Many of the homes that I have visited in Northern Virginia and D.C. could probably sell for more money had the seller(s) taken a few small steps to repair or renovate certain areas and followed the advice of Vicki Lankarge in her book "How to Increase the Value of Your Home"

In her book, Vicki Lankarge details the ten most common house problems according to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI):

1. Grading and drainage problems
2. Improper electrical wiring
3. Roof damage
4. Older or poorly maintained heating and cooling systems
5. Older of poorly maintained plumbing systems
6. Flawed exteriors
7. Poor ventilation
8. Poor overall maintenance
9. Enviormental problems
10. Structural problems

I recommend to all of my Northern Virginia and D.C. homebuyers that they obtain a home inspection prior to purchasing their home and make the contract contingent upon the home inspection.

Many Northern Virginia and D.C. sellers would do well to have a pre-market home inspection to identify any of these problem areas.  A home inspection typically costs only several hundred dollars.  However, if any major or minor problems are discovered, the homeowner can remedy these issues before placing their home on the market, price the property higher, and give any potential buyers the peace of mind that an inspection has already been completed and all problems repaired.

Click here to purchase "How to Increase the Value of Your Home" or visit www.addhomevalue.com for more information.