What to Fix Before Selling a Baltimore Rowhouse

What buyers’ inspectors check on a rowhouse

• The flat roof. Most rowhouses have a low-slope roof. Ponding water, patched seams and an old coating get written up. A roofer’s note on age and condition helps.
• Rear walls and parapets. Brick that needs repointing, loose coping, or a rear wall that’s moved.
• The basement. Water at the front wall or under the steps, old waterproofing patches, white mineral deposits on the brick. Fix the source first: gutters, downspouts and grading.
• The water service line. Baltimore’s Department of Public Works has been inventorying service lines for lead and galvanized pipe and notifying owners. If yours is lead or galvanized, a buyer will ask.
• Old wiring and panels. Knob-and-tube wiring or an undersized panel is a common inspection item. Get an electrician’s opinion before you list.
• Shared pieces. Party walls, shared downspouts and a roof seam you share with a neighbor. Know which parts are yours.

What I bring to this

I walk the house with you, sort the list into fix, price in, or leave, and line up contractors I’ve used on rentals. Since 2023, my listings have sold for a median 103.6% of the original asking price, in a median of 6 days on the market. Once you know what you’ll spend, see what it costs to sell in Baltimore City, and here’s how I sell homes.

Questions people ask