Since many deals seem to be falling through before getting to closing, I thought I would offer a quick checklist of items that Realtors can use to "pre-inspect" the home during their showings or pre-bid walkthroughs.
This is not to suggest that Realtors suddenly start doing the job of inspectors (hey - I LIKE my job!) but it IS a way for you to begin to set your clients expectations for a home before the inspection...and even before submitting a bid!
The following is not a complete or exhaustive list, but does give you a pretty good starting point for potential problems or concerns that you can identify without any tools and with nearly no specialist's knowledge.
And if you want more information, you can check out the following blogs which lay it out in much greater detail:
Part 1 - Intro to Deal Killers
Part 2 - Get the Most out of the Disclosure
Part 3 - Easy Pre-Inspection
Part 4 - Mold and Asbestos and Lead, Oh My!
BASIC WALKTHROUGH CHECKLIST
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EXTERIOR
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Check gutters and downspouts - are they properly sloped and extend 4-6 feet away from the home? (basement moisture/mold)
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Look for signs of wear or erosion under gutters and downspouts (basement moisture/cracking)
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Does the ground slope consistently away from the home for the first 6 feet (basement moisture)
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Is there fogging or condensation between the window panes? (replace windows)
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Is the main electrical line (Service Entry Cable) into the house worn and old? (replace SEC)
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Does the roof look "uneven" or aged? (repair or replace roofing)
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Is the siding asbestos shingle? (possible encapsulation)
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If there is a brick exterior: do the mortar joints need repointing? (masonry repairs)
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INTERIOR
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Turn up the heater/AC while you are there - it should get notably warmer/cooler
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Look for signs of water staining (previous leaks) or fresh paint or drywall (recent repairs)
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Look at the outlets (especially upper floors): do they have 2 prongs? (ungrounded outlets, older wiring)
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Look at the outlets in the kitchen and baths: are the GFCI protected? (Install GFCI outlets)
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Check the name brand on the main breaker panel: Is it Federal Pacific, Sylvania, or Zinsco? (replace electrical panel)
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Look at the wiring: Is it knob and tube? (possible rewiring)
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Look at the main drain line in the basement: Is it cast iron, is there heavy rust or cracking on it? (replace drain line)
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Look at the heat distribution pipes or ducts (coming out of the heating unit): Is there any possible asbestos insulation? (encapsulate)
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Do you see mold? (identify source of moisture into the area)
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Are there large (3/8 inch - about two quarters thick) or horizontal cracks in the foundation? (foundation repair)
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Does the water heater have a tube from the TPR valve to within 6 inches of the floor? (Install TPR extension tube)
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Do the exhaust flues from the heater and water heater go consistently uphill and is there any soot or ash (also called carbon) under or around the flue pipes? (correct flue connections, or possible heater issues)
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DISCLOSURE ITEMS
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Was there ever a previous termite treatment? (evenly spaced drill holes around the interior basement floor will confirm this).
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How old is the roof? (20 years is the life expectancy for most older homes)
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How old is the heater? (25 years for forced air, 30 years for circulating boiler)
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How old is the AC? (15 years)
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How old is the water heater? (12 years)
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How old is the home? (possible lead paint)
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;)
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I think as a real estate agent with a lot of experience I look out constantly for major red flags. It is one thing for an inspector to find something, but another to waste the money and time of my client by not pointing out the most obvious! Great post!