As much as realtors are involved in the home buying process, so are home inspectors. It is very common for buyers to hire a professional to inspect and divulge anything about the home that they missed before closing the deal. It is possible you overlooked some necessary repair or if you just want to make sure the deal goes through; this article will provide advice on areas of concern and tips to make the process as streamlined as possible.
A home inspection checklist for sellers is nothing new but understanding the key points of analysis and what can deter buyers will help to sell your home.
Mold
One word can send buyers running and their offers along with them. Even if it happens to be non-toxic mold or mildew, buyers who hire a home inspector can, and often will, demand the problem be fixed by a professional service. This, in turn, will cost thousands. Address any problem areas before their inspector comes and solving the issue before can save you time and money.
The most common areas for this nasty issue to develop is in basements and crawlspaces. While walking through your home, both the buyer and home inspector will sniff out (literally) any musty areas and closely inspect the walls and floors. Excess moisture in these areas can cause structural deterioration and bring about dangerous molds, in extreme cases. If excess moisture is present or you just want to be safe, check items of your home that funnel water away from the foundation. Clean out your gutters and make sure downspouts are properly channeling water away from your home.
Inspect the roof and chimney
Often the first things buyer and inspectors notice, dilapidated roofing is a big turn off. Make sure your chimney base is sealed, free of mildew and that your fireplace works properly. There is no point in having the fireplace bonus to your home’s value if it does not work.
Check plumbing
By running multiple faucets, and even flushing a toilet, at the same time, the water pressure is gauged and noted. Also, septic fields can be testing for poor drainage by flushing dye and waiting for it to surface. Check your faucets and plumbing for leaks and fix what needs to be repaired before a buyer backs out.
Electrical requirements
The electrical requirements for homes are constantly changing and inspectors will check both sockets and the circuit breaker configuration. Faulty wiring, false circuit breaking sockets and inadequate wiring will be noted. Also, do not be surprised if your heating/cooling system is checked, the structure/foundation is looked at, and all appliances that will remain in the home.
As with all homes, there are going to be faults. It is the job of the home inspector to document everything and be thorough. Use this checklist to find and fix what you can before the official inspection but do not be discouraged if the report comes back with some negatives. Be honest and forthcoming with your home and buyers will overlook easy repairs and non-serious issues. Do not feel obligated to fix all repairs noted in the report because many properly working but dated parts of your home are acceptable under your specific contract.
Looking for more assistance and expertise with the process of selling your home? Get in touch with Jeff Barchi, the best realtor in Arizona. Bringing with him years of experience in selling homes, his experience with the entire process will help you receive top dollar for your home without the stress. Contact Jeff Barchi today to begin the transition to your new home and sell your current for more money than you thought possible.
