If you’ve been looking to sell your house, there’s never been a better time. The market is as hot as can be right now, with buyers more motivated than ever, and not enough houses on the market to satisfy demand. If you’ve been thinking of selling your house, there’s never been a better time.
We’ve already discussed why it’s a good idea to have your house staged before you sell, but there are other important things you should do before you sell too – like have a home inspection done.
Now, it’s more or less common knowledge that it is important for buyers to have a home inspection done on any home they’re thinking of buying before the sale closes. But from the perspective of a seller, that inspection can be a nerve-wracking, even sale-ruining experience if you’re not sure what issues your home has.
A bad home inspection can ruin a potentially great sale. All you need is for one problem to come up that will cost money to fix, and you could stand to lose potential profit on your home. Even worse, some buyers may back out of the sale entirely if the home isn’t deemed move-in ready.
The best way to combat this is to have a home inspection done of your own volition early on in the selling process – that way, you’ll have peace of mind going into the sale, knowing your house will sell for its full worth.
When you are having your home inspection done, there are five problems that are very common that your inspector will be looking out for. Home builder James White listed out the five problems found most frequently in a home inspection, and what you can do if your inspector finds any of them.
If you have more questions about other things involved in the home selling process, or want to get started selling your home, please reach out to me by phone or email – I would love to help you sell your house so that you can move on to your next big adventure.
These Common Home Inspection Issues Can Ruin Your Sale
James White, Professional Home Builder
If you’re selling your home, you might have stopped to consider the many details that go into a home inspection. Whether your place is on the newer side or happens to be old and full of charm, there are a few common issues that could bring the perfect sale to a halt if you aren’t careful. Before you sell, it’s always a good idea to get your own inspection so that you can fix any issues that arise.
While you may suspect certain problems before an inspector points them out, some can sneak up with no warning. With this in mind, it’s much better to catch any potential issues early so that you know your home will sell for what it’s truly worth.
Plumbing and Pipe Issues
Issues with plumbing and pipes can run the gamut, from a simple leaky faucet to more consuming concerns like internal leaks, valve leaks or lead. Sometimes an odor or visible leak will clue you into these problems, but they can just as easily be silent.
Some piping issues are easy to fix, while you should leave others to professionals. Plumbing and pipe problems can sometimes lead to other difficulties if left unattended, such as water damage and mold, so it’s best to jump on it as early as possible.
Foundation Issues
The foundation of your home is one of the most important parts of an inspection. It determines the safety and structural integrity, and problems in this area can result in lasting issues.
While things like tree roots or cracks can make structural issues obvious, some are stealthy as they settle beneath the surface. Often, foundation problems are difficult to fix, but it’s better to start late than never. At the very least, awareness of the issue can be an essential part of disclosure when selling.
Wiring or Electrical Problems
Most wiring and electrical issues found in houses are relatively inexpensive to fix. If your inspection reveals that some of your old electrical wiring is problematic or unsafe — such as if you have uncovered junction boxes or too few outlets — there are often easy solutions available. Consider these issues before your list your home to ensure they don’t tank the property’s value.
Mold
Many kinds of mold can infiltrate a home. While some are easy to get rid of, others are a bit more intense. Mold can often grow in hard to reach places, such as crawl spaces or basements. It can also cause serious health problems for those living in the house, including respiratory issues and allergies. If you suspect mold anywhere in your home, call a professional to help you figure out what you’re working with.
Termites or Bugs
Termites, bugs or any other pests you can think of need to be stopped in their tracks when you become aware of them. Unfortunately, those little guys can do a lot of damage to the internal structure of your house and hurt resale value. Nobody wants to move into a property with uninvited guests. It’s best to call an exterminator or pest control specialist to get your problem under control before you list.
