Selling Your Home? 4 Inspections You Should Consider Before Putting It On The Market
Posted on: 12 September 2016
Selling a home can be a stressful event, even in a seller's market. If you're about to put your home on the market, you want to make sure that you have the best possible chance of beating out all of your competition. Most buyers want to know what you'll have to offer above, and beyond, a good selling price. That's where the home inspection comes in. Before you put your home on the market, take the time to have a thorough pre-sale inspection conducted on your home. Once you have the inspection documents in your hand, you'll be able to provide them to your prospective buyers, which may just sweeten the deal enough to get them to accept your asking price. Here are four specific areas you should have included in your pre-sale home inspection.
Asbestos Relief
If your new was recently constructed, you shouldn't have to worry about asbestos. However, if your home was built before 1990, you could have a hidden asbestos problem. Before you have your first prospective buyers walk through your home, have it tested for asbestos. Would-be buyers will feel more comfortable purchasing an older home when they know that there's no danger of encountering asbestos after they move in.
Pest Activity
The last thing home buyers want to deal with is a pest infestation as soon as they move in. You know to inspect for termites. However, many prospective buyers also want to make sure that they're not purchasing a home that's infested with mice or roaches. Before you put your home on the market, have it inspected by a reputable pest control company. They'll be able to inspect for all types of pest activity. Once your home is deemed pest-free, you'll be able to provide that information to potential buyers.
Foundation Stability
Age, soil shifting, and even earthquakes can cause foundation damage. If your home is older, or you live in earthquake territory, have your foundation inspected before you put your home on the market. This will ensure that you're not hiding any damages that could undermine the structural integrity of your home.
Tree Health
Trees can be a major selling point for potential home buyers. Unfortunately, trees that are infested with pests, or infected with diseases can pose a safety hazard. This is particularly true if the trees are located near your home, or it prospective buyers have children – especially the children will be climbing the trees, or using them for a tree house. Before you sell your home, have an arborist come out to your home and inspect your trees for signs of rot, disease, or pest infestation. A clean bill of health for your large trees may be just what you need to convince an apprehensive buyer to choose your home.
Now that it's time to sell your home, stack the deck in your favor. Before you put your home on the market, make sure you have a thorough home inspection conducted. For other tips on how to sell your home fast, be sure to speak to your real estate agent.
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