Most homeowners know how many bedrooms and bathrooms they have. They probably know when they replaced the roof, updated the kitchen, or installed a new heating system.
But do you know what your town thinks your house has?
Every property has information on file with the town, often called a property record card or assessor’s card, and you might be surprised by what’s listed there.
Maybe you finished a basement years ago. Added a deck. Converted a room. Put up a shed. Replaced a heating system. Added central air. Or maybe the town’s records simply contain information that isn’t quite right.
Why does that matter?
Because when it comes time to sell your home, those details can become important. Buyers, appraisers, attorneys, lenders and inspectors may look at different pieces of information about the property. If something doesn’t match what is actually there, questions can come up at exactly the time you don’t want surprises.
That’s why I encourage homeowners, even if you have absolutely no plans to sell right now, to take a look at the information your town has on file for your property.
It’s also a great opportunity to start your own little “home history” folder. Keep receipts and paperwork for major improvements, permits, warranties, septic or well records, surveys and other documents connected to your home. Five or ten years from now, you may be very glad you did.
And if selling is somewhere on the horizon, you don’t have to wait until you’re ready to put a sign in the yard to start preparing.
Sometimes the best first step is simply knowing what you have.
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE!
Missy Willard, REALTOR®
Carl Guild & Associates
I don’t just sell homes. I help people move forward.