BOSTON, July 31, 2018 — 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, a BBB A+ rated home service company with more than 1,000 five-star reviews online, is offering advice to greater Boston homeowners hoping to get the most out of their home during prime real estate season.
“Boston has beautiful real estate, as do all of the towns in the greater metropolitan area,” said Ryan Williams, general manager of 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric. “For anyone placing their homes on the market during the competitive summer season, we don’t want them to lose thousands of dollars in value due to missed opportunities for improvement.”
Williams and the 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric team offer the following five tips to avoid loss in value while selling a home:
- Repair any existing leaks – Many leaks go unnoticed until a thorough inspection is made, so the best practice is to be proactive. Check crawlspaces and basements for signs of slow leaks, and if unsure, run a meter test. Shut the water off for about two hours and monitor in change in the meter. Contact a professional if a leak is suspected.
- Inspect the water heater – Over time, the heating element in the water heater can become corroded or even covered by scale, especially in areas with hard water. This will reduce the effectiveness of the water heater. If the unit is newer, it might be best to have the element replaced. If the unit is older, consider an upgrade to a tankless water heater to add value to the home. Rebates may even be available through a local energy or utilities program.
- Check for electrical issues – Shorts, faulty circuits and unreliable current are all red flags to potential buyers. They can also be safety hazards, so it’s best to have a licensed electrician inspect the home’s electrical system before placing it on the market.
Schedule tune-ups for the air conditioner and furnace – Regardless of the current season, both the air conditioner and furnace should receive a tune-up prior to listing the home. Professional tune-ups can include filter changes, cleaning the units, lubricating mechanical parts, inspecting the flues and identifying any disasters waiting to happen. This will help improve the efficiency of both units, prevent any unexpected breakdowns and can help restore or improve the indoor air quality of the home. It will also provide a peace of mind for the new homeowner during the upcoming season. - Inspect the main drain by video camera – Increasingly, potential homeowners are asking about the condition of the home’s main sewer line to prevent future back-ups, pipe replacement and harmful damage to the home. A professional drain technician can provide a video analyzing the inside of the main sewer line, identifying any potential issues that need to be corrected.
“These tips provide sellers a great place to start adding value to their homes,” Williams said. “Make sure to follow this advice, or ask a professional for guidance, before allowing potential buyers to begin scheduling independent inspections. It’s an investment, but it’s one that can net surprising returns in value.”
For more information about how you can prepare your home before listing it on the market, please call 1-888-CALL-128, visit www.call128.com.
About 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric
128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, was founded in Wakefield, Massachusetts more than 25 years ago. Since their start, 128 PHCE has expanded and grown to become Eastern Massachusetts’ most trusted and consistent plumber, heating and air conditioning service company with over 1,000 5-star reviews online. For more information, call 1-888-CALL-128 or visit www.call128.com.
