Home inspections are a vital part of the selling process. They can sometimes reveal issues that sellers were unaware of, and those items may need to be resolved before the sale can move forward.
Issues that could be mandatory to be fixed
Structural issues
Structural problems are typically at the top of the list of items to be fixed. The structural integrity of a home is incredibly important to buyers, and any issues with structural integrity can be deal-breakers.
A professional inspection will reveal any problems with a home’s structure. If you’re able to fix these issues before putting your home on the market, you should. This will save you from having to negotiate repairs with potential buyers, and it may keep buyers from walking away from the sale.
Termites or other pests
A buyer may require a pest inspection in a real estate contract. In fact, some types of home loans make pest inspections mandatory. If you suspect there are pests in your home, bring in a professional to be sure.
Mold & other hazardous problems
If possible, you want to make sure that mold issues are resolved in your home before putting it on the market. Mold issues can be deal-breakers for buyers, so find a mold remediation company to eliminate them and stop the source of the problem.
Another thing to be mindful of is the presence of asbestos in the building materials of your home. If your home is older, you could still have asbestos inside of it. While it’s only dangerous if it’s disturbed, it’s best to bring in a professional to remove the material.
The use of lead paint was outlawed in homes in the late 1970s due to the health issues it can create. All homes built before 1978 have to have a lead paint form signed by both the buyers and sellers in a transaction. These are all issues where full disclosure from the seller is necessary.
Drainage or water leakage issues
Water leaks are a common inspection problem. If your home has a leaky basement or evidence of previous water damage from a roof leak, you should fix those issues before listing your home. The potential for water damage can be a red flag to buyers, so be sure to address these issues before they cause substantial damage or scare away buyers.
Wiring/electrical issues
Older homes may not be wired to handle the load of modern technology on an electrical system. This can lead to failures in the system and can even be a fire hazard. If this comes up in a home inspection, have an electrician take a look.
Problems must be disclosed after a home inspection
If issues are revealed in a home inspection, they can easily derail a real estate transaction. Any known issues are required to be disclosed when you list your home. If there are any unresolved issues, these can be negotiated between the buyer & seller.
Who pays for the problems to be fixed?
The costs for repairs discovered in an inspection are negotiable. The buyer & seller can agree to split responsibility for the cost of repairs, one party can take full responsibility for the repairs, or a cash credit can be given to the buyer to get the work completed to their satisfaction.
When navigating a home sale, it’s important to rely on the help of a trusted real estate agent. Team Melton has over 50 combined years of real estate experience to assist you through every step of the process. Contact us today to get started on selling your home!