Okay, the house is SOLD! You have made it through attorney review, the buyers have applied for their mortgage and they have hired an inspector. Here are some home inspection tips for sellers – what can you do now and what repairs might be needed after home inspection?
I advise that you NOT be at home during the inspection. You might think you can help, but you really can’t. The inspector has seen tons of homes, and probably knows where everything is! The buyers and their agent will be uncomfortable if you are there. This is probably one of the most valuable home inspection tips for sellers.
If you want me to be there, I certainly can – but my presence also sometimes gives the buyer a bad vibe. When I do attend the home inspection for my sellers, I don’t follow the inspector around – the buyers need to feel free to speak with their agent and the inspector. Rest assured that I will be in touch with the buyers’ agent soon after the inspection is over. I can typically get a preview of how it went but we won’t know what repairs are needed after the home inspection until the report comes out. And, their requests may be different than what their agent tells me immediately after the inspection.
SO, it’s a bit of “hurry up and wait” … but you can be prepared, the following is a list of items commonly found during home inspections; especially in homes built more than 10 or 15 years ago. These things are easily repaired – it’s not a bad idea to run through the list and nip some in the bud if you can! Another really good home inspection tips for sellers!
- Improperly ventilated attics; sometimes “mold” or condensation is evident.
- Bathroom exhaust fans ventilated into attics – the need to go outside
- Windows: broken window seals, windows that don’t open, windows that don’t stay open
- Furnace: have your furnace or boiler serviced prior to listing the house
- Central air: during cooler months a central a/c unit cannot be run. A buyer may request that money be held in escrow until such time that the system can be tested. Alternatively, a buyer may request records that the unit has been serviced. Have the unit serviced prior to listing the house. The compressor should be level, on a concrete slab and away from the house
- GFI outlets – in older homes these outlets aren’t always present. 2005 building codes state that these must be present in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. Some buyers will ask that you do that – if your home was built prior to 2005 you are not obligated to do this, but it’s an easy, inexpensive fix. And it will make things safer for you too!
- Other electric issues: reversed polarity; issues with the electric box outside – often weather related, older outlets should be converted to three-prong
- Permits for any work that has been done; if the township requires a permit, the buyer is going to want to know that the permits were done
- Any possible water issues such as loose tiles in the shower, or loose toilets
- Doors from garage to living area should be fire-rated
- Radon – radon levels must be under 4.0 picocuries. Buyers will have this tested; if it is over 4.0, you have an obligation to remediate
- Termites and other wood destroying insects. Buyers will inspect for these pests and any associated damage. If present, you have an obligation to remediate and repair any existing damage especially if structural
Additionally, carbon monoxide detectors are required on every level where there is a bedroom. Smoke detectors are required on every level including the basement and a fire extinguisher must be mounted in the kitchen. Here is a link to the requirements for Basking Ridge – they are similar to other towns, but you might want to call or stop by your own town hall for the specifics in your town.
Are you ready to find out the value of your home in the current market? You know the Blanchard Team is happy to help! Click here to get started!
