Trumbull County Ohio Real Estate - Preventing a Leaky Basement
Why do most people who purchase Trumbull County Ohio real estate want a basement? In a two-story home, it provides 50% more storage space while in a ranch; it allows for 100% more space. A basement for some ethnic groups provides space for a second kitchen for canning and cooking. For young families, it is a place for the children and their toys or the added recreation room for teenagers or an entertainment area for adults. Often it allows for the laundry room or the hobbyist´s get-away.
Many people move because they do not have a basement. And a basement can add to the value of a home. However, the greatest nightmare of all for sellers and buyers alike is the fact that basements leak if not properly maintained. In case sellers do not realize this, as soon as a buyer sees a wet basement or even traces of wetness on the walls, he begins walking toward the door. Some buyers even run! If sellers want difficulty selling a home, a wet basement will do it.
When a buyer rejects your Trumbull County Ohio real estate home because of a wet basement, the seller sometimes tells his listing agent that the water has not been a problem. However, water in the basement to almost everyone other than the one selling the home is a huge problem. And sometimes the correction is such a simple one.
What are some of the causes of leaky basements?
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Blocked gutters and downspouts. Sellers would be wise to lead a hose into each downspout and run water through it a couple of times a year to clean debris and insure it is draining properly. After all the leaves have fallen, it is especially important to make sure they are clean to prevent a winter or spring disaster in the basement.
- Extend downspouts away from the foundation. Use flexible tubing to keep water at a distance so it doesn´t find its way into the basement. As a seller you´ll have to find the downspouts, dig the trench, connect the flexible tubing, and replant a bit of grass. When the house is up for sale and doesn´t sell because of the "trickle" in the basement, you´ll kick yourself for not turning off the baseball game and getting that work done in spring, summer, or fall. Remember that old adage about "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
- Check the foundation for low spots where soil has eroded away over the years. Soil should be built up so it slopes away from the foundation. This is one of the things a home inspector notes as he is doing the preliminary outdoor inspection of a home. Sellers know he is going to see it and will comment on it as a correction in his report, so fix it! Hauling in soil to complete this simple job sounds enormous to a single woman considering buying a home. Does the seller want to lose this wonderful buyer who has great credit and a nice down payment because of the cost of a load of dirt and the work of spreading it? I think not!
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Make sure trees and landscaping near the house are not growing too close to the foundation. Tree roots especially can cause cracks in the foundation that allow water to seep into your basement. Don´t plant trees too close to the house and remove those that look troublesome before a problem develops. | For help and advice on buying or selling Trumbull County Ohio Real Estate, call REALTORS® Bernie and Dom Marino, and get the "Power of Two" working for you!
Contact us today! We would love to answer any questions you might have.
Phone Bernice: (330) 219-8653
Phone Dom: (330) 219-4417
Email: bernice@MarinoHomeTeam.com |
Read More:
Preventing a Leaky Basement
11/24/2008
School Levies and Real Estate
10/27/2008
Get a Home Inspection
09/27/2008
To Buy or Not to Buy
08/27/2008
Making An Offer 07/23/2008
Staging Your Home Part II
06/26/2008
Staging Your Home - Part I
05/27/2008
Setting the Right Price
04/28/2008
What Can A Seller Expect?
03/26/2008
More Tips on Preparing Your Home for Sale
02/26/2008
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