Home Inspection Tips for Sellers
Did you know that one of main reasons the deal falls through when selling a home is a disagreement on repairs between the buyer and the seller? After the home inspection, the buyer wants items fixed on the home and the seller doesn’t want to make the repairs. The buyer ends up walking away from the deal and the seller must start the contract process over with a new buyer.
Selling a home is a big undertaking for a homeowner. You need the right team on your side to help simplify the process. At Kenco Home Inspections, we help Southeast Florida homeowners understand the true condition of your home through an experienced and reliable home inspection.
Home Inspection Tips for Sellers
1. Work with an Experienced Real Estate Agent
Today, home owners have many options available to sell a home without a real estate agent. After being in the home inspection business for over 15 years, we see the benefit of working with a knowledgeable real estate agent.
A solid real estate agent will offer guidance on the reasonableness of repair requests from the buyer. They work for you and represent your best interests. Plus, they have a network of home service providers to help you schedule repairs quickly to meet closing deadlines.
2. Schedule a Pre-Inspection
Often, the seller doesn’t know the current condition of the home. Especially if you’ve lived in the home for many years, a pre-inspection will help you avoid surprise issues that may come up in the buyer’s inspection. You can make repairs before you list your home.
3. Take Care of Basic Maintenance
Before you list your home for sell, take care of basic maintenance issues. Fix up the exterior of your home to enhance curb appeal. Also, don’t leave little issues for the home inspector to find. Replace burned out light bulbs, change the air filter, clean the gutters, weather-strip windows and doors, repair leaky faucets and deal with any other obvious issues.
4. Leave Your Home in Top Shape
On the day of the home inspection, make a positive impression. Be out of your home, taking all family members and pets with you, before the buyer and home inspector arrive. Leave your home clean and clear of clutter. A messy home gives the impression of poor maintenance and upkeep. Also, leave open any locked areas, like detached garages or utility rooms.
5. Decide on Your Deal Breakers
Talk to your real estate agent and decide what items you will not repair. For example, most HVAC service providers recommend replacing your HVAC after 10 to 15 years. If your unit is past this age and you know you will not replace it, let your real estate agent know. The same goes for the roof or appliances. This will avoid time wasted on negotiations.
6. Be Honest
You must disclose any issues you know about in your home. This is part of the contract and you are legally bound to do so. For example, if you have a report from a roof inspection showing wind damage, you must disclose this information to the buyer. Do not try to hide information, this can put you at risk. It is best to be honest upfront and negotiate with the buyer.
Be Prepared When Selling a Home
At Kenco Home Inspections, we have the knowledge, experience and equipment to perform full home inspections. We also offer ancillary inspections for your specialized needs. Contact us today to schedule a home inspection or for questions about the home inspection process.