Don't Let Furnace Issues Undermine Wintertime Homes For Sale
While few buyers are likely to visit a property during the dead of winter, a home placed on the market year-round is still open for showing during those cold months. The months may even be colder for those homes with a furnace issue. The current occupiers of the property might not have an issue with the chilly interior, but a potential buyer who feels there are issues with the furnace could opt not to purchase the home. The owner of an older home should address the furnace to avoid leaving a bad impression when showing the property.
Furnace Troubles Mean More Costs
A home that is a little chilly in the winter is not going to chase off a buyer. A home that clearly is showing the signs that it is not up for the rigors of the winter, however, might lead the buyer to assume a lot of costs are going to be involved with the property. Furnace issues to think about include:
- The Knocking Furnace
A furnace that goes on and off due to the pilot light not working properly could be very alarming to a buyer. A furnace could cost several thousands of dollars to replace. Buyers know they cannot play games or entertain delays when it comes to replacing a furnace. The heat from the furnace is what keeps pipes from freezing. The on/off issue with the furnace might not even be something all that serious. A furnace could just use a good cleaning or a fuse may need to be switched. Doing so right before winter arrives would be prudent.
- The Old Thermostat
Old homes have old thermostats. Older thermostats are not energy efficient at all. In addition to making a home more costly, the sight of an old thermostat may lead some to panic. The assumption may be the entire furnace is outdated -- even if it is still has many years of life left. An old furnace is going to need to be replaced relatively soon. Once again, the scary specter of paying for a new furnace might frighten would-be buyers.
- The Exposed Duct
Ducts that run along the sides of the walls need to be covered not only to make them less unsightly, but to property regulate forced hot air. Missing duct covers that were removed for whatever reason need to be replaced. The sight of the missing duct covers is going to put a terrible impression in a buyer's mind.
None of these steps are too difficult to perform. Once done, a home for sale doesn't have furnace woes disrupting a winter closing.
