Preparing to Sell

STEP 1. Decide if you want to offer a Stucco Home Warranty

Warranties provide peace of mind for buyers. Stucco warranties vary in coverage, requirements and costs. The MoistureFree Warranty (MFW) is the only stucco warranty approved by the Georgia Department of Insurance. MFW claims that “having a MFW can reduce the time the home is on the market by as much as 50%. From 3% to 16% of the sales price can be maintained by having a MFW.” The No-Moisture-Warranty (NMW) is a more cost-effective tool for giving buyers and sellers peace of mind. The first year, the warranty coverage is free with a $300 annual renewal fee for subsequent years.

These warranties/guarantees will require homeowners to have a stucco inspection, often by a designated stucco inspector, complete the list of recommended repairs, pass a reinspection, and purchase of the initial warranty. The process for warranting a home can take 4+ weeks, so be sure to start early.

MoistureFree Warranty Corporation
www.moisturewarranty.com
1-800-400-8679

Antilles No Moisture Warranty
www.antillesconstruction.com
770-421-6337

STEP 2. Choose a top Stucco Inspector.

If you are considering purchasing a Stucco Warranty, read the warranty info first--Some warranties require you to hire company-qualified inspectors to do the stucco inspection. Discuss with the stucco inspector the type of moisture inspection he/she will perform, how it may impact your home and the type of report you will receive. The inspection can not be done on a rainy day.

Harry Johnson EIFS & Stucco Inspections
770-565-1578

Blair Anderton
770-973-1603

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STEP 3. Get quotes/repairs done by stucco repair experts.

Repairs must be done with the correct materials and to a high standard to pass reinspections for stucco bonds. Be sure to hire the best, not necessarily the lowest quote. Use Dow Corning Sealant 795 (or any DC 700 series caulk) to achieve the best results.

Antilles Construction
www.antillesconstruction.com
770-421-6773

York Construction Group
Chuck York
770-437-9677

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STEP 4. Review and renew your termite bond.

Since termites can be a significant issue with stucco homes where the stucco has not been installed correctly, it is essential to have a termite bond in place to reassure buyers. Consider having or upgrading to a termite retreat and repair bond for the greatest level of assurance.

There area two types of bonds or Renewable Warranties.

Both types are designed to eliminate existing infestations in your home and prevent future ones. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee that ter mites will not return. Routine inspections are the best way to protect your home from termites. Each type should include an Annual Inspection and Treatment of your home or property for Subterranean Termites.

Damage Repair Warranty
A Damage Repair Warranty guarantees that your termite company will do any necessary additional treatment to premises covered, at no extra charge. If NEW structural damage to the premises occurs, then the company will repair such damage.

Retreatment Warranty
A Retreatment Warranty or Bond insures that the company will retreat any area in which termites are found. This type of warranty does not require the company to repair any damage that termites may cause to the home or property.

In evaluating one termite company’s bond versus another, here are some questions to ask:

• Which treatment type is better – Termidor or Sentricon? See http://www.crcservices.com/termites.htm for more information
• What is the term of the bond and is there an expensive retreatment or equipment replacement needed to extend the bond beyond that period?
• What is the transfer fee to a new owner? Most companies do this free of charge while others charge up to $200.
• How much more does a Damage Repair Bond cost per year over a Retreatment Bond?
• Is there a deductible before the repairs are covered?
• Is there a maximum payout or is it unlimited per occurrence?
• Are damages from all types of insects covered?

CRC Termite and Pest Control is recommended as they charge only a yearly fee to keep up their bond. That means no bond termination date with an expensive bond renewal/retreat clause after five or ten years.

CRC Termite and Pest Control
Connie Couch
770-479-5811

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STEP 5. Have your stucco cleaned.

Even if there’s only just a bit of green -- Clean! Gentle pressure and the right cleaning solutions can make your stucco home sparkle – without damaging the stucco surface or forcing water behind the sheathing. Use only a company that knows how to clean stucco! “Mild” pressurized cold water (under 600 psi) is best. Instead of harmful acidic cleaners (bleach), look for Enviro Klean EIFS Cleaner (manufactured by Prosoco, Lawrenceville KS 1-800-255-4255.) If you know what type of EIFS you have (Parex, Sto, Dryvit, etc.), the company’s website may have other cleaning product suggestions. Click here for a downloadable .pdf on cleaning or refinishing Dryvit.

Advanced Pressure Washing
Matt Schaltenbrand
770-977-6653

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