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A necessary part of any home sale, a home inspection is important to uncover issues about the property that the homeowner/seller may not know about.
Back when the seller bought the home, the home inspection protected them. But now the tables have turned. The issues brought to light will be the seller’s responsibility to fix or a basis on which to negotiate with the potential buyer.
Focus on the good news. Unless it's a pre-inspection, the demand for home inspection means a potential buyer made an offer, which makes the seller one step closer to sealing the deal!
What Military Home Sellers Should Know About Home Inspections
What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a visual examination of a home's condition and safety by a licensed home inspector. A seller wouldn't expect the buyer to take their word that the plumbing is perfect and the foundation won't cost thousands to fix. But that’s what the home inspection is for. It's the step that lets buyers know precisely what they’re buying and allows lenders to protect their investments.
Consider a Pre-Inspection
A “pre-inspection,” as it sounds, takes place before the homeowner lists their home. It’s a great tool to help the homeowner sell and close on the home quickly. If the inspector finds potential problems early in the process, the seller can address the repairs and make the home even more attractive to house hunters.
“Updating the house to the best of your budget’s ability is a key component to a seller’s negotiation tactics. Presenting an updated, move-in-ready house is a huge enticement for buyers.” - Should You Have a Home Inspection?
Ultimately, the effort communicates to potential buyers that the seller is thorough, transparent, and cares for the property. As helpful as a pre-inspection could be, sellers should consider the risks. Even after paying for a pre-inspection, the buyer will likely hire their own inspector before closing. The seller could make unnecessary repairs or fix things the buyer might be willing to pay for or accept with closing.
Take a look at 12 Repairs You Should Make Before Selling Your Home.
What to Expect on Inspection Day
On inspection day, a home inspector will examine the exterior and interior of the property. Subject matter experts recommend that the homeowner, their agent, and any tenants leave so the home buyer can feel free to ask questions during a buyer's inspection. Sellers should coordinate with their agents about the best times and any concerns they have.
What Home Inspectors Look For
A home inspector’s job is to check all systems are working correctly and find anything hazardous that could affect the integrity of the property.
An inspection includes:
- Central HVAC
- Plumbing
- Electrical systems
- Roof
- Attic
- Visible insulation
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Floors
- Windows
- Doors
- Foundation
- Basement
- Pest infestations
- Structural components
The home inspector's checklist might seem long. However, many sellers find comfort that it doesn't include cosmetic issues. So chipped paint or the dent in the wall isn’t something they’ll note unless it poses a safety concern.
Related: 6 Home Upgrades You Can Skip When Selling Your Home.
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How to Prepare for a Home Inspection
Most of the burden falls on the home inspector, but there are a few things sellers can do to help the process along.
- Gather documents with proof of services conducted around the home and receipts for big-ticket items like the HVAC, roof repairs, and appliances.
- Eliminate clutter and make it easy for the inspector to move around.
- Replace air filters to avoid raising air quality questions and potential concerns surrounding them like mold.
- Get rid of bugs.
- Replace broken windows.
- Trim trees that touch the roof to avoid concerns of roof damage.
- Ensure drains are clear and all faucets run.
- Leave keys for outside doors.
- Make sure the pilot light and utilities are on so the inspector can verify that everything is operating correctly.
- Remove pets from the house during the home inspection.
What Happens After the Inspection?
The home inspection could expose issues that need repairing to go forward with the home sale (building code violations or safety issues, for instance), in addition to some restorations that are negotiable, like a new roof. The buyer may accept a credit or reduced home price for negotiable repairs and agree to handle the repairs themselves.
3 Tips for Home Sellers During the Home Inspection
1. Let the buyer know you’re willing to negotiate on repairs.
Buyers may walk away and move on to another property if you're unwilling to negotiate, even if you've had a pre-inspection and made some repairs.
2. Don’t try to cover up issues.
The saying “honesty is the best policy” holds in real estate, especially during a home inspection. Don’t try to cover up any issues.
3. Offer your pre-inspection report to potential buyers.
Transparency and proof that you took the time to cross your t’s and dot your i’s may help you gain the buyer’s trust and move the process along. Since military families often have a short time frame, a faster sale is almost always a good thing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Inspections
How long does a home inspection take?
The inspection usually takes two to four hours, but the whole process can take several days, from the minute the inspector steps inside until the seller receives the final report.
How much does a home inspection cost?
On average, an inspection costs between $300 to $500, but it’s best to verify the total amount before inspection day.
Who pays for the inspection?
Typically, the buyer pays for the “traditional” home inspection after they make an offer. However, the seller pays for the pre-inspection if they choose to do one.
Don’t be intimidated by a home inspection. Remember both sides of the equation as every seller was once, and may be again soon, the buyer. The inspection is crucial to the home sale. Buyers and their lenders need to know what they're getting into, and this buyer feels the same way.
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