Boston Real Estate for Sale

Boston Condos

Loading...

This may not be the most pleasant conversation, but one that should none the less be addressed

You’ve done the hard work of getting your Boston downtown real estate property ready to sell – cleaning, organizing and painting. You’ve contracted with a Boston downtown real estate agent and agreed on a listing price. Just when you think you’re ready for your first home showing, they appear. 

Whatever the pest, they’re sure to be a turn-off for potential Boston downtown condo buyers. 

Before you call an exterminator, though, it pays to do a little research. Much of the time, homeowners can be rid of the pests by taking some simple home-based measures, saving the expense of hiring a pro. 

Ants

They’re especially active in the summer months in Boston. Kitchen ants can be a sign of openings in the foundation or envelope of the home, so you’ll want to prevent ant attacks before they start. 

Step 1: Remove food sources. Ants love crumbs, unsealed containers, and easy water sources. Not only should your kitchen be spotless before the home showing, with all food stored out of sight in sealed containers, but any small plumbing leaks should be fixed as well. Consider using fake fruit for the fruit bowl on your counter, or choose another centerpiece (keeping in mind that potential buyers could also be allergic to flowers). 

Step 2: Seal gaps and cracks around the Boston condo for sale. In particular, look for cracks and holes around windows and doors.

Step 3: If you have taken all these steps and still find an ant trail in your condominium, put out an ant trap. Try to find the ants’ destination in your home and eliminate the food or water source. Change the ant trap when it becomes full.

Important note: If you see an ant that’s much larger than the common black ants usually found in the home, you might have carpenter ants. This pest is one to take seriously as they can chew through wood and cause structural damage to a home. Fortunately, they do move slowly. Call a pest control company right away and have them handle it — this is not a pest to DIY removal.

Spiders

Removing spiders and cobwebs around the property is an important step in cleaning and staging a Boston condo for sale. Our real estate team recommends a vacuum with a long hose and a spider mop for difficult-to-reach locations. 

Rodents

These invaders will take advantage of any opening in the home larger than a quarter. Once in the walls, they can be difficult to eradicate, and the services of a professional pest control company may be necessary. If you’re getting ready to sell your Boston downtown condo and you’ve noticed some of the telltale signs of rodents (chew marks, nighttime noises), chances are you’re going to want to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Just be sure that your plan includes eradication and exclusion — that means preventing the rodents from returning once they’re out. In addition, you’ll want to take steps to eliminate rodent droppings from crawlspaces, attic joists, and anywhere else the creatures have been. If they turn up in the home inspection, buyers are going to want answers!

Pests are a headache; selling Boston downtown real estate doesn’t have to be. We’ve seen it all, and there’s yet to be a home-sale problem we couldn’t solve. Call us at 617-595-3712.

Boston Condos

Loading...

Call Now