Home Inspectors - They are the Good Guys

One the important facets of my job as a Realtor is to utilize professionials and pay close attention to trends and facts that can make or break a deal.  Many times a Real Estate transaction makes it through the many hurdles, but there is yet a potential deal breaker to overcome - the property must pass the home inspection.  It is important for buyers and more importantly, Sellers to determine the condition of the property.  What is uncovered, could prove to be costly to the Seller and quite possibly cause the deal to collapse.  Below are a vew common defects (as reported by ASHI - American Society of Home Inspectors) revealed during inspections and what home owners can do to prevent them from killing a sale:

1.  Improper electrical wiring.  If a homeowner or an unqualified contractor adds or repairs electrical components within a house, there are numerous hazards that can be found.  Acquire the services of a licensed contractor for all electrical work.

2.  Plumbing problems - dripping faucets - many times it can be a 50 cent seal.  Corroding pipes, improperly installed water heaters, rocking toilets - just a few of the common items found.  Fixing leaks right way because even a slight problem can lead to mold, mildew and structural damage to a home.

3.  Improper surface grading or drainage.  Water can enter your home and cause major damage if the water is not directed away from the home.  Basements and crawl spaces tend to be vulnerable.  Gutters and downspouts need to be angled away and most times, piped away from the foundation. 

4.  Roof deterioration - is one of the costly repairs and can be many times eliminated by proper maintainance.  As shingles crack and are replaced throughout the life of the roof, this can possibly prolong a major repair.  Cut back tree limbs as they pose a threat and cause mold.

5.  Having an ongoing list of maintenance items is a good idea - overall upkeep is a must and will keep your home in its best condition.  Walk around at least once a year and scrutinize your home - make a checklist.  Cracked, peeling painted surfaces will cause decay.  Check the caulking around doors and windows - this can compromise the energy efficiency of your home.

I encourage all of my clients to have their home inspected prior to putting it on the market.  A recent article in Realtor magazine addresses this issue.  "Too often, a deal is in the home stretch, the mortgage approved and the settlement date is set - only for a home inspection to throw everything off track.  Why let this happen?  As Realtors, we should be smart enough to catch potential surprises up front.  The rule should be that no property is listed for sale unless it has been property inspected with a report for all potential buyers to see.  Sellers should certify their property, not merely with a disclosure statement, but with a certified inspection.  That would eliminate a lot of headaches".

For more information on having your home inspected or questions regarding a home inspection, please feel free to call me at 336-382-5939 or you can call toll free 1-800-724-4841 (Home Energy Solutions of the Triad) - a reputable home inspection company.