There is any number of reasons why a real estate deal can go south, but the home inspection is one of the most notorious deal killers of all. Issues turned up during the inspection can throw a serious wrench into your home sale, so it’s important to be prepared to avoid this potential pitfall. Here’s what you need to know about avoiding inspection woes… and how to proceed if a problem arises.
How Inspections Work
These days, just about every purchase contract for a home includes a contingency that allows the buyer to hire a professional home inspector. Most Realtors will recommend that their client have a home inspection carried out, and roughly 85 percent of buyers will heed that advice. That means that, before your home is sold, it will almost certainly be inspected by a professional.
Whether that inspection will reveal any issues is another matter. If your home is in great shape, you probably don’t have a lot to worry about. Still, there is always a chance that the inspection will reveal flaws that even the homeowner doesn’t know about.
Inspections cover the house from top to bottom. Each inspector has his or her own particular method, but the areas that inspectors check is largely standardized at this point. Inspections typically include the plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical systems, as well as structural elements including the roof and foundation. Inspectors also check all major appliances and look for signs of mold, mildew, and pests.
Getting Ready
It’s crucial that you know as much about your house as possible. That way, you can fix any issues that need fixing, and disclose any defects that you either can’t or don’t want to fix. At the very least, if the inspection report turns up a problem, you won’t be surprised.
Although it may not be necessary in every case, it can sometimes be helpful to hire your own professional inspector to carry out an inspection before putting your home on the market. With an inspection report of your own, you can get out ahead of any issues that may exist. That’s a major advantage in a competitive market.
A home inspection typically costs $300 to $500 for an average-sized home. It’s a significant investment, but it often pays off when you consider the overall benefits. For one thing, having fixed any issues will allow you to get top dollar for your house. Plus, you get to fix them on your own terms, and not the buyer’s terms.
What Next?
Do everything you can to ensure that your home is in tip-top shape before your home is inspected. While it is possible that an inspection can reveal serious issues, you can take some simple steps to make the process go more smoothly, and make sure that simple repairs are not mistaken for something more serious:
- Replace any light bulbs that are burned out.
- Make sure all windows and doors open and close smoothly, and have working locks.
- Test and put new batteries in all smoke detectors.
- Make sure all lights, fans, and outlets are in good working condition.
- Clean out your gutters and downspouts, and make sure downspouts are pointed away from the home.
- Check for plumbing leaks in all faucets, showers, and under sinks.
- Find and clean up any mold or mildew, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Identify and eliminate any pest problems.
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