Old homes have lots of things to say, especially to new buyers.
Things like: Isn't remodeling much easier when you watch it on TV?
However, a new (old) home can be rather tight-lipped when it comes to sharing information on the practical things: when the roof was installed, and who did it. When the heating system was last inspected, and by whom. Whether the washing machine is still under warranty. Whether Susan B. Anthony once partied there.
Often it's easy to figure out the basics -- trash pickup time, parking regulations, etc. But the more information you get about your new home before you move in, the better equipped you will be to begin your life in it.
We asked a few real estate agents what kinds of information or items they've seen homeowners leave behind, as well as suggestions for good (and helpful) parting "gifts":
"Appliance manuals on any mechanical things in the house, if they have them," said Timothy Mulchy, broker/owner of Select Homes in Albany. "Of course, most homeowners, if they ever had [the manual], they don't know where it is, or they threw it away."
Sellers should also list utilities companies, including the cable and phone company.
In Mulchy's experience, though, buyers are usually more concerned with lifestyle questions than logistics about the home.
"It's the simpler things that are more important to them," he said, such as what time the trash collector or mail or school bus or newspaper comes. "Or are there special programs at the library or the [YMCA]. Or where's a good place to get good pizza, good take-out?"
For buyers moving into a subdivision, a "deed restriction" book, listing the basic guidelines and rules of the community, should come with the home.
"I find that [sellers] forget to do that, and the [buyers] will go ahead and put a shed out, and they're not supposed to," said Francis Tironi, owner of Tironi One Realty LLC in Albany, NY. "That's really a big thing and could cause unwanted expense."
Other items sellers should let buyers know about:
Contact information for the companies/workers who service the appliances.
A location of the mechanicals in the house, including water and power on/off valves and switches.
The location of a well or septic system and who services or drilled them. If there's a well, list the depth and gallons per minute it produces.
Age of the roof.
When items such as the electrical, kitchen or windows were upgraded.
Names and brands of paints and wallpapers used, labeled by room.
A copy of the official survey showing the property boundaries.
Names of plumbers and electricians.