Our real estate agents know sellers often think for weeks or even months before putting a home on the market. By the time your property joins the ranks of beautiful Littleton homes for sale, you've given lots of thought to what the sale will mean in the context of your goals.

To get the best deal for your home, it's crucial to take the right steps early—before you even list. If you do, you'll have the opportunity to avoid the most common issues that can slow down a sale or stop the property from getting top dollar. That's well worth the effort!

Even if you list a home "as-is," most buyers are required by their mortgage lender to get an inspection done. If the inspection raises serious worries, many buyers will walk away. So, it can be helpful to schedule your own inspection before listing and use it as a guide to potential repairs.

Which repairs should you take on, and which can wait for a new owner? In most cases, "mandatory" fixes are those required to make the property safe for human habitation. Below that threshold, any repair can be considered optional, but some have a bigger impact on buyers than others.

Here are a few ideas that can be helpful:

• Roofing Updates
  The average shingle roof is more durable than ever and may last more than 20 years. As they cross the halfway point, though, buyers wonder about being on the hook for a new roof. Repairing and updating the roof can give them peace of mind while going short of a full replacement.
• Sewer and Septic Fixes
  An aging sewer connection or septic system can cross the line into safety concerns that render a home unfit to live in. If you've noticed mysterious woes like drastically reduced water pressure or frequent clogs, getting a plumber to run a camera through your lines and identify the source can be worth it.
• Electrical Performance
  Of the most common home inspection findings, nothing rattles a buyer's nerves quite like an electrical issue. If you suspect your wiring is getting unreliable, an electrician can use specialized thermal cameras to seek out hot spots that need to be rewired, typically without having to redo the entire structure.
• Heating Repairs
  A heater is an absolute must-have before any New Hampshire winter. Furnaces run the gamut in terms of age and technology. Since they're every bit as diverse as the homes on the market, buyers are often keen to ensure they are in good working order before signing on the dotted line.
• Dead Trees and Trip Hazards
  The house's interior isn't the only place that might need a little attention. Dead trees can become serious hazards in harsh weather, so buyers often want them gone. Likewise, roots, broken pavers, and even old cement walkways can cause trip and fall hazards.
• Faulty Appliances
  If you'll leave major appliances for the new owners, be sure they work as intended. You will likely need to sign a document attesting that the stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and other on-site and built-in devices are functional and safe to operate.
• Pest or Wildlife Infestation
  Any active infestation is a big hindrance to a home sale. Home inspectors won't necessarily find the evidence unless it's in plain sight, but the law may require you to disclose if the property has had a history of infestation.

Contact us to learn more about real estate opportunities in the Western White Mountains area.