How to Make Your Home Sale Go Smoother
What can homeowners do to ensure that the sale of their home goes smoothly? Although not required, 25% of sellers* get a home inspection before listing their home to avoid surprises during the transaction. Regardless of how long you’ve lived in your home and believe you know everything about it, there could be unknown issues lurking under the surface that could derail a sale.
Be Realistic About the Condition of Your Home
People who live in a house get accustomed to the property and may not see conditions as shortfalls that a potential buyer might. For example, a 22-year-old furnace may still be working wonderfully. But statistically, it will need replacement within five years. Take a walk through your house as if you are seeing as if seeing for the first time. Are there any leaking faucets, running toilets, or signs of mold or mildew? Are there any pests, foundation, or mechanical issues? Check the outside view. Is your roof at the end of its life, are your gutters clean, or is there any rot around windows or doors?
Consider a Pre-Sale Inspection
It may be beneficial to have your professional inspection before potential homeowners see your home. Knowledge is power and knowing your home’s issues before a sale may result in a better position while negotiating. You will have more time to research and find a reputable cost-effective repairman or decide to disclose the problem. After all, no one wants a sale to fall through which could preclude you from finding another buyer promptly.
What is Usually Included in a Pre-Sale Inspection?
Just like a buyer’s home inspection, a pre-listing home inspection checks major systems, mechanicals, windows, and doors and looks for signs of water damage, mold, and cracks. You may also choose to pay extra for specialty tests such as radon testing, well-water testing, internal mold testing, or lead-paint testing.
If you don’t price your home in a way that properly reflects its condition, you will have a hard time attracting buyers. You then run the risk of accepting an offer only to have the buyer’s inspector find hidden problems that lead them to cancel the contract completely. Not only does this waste valuable selling time, but a canceled contract will show up on your property’s history causing making other potential buyers wary.
Do You Have to Disclose a Pre-Sale Home Inspection?
Yes, in all home sales you must disclose any knowledge you have of existing conditions. Ask your realtor for a list of the required disclosures. Usual questions include:
- Are you aware of any lead-based paint in your home?
- Are you aware of any past flooding?
- Are you aware of foundation issues with the home?
Disclosures are usually shared upon receipt of an offer but can also be made available to interested buyers before they make an offer.
Finding the Right Home Inspector
The key is finding the right inspector. Does he have the credentials, background, and capability to provide you everything you need to make an informed decision? Read about the Top 5 Tips to Choosing a Home Inspector.
Why Angell’s Home Inspection
5-Star Google-rated, Angell’s Home Inspection can help give you the information you need to either fix issues before a sale or work with your realtor to price your house appropriately to ensure a smooth sale. Call us today at (860) 402-6644 or schedule your inspection here.
*Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2018
