Don't Forget the Inspection

For the seller, a visit from the home inpsector can be a nerve-wrecking time, especially in a market like this. It is not uncommon for the potential buyer to demand that a long list of problems be addressed before the sale is finalized.

No matter how well you prepare, realize the inspector is always going to find something wrong. Often, the problems are minor and inexpensive enough for the seller to either fix or allow a credit for in the home price. It is the discovery of major deficiencies, or an unwillingness to negotiate, that can kill a deal completely.

Still, it is in the sellers best interest to prepare the home as much as possible before the inspection. The best way to prepare is to do your own inspection before you list the home on the market. A pre-listing inspection will tell you exactly what needs to be fixed before you begin your search for a buyer.

Sellers should also inspect their home with a critical eye. Look at walls from floor to ceiling, under sinks, on the floor near the base of appliances --everywhere-- to check for signs of water damage, for example. Also check faucets, door handles and other details of the home as you are walking through it.

An inspector will be looking for problems with the home's heating and cooling systems, electrical problems, signs of water damage, mold or leaks, termites, and strucural or plumbing problems. They will also take a look at do-it-yourself projects, making sure ceiling fans are installed correctly and backyard decks are safe, for example.

As much as you can, get your house ready by fixing the problems or have a plan for how you will address them when the buyer inquires about the issues. Pay attention to the little things, too. Make sure everything is clean and the gutters are clear, take care of flaking paint and make sure windows open and close. Replace cracked caulking and fix leaky faucets and broken windows. You might also want to have the furnace and air-conditioning systems service by a professional to make sure they're in good shape.

Even after you prep your home for the inspection, expect some problems to surface and for the prospective buyer to present you with a to-do list. Some buyer requests will be reasonable; in other cases, especially when its cosmetic in nature, a seller would be justified in declining a request. But even when negotiations get tough, remember the buyer still wants to buy your home. They kept your home in mind over all the others.

Whether you are looking for a home inspector, someone to clean the gutters, paint a room, or fix a leak, Nothnagle Home Services will be an invaluable resource. Learn more about it here.