Are you trying to sell your Northern Fulton County home? Buyers aren’t the only people you need to please. Sure, you’ll want to stage the home to appeal to buyers— showcasing its bright look, fresh flooring and modern décor. Once a buyer puts an offer in on your home, you’ll need to bring in the home inspector. She’ll be looking at very different aspects of your home. If you want your home to pass inspection and sell, you need to know how to pass this test.
Here’s a primer on what elements the home inspector will consider:
- The foundation
- The basement
- The home’s structural elements
- The plumbing system
- The electrical system
- The HVAC unit
- Window condition
- The doors and their frames
- The attic
- Insulation
- Floors
- Walls
- Ceilings
- The roof
- Gutters
- Ventilation
- The garage
- The deck or patio.
- The sprinkler system
- Evidence of termites
- A pool or spa
Here’s what an inspector won’t look at:
- The walls’ interior
- The chimney
- The septic tank
- A well
- The shed
- Other structures on the property
If you’re aware of problems (for example there is rust on your A/C, etc.) you should try to fix them before the inspector arrives. Often, if the home inspection shows that certain elements in the home need to be fixed, the inspector will need to come back to the home to reassess them after they’re resolved. The worst part? You’ll be charged an additional fee.
Here are a few other facts about home inspections you should know:
- The buyer can be present at the inspection. Since it’s in the buyer’s interest to get a thorough picture of the home’s condition, buyers will often tag along for the inspection. This way, the buyer can also ask the inspector questions about the home.
- You can ask for the inspection report. After the site visit, the inspector will write up his or her report, which is then sent to the buyer’s and seller’s real estate agent. The agent will then pass it onto their clients. It’s good to have the report on-hand if the buyer asks you to make repairs, as it’ll give you an understanding of how to negotiate.
- You don’t necessarily have to pay for repairs. If your home requires them, you can offer to pay for significant repairs (such as a new HVAC system). However, it’s also possible to negotiate the cost of the repairs into the deal, or to simply ask the buyers to pay for them. The best way to approach the negotiation will depend on the market. Generally speaking, you may be able to get away with asking buyers to pay for repairs in a seller’s market. In a buyer’s market, the reverse will be true.
When the time comes to sell your home, get to know the ins and outs of the process with an expert who cares. Contact BrightPath for more information about inspections, mortgages and more.
Image Source: Flickr
[cf]skyword_tracking_tag[/cf]
