Your Next Huntersville Real Estate Agent - Inspections Preparation

Birkdale, Birkdale Village and Huntersville Sellers, Be Prepared for Inspections

Are you thinking of selling your home?  Being prepared for negotiations and setting list price can also involve being prepared for inspection results  I will explain below.  Once the sales price is negotiated the buyer's lender ( if not cash deal ) will have appraisals done and the buyer will have inspections done.  Historically this can be some of the most stressful part of the transaction.   

If you think about it, the buyer highers an inspector to find things wrong.  Even if you feel your home is in fantastic shape, the inspector will find something.  It is inevitable!

There are some things you can do to be prepared.   One thing you have to be cognizant of.   If you know for sure of defects, you need to fix them or you need to disclose them.   This is what the property disclosure is for.  It can have an effect on the sales price.   This is why being proactive on this, as mentioned above, can be an important aspect of the overall process. 

So, what are some things you can do:

Pre-Inspection:  You an have a certified inspector do an inspection.  While it probably not prevent the buyer from doing their own, it can help with knowing about any hidden defects and fixing them.  It can also show the buyer they are buying a sound home!

Windows:  Do windows work correctly.   Are these cloudy that indicates a broken seal?  Inspectors always write these up!

Foundation: Look at the base of the walls and the ceilings in each room. Are there obvious cracks or apparent shifts in the foundation? Do the same around the outside. Are there any trees encroaching on the foundation?

Lot: Does the drainage appear to be away from the house? Are there any obvious soggy areas?  Are gutter down spouts in good shape and funneling water away from home?

Roof: What is the overall condition? When was it last replaced?

Exterior: Does the house look like it will need repairs or repainting soon? Are gutters and downspouts firmly attached? Are there loose boards or dangling wires? 

Attic: How does the interior of the roof structure look? Are there any signs of leaks?

Interior evidence of leaks: Check ceilings and around windows in each room.

Basement: Is there dampness? Adequate insulation? (If there’s a crawlspace instead of a basement, you might want to leave this for the professional home inspection.)  This is an area where inspectors almost always find things.   Is there a vapor barrier in the crawl space.  Does it seem too damp?

Electrical: Do the switches work? Are there any obvious malfunctions? Have the outlets been grounded? Is the panel updated and expandable for additional appliances or a potential remodel?  Are there outlets near sinks etc. that is GFCI protected?

Plumbing: Any unusual noises or malfunctions?  Toilets work right,  no leaks under sinks!

Heating/cooling system: Does it seem to do the job? How old is the furnace? If the system has been converted, are the old systems or tanks still in place?  

Odor: Does the home smell? Can you detect what it might be and whether it could be fixed? Beware of musty odors which could signal a wet basement.

I can assist with negotiating items on an a repair list.  You do not have to fix everything and there are things we can do.  However, a buyers perception on the condition of the house can and will affect the overall sales price and whether they buy the home at all!

Be Prepared!!!

Here is a good article on Realtor.com that are Common Seller Repairs.