Selling a Home: Inspections

Buying a home is often one of the biggest investments a person will ever make.  As a seller, you can help prospective homebuyers feel more confident about their home purchase decision by having your home inspected.  By having an inspection performed before you list the home, you can plan ahead for any repairs or alterations of the selling price.  This will make your buyer more confident in the purchase and even any keep pre-closing problems from escalating.  

An inspection helps ensure that there are fewer surprises in a real estate transaction, because everyone involved becomes more familiar with the property’s current condition.  A professional home inspection provided by the seller can create an atmosphere of good faith.  By making repairs and disclosing to the prospective buyer the property’s condition up front, before negotiations begin, you can create a more relaxed atmosphere by instilling confidence regarding the home's condition.  This, in turn, may help your listing sell faster and closer to listing price. 

For conventional loans, the investor or lender will require a termite inspection if there are visual signs of infestation. All government loans require a pest inspection on any structure that is ground level or of total wood construction (including condos). There are termites in San Diego County and even though many homes are concrete block construction (CBS), it is wise and highly recommended to have any home inspected for termites regularly.

The term "as-is" means the seller is not going to make any repairs to the property. This, however, does NOT mean that the seller is exempt from disclosing known problems with the property. The seller must disclose all known defects to the buyer. Not disclosing known defects is fraud, a very serious crime. Homes sold "as-is" often bring a lower sales price, as the buyer will make price adjustments for known, necessary repairs. It is wise, and recommended, that the buyer have a professional home inspection done on the property. We also recommend that the buyer have a roof inspection done by a qualified roofing company, as well as have the pool and air conditioning system inspected by a service company.

Here are some things to consider on this topic of growing importance. There is no such thing as a mold-free home; and doorways, windows, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems serve as the main points of entrance. Though mold is not hazardous to healthy people, it can make asthma, hay fever, and allergies worse or cause infections in people with compromised immune systems. Mold thrives in moist areas and can ruin paint, wallpaper, drywall, and wood surfaces. To keep the substance in check, the American Society of Home Inspectors urges homeowners to quickly fix plumbing or roof leaks; immediately wash and completely dry mold-infested areas; replace ceiling tiles, carpeting, and other absorbent materials that have been contaminated; clean and dry air conditioner, refrigerator, and dehumidifier drip pans often; and use exhaust fans or open windows when showering and cooking. They also are advised to keep indoor humidity levels at 30 percent to 50 percent relative humidity; use bathroom cleaning products that kill mold; add mold inhibitors to paint; and avoid carpeting bathrooms.