Congratulations! You’ve submitted or accepted an offer, gone under contract and reached the Home Inspection stage of the transaction. This can be a stressful time for all parties involved. As a seller, you may feel as though your home is under the scrutiny of a magnifying glass. If you’re buying, you are understandably anxious to ensure that the home is delivered to you in the best possible shape. Of course, it would be unreasonable to expect anything other than a new construction home to be in perfect mint condition. Even the sturdiest dwellings endure natural wear and tear. The purpose of a home inspection is to help buyers and sellers reach an agreement as to which repairs should be addressed and whose responsibility it is to address them. Keep reading for a breakdown of how to achieve a stress-free, smooth home inspection.
1. Stick to the Plan
The Home Inspection is not an opportunity to re-negotiate the contract. Remember, the point of the inspection is to identify major issues. Cosmetic repairs are not a priority. Buyers: if you notice that something is damaged, have the issue brought to the Seller’s attention before signing the contract. Request repairs in your offer, not during the home inspection.
2. Do Your Research
Avoid surprises during the home inspection by taking a good look around your home before putting it on the market. This way, you’ll be better prepared to pay for any repairs that may be requested.
2. Leave the Hard Work to Someone Else
Sellers, it’s in your best interest not to offer to perform repairs yourself even if you know how. Instead, offer up the cash value of the repair. The reason for this is that you want to avoid giving the Buyer the opportunity to request endless repairs. Obtain an estimate, provide the money, and allow the buyer to select a contractor that they trust.
3. Act in Good Faith
As with all transactions, it’s important to establish a balance of give and take. Agreeing to meet halfway will make everyone happy. Sellers, you don’t need to feel responsible for every repair requested by the buyer, but be sure to address issues that would be a problem for anyone, like faulty plumbing or an old roof. Although most states do not legally require you to make repairs before selling your home, remember that you must keep the offer attractive for your buyers.
4. Trust Your Real Estate Agent
It’s your realtor’s job to help you navigate the tricky process of buying a home. An honest and reliable agent will always keep your best interest in mind. Find the right agent, and then trust them to negotiate on your behalf and help keep you level-headed during a home inspection.
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