Craven Academy: Real Estate

Plumbing is another area where buyers have basic expectations. They want to have sufficient water pressure. This can be a problem in some older homes. Septic systems are also a concern; a system with problems needs to be dealt with. If the house is hooked up to a sewer system, you need to be sure that the drainage is good. If not, you may need to have the sewer lines from the house to the street cleaned.

The heating system needs to be functioning properly. If it is an oil-fired system it should be tuned up. If it is a gas system, it should be checked to assure that it is functioning properly. If the system is electric, you may wish to upgrade older units to more efficient ones.

In warmer climates you have air conditioning units to deal with. Has the system been recently serviced? Have the filters been changed and the ducts cleaned?

Repairing the various systems may not add value to the house, but systems in poor condition definitely subtract value. Most buyers will insist on a home inspection. These systems are the first thing that an inspector will look at.