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.

•   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