water softener, porcelain sinks, etc. State if the kitchen has been recently renovated and if it is an "eat in" kitchen. This is the most important room in the house to the prospective buyer. Clean, modern, attractive kitchens sell the house and conversely a dirty, damp, smelly kitchen can kill a sale.
• State the number of bathrooms and their sizes: 2-piece, 3-piece, 4-piece, etc. ("Piece" refers to a bathroom fixture, e. g. toilet, washbasin, bathtub, shower, bidet. Two piece bathrooms are often referred to as "powder rooms". ) If the bath is large enough for two, or has an accessory such as a Jacuzzi, be sure to mention it. Bathrooms are the second most important rooms in the house and must be squeaky clean and sweet smelling!• Describe the bedrooms, being sure to mention a walk-in closet, bay window, ensuite bathroom, fireplace, walk-out to deck, and skylight, where appropriate.
• Describe the laundry room: if the appliances are included in the sale, mention them.
• What extras are included in the price, for instance appliances, light fixtures, blinds, drapes, drapery tracks, carpets, security system, sauna, built-in cabinets, hot tub.
• What is excluded from the sale? Specifically mention any fixtures or appliances that are attached to the walls or ceilings that you do not wish to include in the sale of the home, for example, light fixtures, broadloom, doors.
• State what kind of heating exists and give the annual cost of utilities. If the furnace is new and/ or high-efficiency, say so. Is it a forced-air system or does it use radiators? Does it have a built-in humidifier?
• Describe the electricity and plumbing systems: what are the amps of electrical service? Are there fuses or circuit breakers? What are the water pipes made of?
• Is there air conditioning? Is it central or units?
• Is there a central vacuum system?
• Is there an electronic air-cleaner installed?
• Describe the condition of the roof. If it is new, or only two or three years old then say so.
• Describe the garage: double or single, automatic door?
• Is the driveway private or shared?
• Is there a swimming pool?
• Is there a garden shed?
• Describe the neighbourhood and access to amenities, such as schools, shopping, public transportation and highways. What is the distance to downtown? Are there gardens, trees, parks and recreation, libraries and sports facilities nearby?
• State the water rates and taxes and condominium fees, if they apply.
• Give all details of mortgages.
• State the seller's name(s), address(es) and telephone number(s).
• Give the name and telephone number of your lawyer.
• Remember, a photo is worth a thousand words: attach one. The latest photocopy machines produce good copies of photographs especially if they are in black and white.
Private Sale
10 MAIN STREET ANYTOWN, Z3Z 4Z5
Spacious, modern, two-storey brick home on quiet street near all amenities. Fifteen minutes to downtown; walking distance to schools, library and park. Short drive to shopping centre. Main highway two kilometres. Absolutely immaculate.
8 rooms, 3 bathrooms Lot size: 80 x 100
Main Floor___________________________________
Living room (state dimensions) Fireplace
Dining room Walkout to yard
Kitchen Eat-in, new appliances
Powder room 2 piece
Second Floor_________________________________
Main bedroom Ensuite shower,
3 piece Bedroom Skylight
Bedroom Walk-in closet
Bath Jaccuzzi, 4 piece
Den Built-in book shelves
Basement_________________________________
Recreation room Wet bar, completely finished
Laundry room Lots of storage
Garden — mature shrubs and trees, could hold small pool
Garage — electric door, private driveway Roof— two years old, aluminum eavestroughs Heating — forced-air gas
Other features — central air conditioning, copper plumbing, 200 amp electric service, circuit breakers, central vacuum included, broadloom where laid, built-ins, electric light fittings, kitchen appliances, laundry appliances, storms & screens
Excluded — chandelier in dining room
Taxes — $xx per annum
Water Rates — $xx per annum
Possession — Minimum 60 days
Mortgages — None
Vendors Lawyer
Mary & John Public Jim Someone
(000) 000-0000 White & White (000) 000-0000
Showings by appointment only.
All offers in writing will be considered.
No agents.
Price: $000, 000
 
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