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The "Ole" Repair Allowance

By
Home Inspector with DeSoto Home Inspection Services

Over the years my (your) clients have stated to me I have a $500.00 repair allowance. This amount appears to be the normal negotiated amount in my area by both the listing and selling agent or buyer- seller.

In my opinion only, this amount is generally acceptable in most cases for homes that are less than 5 years old.

The reason I bring this up is: The first question I ask my future clients is this, HOW OLD IS THE HOME? The reason I ask this question is simple because after inspecting over 2000 homes I have a good overall ideal what my day is going to be like.

If they tell me 10 years old, my "light bulb" tells me roof and foundation drainage concerns which will blow the "Ole" $500.00 repair allowance out of the water by at least $1000.00 in many cases.

My point is this. In my opinion again, if you are listing a home and want the smoothest transaction as possible, prepare your clients for the Home Inspection in advance when the home they are selling is over 5 years old.

The next time you list a home that is over 5 years old, ask your client these 5 questions:

1.) Have you had any roof repairs done?

2.) Have you had any drainage or foundation repairs made?

3.) Have you painted or caulked your home since you have owned it if so how long ago?

4.) Have you had any hot water heater or heating and air repairs done or servicing done?

5.) Are you aware of any repairs that are needed?

If they say NO or I don't know to any of these questions, be willing to go $2000.00 on the "Ole" repair allowance and alert your client to this for the smoothest transaction as possible.

 

Comments (6)

Ian Niquette
Square One Home Inspection - Markesan, WI

I like this stuff Frank. Will really help realtors and buyers, they will know what to expect. You all good to go here now? If not, give me a call and we can chat again.

Feb 12, 2009 01:42 AM
Gail MacMillan
Titusville, FL

Hi Frank- Thank you for stopping by my Photo 101 Post...always try to reciprocate with those who comment :-)  First off...welcome to A|R, hope it brings lots of business your way.  Truthfully I would not have thought a 5-year old home would have roofing problems (if property installed). The other ???'s depend a lot on the homeowner's ability to maintain.  In the end, it's all negotiable, even after inspections.  Keep sharing your experiences....we all learn from each other.

Feb 16, 2009 11:34 AM
Frank Magdefrau
DeSoto Home Inspection Services - Memphis, TN
Certified Master Inspector

Hi Gail,

The key question here is IF properly installed. In my area the housing boom was unbelievable 5 years ago and houses were built before the slabs had a chance to cure. Same for roofs they were put on so fast the installers skipped nailed shingles, left out valley flashing, and I can go on and on.

Why would you waste your time to re-negotiate when you can get it right on the front end 90% of the time by using a formula based on the homes age?

When you come in under the original negotiated repair allowance everyone will be pleased and what you get is a smooth transaction in the end.

Just my thoughts on being part of the process over the years I have in this business.

Feb 16, 2009 11:55 AM
Lynn911.com ~ Dallas Real Estate Agent Top Team
Dallas Houses for Rent Dallas Apartment Rentals Lynn911.com - Dallas, TX

HUM makes me check all my properties for yearly spring clean maintenance Have a great and successful week

Feb 22, 2009 02:15 AM
Frank Magdefrau
DeSoto Home Inspection Services - Memphis, TN
Certified Master Inspector

You should. Look around gutter seams this spring on your properties that have a lot of trees on them. Most people never clean the gutters and over the winter the seams start leaking and cause all kinds of problems in just a shot while.

Feb 22, 2009 03:37 AM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

I'm in an area where repair allowances aren't used very often. About the only thing I see regularly on the MLS listing sheets is a certain amount as a carpet allowance.

Feb 22, 2009 07:53 AM