The dirty little secrets of not doing a pre home inspection.
In 2015 over 3,500 homes were sold in Tallahassee, but how many didn’t sell because potential buyers walked away after the home inspection?
Spring is the prime time of the year when people are preparing to sell their homes. There are several steps in preparing to successfully sell a home. Yes, curb appeal and staging of a home are very important, but one of the most crucial and often overlooked steps in placing your home on the market is ordering a home inspection.
Time and time again I have run into this situation; a home goes under contract and the buyer and seller are excited that an offer has been accepted, but that excitement quickly turns to doubt and frustration when the results of the home inspection are reported.
Often the disclosure of needed repairs outlined in the home inspection report can cause potential buyers to have serious concerns as to the health and lack of proper upkeep of the home. These unexpected surprises, in many cases, can lead to a termination of the contract or result in extended contract renegotiations which can negatively affect the terms of the sale and cost the seller far more than if they had proactively addressed the repairs included in the home inspection.
I highly recommend investing in a pre home inspection well in advance of listing your home. This important step will help eliminate the stress of additional surprises and will instill buyer confidence in the property.
Once the pre home inspection is complete, needed repairs can be prioritized and addressed based on budget and time to complete repairs. For example, roofing issues such as loose flashings, curling or warped shingles and/or soffits and fascias with wood rot are items that if not addressed, can scare off potential buyers.
With adequate planning, sellers can collect multiple bids on needed repairs which can maximize their return on investment. After all repairs have been addressed, sellers can represent their home to potential buyers with confidence. Once your home goes under contract, there will be little or no complications due to inspections.
Keep in mind, the real estate industry has changed, transactions do not consist of just a buyer and a seller. Real estate transactions now include inspectors, insurance companies, appraisers, WDO companies that are involved in the closing. At each and every step in the real estate transaction, there is always the chance that issues can arise which is why it is a wise decision to have a licensed real estate agent to help guide you through the entire process.
By making a minimal investment up front in a home inspection, sellers can protect their investment and better position themselves during contract negations, ensure a stress-free transaction and create a positive buying experience for the buyer.
For more information on this subject contact:
Mike Ferrie
PrimeSouth Properties, Inc.
850-566-8373
Mike@MikeFerrie.com.
For a complete list of Home Inspection Services please visit the Better Business Bureau.
