Will Your Home Pass Inspection?

If a prospective buyer is seriously interested in your For Sale by Owner Home they are going to want to know if their new home is as good as it appears to be. They do not want to purchase a home with a leaky roof or leaky plumbing. They are going to insist on a home inspection by a professional. So before you place that Home For Sale by Owner sign in the front yard you need to look at your home with a critical eye and be prepared to make the necessary corrections before something causes you to lose the sale.

Typically I find that when you have lived in a home for a few years there are things that you may not notice. So set aside an hour for a through inspection using the following guidelines.

1. Heating and Cooling
Check the insulation in the attic and also in the crawl space. Inadequate insulation is the usual cause of poor heating and cooling and a larger than normal utility bill. Consider adding additional insulation in the attic and renting a blower from your local lumber yard. Have the HVAC units inspected and get a written report. Place all information and waranties in your For Sale by Owner Information Packet. Unless your home is relatively new you may want to add storm doors and windows.

2. Plumbing
Check all faucets and water closets for proper operation and leakage. Be sure that all drains flow freely. If any of the fixtures are cracked go ahead and have them replaced.

3. Damp or Wet Basement or Crawl Space
This is one of the hardest defects to correct. Start by checking your downspouts and the slope away from the house. Often settlement has occurred that allows water to stand around the foundation. Cover the crawl space with plastic and install roof leads or drains. If you need a contractor check with the BBB for one that specializes in this type of work. Mildew or a musty odor will kill a home sale.

4. Electrical
If you house still has a fuse box have it replaced with circuit breakers. Also have the electrician check the amperage of the service to be sure it is adaquate. Inspect all light fixtures and replace any with broken lens or other damage. Check all appliances and have them serviced. Again place all information on the appliances in your For Sale by Owner information Packet.

5. Roofing
Check all of the rooms for any visable signs of leakage. Clean out the gutters and be sure they are not loose. If your roof is nearing its life span, consider installing a new roof. Better to invest a little to insure a sale than turn buyers away or have the issue come up just prior to closing.

6. Rotting Wood
Rotting wood is probably one of the most common reasons a home will fail inspection. Home inspectors are knowledgeable and a coat of paint will not hide the problem. Use a knife blade to inspect any suspect areas and replace as needed.

7. Settlement
Settlement is normal and is to be found in all structures. Inside the home cracks can be caulked and repainted. External cracks may require the services of a mason. Extremely large cracks may mean that your house has a foundation problem that needs to be evaluated by an expert.

8. Security
Consider having a security system installed. At the least have the required number of smoke alarms and be sure that all the doors and windowns can be properly secured.

Following these guidelines and spending the money to have them corrected will pay dividends in the long run and place your home ahead of others in the marketplace. Remember that you are competing with everyone that has a home for sale.

Once you have completed your inspection and made the repairs you are now ready to have your home inspected by a professional. When you place your Home For Sale by Owner sign you do not want anything to stand in the way of the sale. Having a home inspection report ready for the prospective buyers will answer many of their questions.

One word of caution, do not try to cover up or hide any defects. Most states have strict laws requiring full disclosure of any known problems or anything that would affect the property. Consult with your attorney and be sure that you abide by all laws and regulations. You want to sell your home, not start a lawsuit.

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