Selling Your House.
It’s been a long journey, but you finally have an over, “pending inspection”. After that’s done, it should be all systems go, right? Unfortunately, it’s not quite so easy. And why would it be, considering both sides are working to protect an investment that most often represents several decades of loan payments and interest. So how should you handle it when the report comes back with a laundry list of items, some of which leave you scratching your head? Which fixes are mandatory after a home inspection?
A ”Second Opinion” Inspection
First of all, remember that you can always contract a licensed professional inspector to perform a ” second opinion” inspection. This is in your best interest, as it’s your only effective tactic to refute any questionable findings stated in the previous report. Furthermore, should negotiations ultimately fall apart, it will give you a better idea of which items are truly in need of repair before the next round of potential buyers shuffle through.
Which Fixes are Mandatory After a Home Inspection?
When selling a house, you are liable to fix “warranted” items. That is, items such as HVAC, plumbing and electricity, considered necessary for habitation. Most often, you will also want to fix items determined to fail to meet local building and safety codes and standards, such as improperly installed appliances, insufficient attic insulation and faulty outlets. This is another area where claims made by an inspector hired by the interested party can be challenged. Simply call the city to discuss the matter, and the city’s building inspector can come out to resolve the issue in person.
Proactive Inspection & Treatment
Finally, problems with major structural systems will need to be addressed as well. That means any apparent issues with your foundation or roof are under heavy suspicion. When it comes to that leaking roof you had fixed 3 winters ago, but never got around to replacing the plaster on the ceiling, you’re probably facing a bit of an uphill battle. And speaking of uphill battles - there’s no greater mystery when it comes to the discovery of termite trails. In both cases, proactive inspection and treatment before a potential buyer comes along is the ideal way to handle the problem.
No House is Perfect
In the end, no house is perfect. Nobody realistically expects the seller to respond to an inspection report as a verbatim to-do list as a condition of sale. It’s up to you and the interested party to decide which items you can compromise on, and which items are deal breakers. This is where the advice of a knowledgeable professional can save the sale.
We’re there for you. We can help you sift through the issues, determine which items are priorities, and which are acceptable to ask the buyer to cover. Having an expert you can count on to help you make these decisions can make the difference between negotiations that dissolve at the table, and solidly informed decisions that help both parties reach a deal they can be happy with. If you need a “second opinion” inspection, or any other kind of Middle Tennessee home inspection, give us a call at From the Ground Up Home Inspections. To learn more about our services, prices or to schedule an appointment, call (615) 351-1922.
.
For info on special offers & updates, click here: http://www.homeinspectionsmurfreesborotn.com/
