Buyers/Sellers

What Should You Do?

Relax! Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies, and minor imperfections. These are nice to know about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories: Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4). Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection:

• Major defects – An example of this would be a structural failure.
• Things that lead to major defects – A small roof-flashing leak, for example.
• Things that may hinder your ability to finance or insure the home
• Safety hazards – Such as a Federal Pacific Electric panel.

Many people ask whether or not we offer repair services for the properties which we inspect. The answer is No. We are strictly an inspection company. We feel being a neutral third party that does not perform repairs will allow us to form unbiased opinions without the fear of trying to get work for ourselves.

Why a Seller Inspection?

Getting a seller’s inspection before you list can potentially save money and headaches: Because of today’s high home prices, buyers are critical to home inspection results as they balance the condition of the property against the selling price. Buyers are coming to the negotiating table well informed and prepared. Since there is no such thing as a “perfect” house, even the best-maintained homes generally have defects or problem areas in which even the most careful seller may not be entirely aware. Getting a seller’s inspection will help make the sale process go easier.

Eventually, your buyers are going to conduct their own home inspection. You may as well know what they are going to find by getting there first. Having a home inspection performed ahead of time helps in many other ways, such as but not limited to; it allows you to see your home through the eyes of a critical and neutral third party. It alerts you to immediate safety issues before agents and visitors tour your home. It may alert you to items of immediate concern, such as mold, radon gas or active termite infestation, or other pests, and it will give you the opportunity to make any repairs ahead of time and remove those obstacles from the sale.

What if the buyer’s home inspector finds a problem or even worse major problems, it can cause the buyer to get cold feet and the deal could fall through. At best, surprise problems uncovered by the buyer’s inspector will cause delays in closing, and usually, you will have to pay for repairs at the last moment or reduce your home selling price.

What is “Move-In Certified”?

Having a pre-listing inspection gives the homeowner the sellers edge. Many times, contract offers are later canceled due to items discovered during the home inspection by the other inspector. Sellers are often surprised that their home is not up to par. Let an InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector® inspect your home before you even list it. A Move-In Certified® home has been pre-inspected, which means that the seller can confirm that there are no major systems in need of immediate repair or replacement, and no known safety hazards. A Move-In Certified® Seller Inspection informs you of any defects or problems with your home so that you can address them before prospective buyers discover them. You can then take the time you need to obtain reasonable repair estimates. Show prospective buyers that you are dealing in good faith. Avoid 11th-hour negotiations and delays, and justify your full asking price by having your home pre-inspected.

Many people ask whether or not we offer repair services for the properties which we inspect. The answer is No. We are strictly an inspection company. We feel being a neutral third party that does not perform repairs will allow us to form unbiased opinions without the fear of trying to get work for ourselves.