How do I get the scoop on homes I'm
     looking at?

Home inspections, seller disclosure requirements and the agent's experience will help.

Here is a summary of the things you could expect to see in a disclosure form:

• Safety features such as burglar and fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, security gate, window screens and intercom.
  
  
• The presence of a TV antenna or satellite dish, rain gutters, sump pump.
  
  
• Type of heating, condition of electrical wiring, gas supply and presence of any external power source, such as solar panels.
  
  
• The type of water heater, water supply, sewer system also should be disclosed.
  
  
• Sellers also are required to indicate any significant defects or malfunctions existing in the home's major systems.
  
  
• The form also asks sellers to note the presence of environmental hazards, walls or fences shared with adjoining landowners, any encroachments or easements, room additions or repairs made without the necessary permits or not in compliance with building codes, zoning violations, citations against the property and lawsuits against the seller affecting the property.
  
  
• Also look for, or ask about, flooding or drainage problems.
  
  
• People buying a condominium must be told about covenants, codes and restrictions or other deed restrictions.

It's important to note that the simple idea of disclosing defects has broadened significantly in recent years. Many jurisdictions have their own mandated disclosure forms as do many brokers and agents. Also, the home inspection and home warranty industries have grown significantly to accommodate increased demand from cautious buyers. Be sure to ask questions about anything that remains unclear or does not seem to be properly addressed by the forms provided to you.

Doing whatever you can to put your house's best face forward is very important if you want to get close to your asking price or sell as quickly as possible. Short of spending a lot of money, here are several ideas for making your home show better:

How to prepare a house for sale

• Sweep the sidewalk, weed the garden and clean debris from the yard.
  
  
• Clean the windows (both inside and out) and make sure the paint is not chipped or flaking.
  
  
• Speaking of paint, if your home was built before 1978, new federal law gives a buyer the right to request a lead inspection. If you think you might have some problems, arrange for an inspection yourself beforehand and fix anything you can.
  
  
• Be sure that the doorbell works.
  
  
• Clean and spruce up all rooms, furnishings, floors, walls and ceilings. It's especially important that the bathroom and kitchen are spotless.
  
  
• Organize closets.
  
  
• Make sure the basic appliances and fixtures work.
  
  
• Get rid of leaky faucets and frayed cords.
  
  
• Make sure the house smells good: from an apple pie, cookies baking or spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove.
  
  
• Hide the kitty litter.
  
  
• Put vases of fresh flowers throughout the house.
  
  
• Consider having a Professional "Stage Your Home".