How to avoid basement deal killers in summer listings
Summer is a lovely time of year but unfortunately can raise
some significant buyer issues which are real impediments to getting deals
done. Though in most cases these issues
are solvable, sellers should be cautious to review carefully the air quality
and other issues in their basements at this more humid time of the year.
Stale, damp odour
from excess humidity:
The biggest issues are humidity and lack of air movement
which can combine to form that damp smell many will identify as mould or
mildew. Many buyers will think this is caused by either water penetration
through basement walls, around windows or via back up-none of which is a happy
thought for a buyer.
Other odours
exaggerated:
We visit many homes that exhibit other odours which are
exaggerated by the lack of air movement or excess humidity. Some odours can be related to pets, carpets
which have been soiled or stained, cold cellars, athletic gear, teenager rooms
etc.
Homeowners often
oblivious:
When owners live in a property every day, they are
accustomed to the ambient smell and may not notice that odours are elevated to
the point of turning a buyer off a property.
How to prevent “funky”
basement smells:
1) run furnace fan regularly to keep air moving.
2) run dehumidifier regularly in high humidity summer days
to remove excess moisture
3) clean carpeting and furniture that may be contributing to
odour
4) use portable fans as a backup, if furnace fan alone does
not do the trick.
5) open basement windows or run HRV on low humidity days to
provide additional air refresh
6) check bathroom and floor drains to ensure water level prevents
backflow of air and sewer smell or install backflow valve.
7) check around baseboard areas in spring or after heavy
rainfall to ensure no leaks have occurred.
8) no smoking
9) manage pet litter trays and basement access as much as
possible.
Lighting also a
factor:
Make sure your basement is well lit and that the lights are
on for buyer showings. The more “dungeon
like” a basement appears, the less attractive its living space becomes.
Buggy basements or wildlife no bonus for buyers:
Do a thorough check to make sure you don’t have any visitors. Those older or country properties or who
rarely even go down in their basement will want to be especially careful that
there are no bugs or evidence of other critters having visited or taken up
residence down there.
Utility and furnace
rooms are important:
Make sure the space is well organized in your utility room
and that buyers and Realtors can have good access to furnaces, hot water tanks,
HRV’s, electrical panels. Tags and
maintenance stickers showing these have been regularly maintained and updated are
a good sign for buyers.
Summer is a great time to sell a home, in fact it is the 2nd
best time after the peak months of April-June, so don’t forget the basement
when it comes to having your listing really ready for buyers!
Gord McCormick, Broker of Record
Dawn Davey, Broker
Oasis Realty Brokerage
613-435-4692
oasisrealty@rogers.com
www.oasisrealtyottawa.com
Full service and
lower commissions for sellers!