Things at first glance aren't always what they appear to be.
Are Your Buyers Getting What They Think They're Getting?
So, do you recommend home inspections to your buyers and sellers? Why or Why Not?
May I suggest that you ALWAYS recommend buyers have the property they are buying have an inspection by a licensed professional. The more expensive the property the more inspection professionals will be needed.
For example, buying a condo generally dictates the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, heating systems, appliances need inspection. In Florida, we also inspect for insects and wood destroying organisms, a visual inspection of the attic-ceiling, windows and doors to ensure the structure appears structurally sound and water tight.
Single family dwellings may need additional inspections according to the construction and systems in your area such as basements, pools etc. Again for high-end properties, separate inspections are worth the additional expense. The additional inspections might include a certified roofing inspector, certified plumber, electrical, pool contractor etc.
Some sellers and agents believe inspections are a means for buyers to get unnecessary repairs, however, inspections go a long way to protect buyers and sellers. Needed repairs are often deferred maintenance issues the seller has put off or did not know existed. Deferred maintenance includes things such as leaky faucets, running toilets, clogged air conditioning filters & ducts, cracked heat exchangers, termite and pest damage, broken fireplace dampers, electrical outlets that don’t work or faulty GFI outlets, loose or cracked tile and grout, mold or mildew, and appliances that don’t work properly.
When a buyers and\or a certified home inspector walks into a home and discovers a leaky drainpipe, he/she will pull out a magnifying glass and look much closer at everything else in your home.
If you really want the sale process to go smoothly, require your sellers to have an independent home inspection prior to the listing going on to the market. It identifies problems right up front so the seller can immediately address those issues. Best of all, there will be a far less chance that there will be any unfortunate surprises at the closing table and it gives buyers confidence the home has been well maintained when their inspector finds little or no issues with the property.
Sadly, sellers often negotiate their bottom line only to get hit with expensive unplanned repairs prior to closing. Offer your expertise here. Recommend home inspections.
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