A home inspection is a vital part of purchasing (and selling) a home. Many sellers hire home inspectors to inspect the property before putting it on the market, however you should still look closely at a home that you may purchase. Not only should you look at the home yourself to see if there are any noticeable flaws, but also you should hire a professional home inspector to take a closer look.
During a home inspection, it’s important to check for problems with wood – especially under siding or stucco. Similarly, you should have an inspector who looks for damage to the home’s roof to determine whether or not it is in need of repair.
Heating systems and cooling systems should be looked at, as should other wiring in the home to make sure that it is up to code. In addition, the plumbing should be checked to ensure that it is free of both leaks and clogs within the pipes, and it’s important to check the attic for proper ventilation.
The basement should be evaluated to determine whether or not it is overly damp, as some leaks could indicate cracks in the foundation that could be expensive to repair.
If you are still compelled, after a home inspection, to buy a property with damages, consider negotiating with the seller to have repairs made or to lower the cost of the home.
IHS Realty
Learn more about home appraisals and what you should be looking for.
Internet Home Services Real Estate Blog
Before you list your property find out it’s true value
We’re excited that you’ve chosen IHS Realty to list your home. But have you had your home inspected?
A home inspection will uncover any defaults that may devalue your home. Get your home inspected before you list it, then if you have to make a repair or upgrade then you can list it at a higher price.
Schedule you home inspection today.
Is Your Home is Ready for Purchase
When preparing the home for sale it is important to determine what work should and what work should not be done prior to selling. Whether selling the home with a traditional agent or selling the home For Sale By Owner with a fee for service broker, often it is a wise decision to order a pre-sale inspection of the home to determine if there are any known defects requiring immediate attention. In the event there are no major defects, items that will negatively effect the first impression of the home need to be corrected, or repaired first. If the fence looks ragged or the entry porch is dilapidated, repair them. If paint is chipping or peeling on the siding, doors, or interior, touch them up. The correction of these minor items will help maximize your return from the sale. If the inspection reveals major defect like code violation, it may be more cost effective to disclose the problem to prospective buyers and ask a lower price, than to remove the defect and rebuild. If the decision is made to disclose the violation to the buyer rather than have the problem fixed, it is wise to have a licensed contractor provide an estimate of cost to fix so prospective buyers have the chance to visualize or see all the costs involved with purchasing the home.
