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Have a plan before you sell your home

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Who says you need a plan to sell your home? The market is hot, people are buying and selling all over Tampa Bay! So you can just stick a “for sale’ sign in your front yard and that’s it, right? Not exactly. Especially if you plan to sell your home yourself and without an agent – you’re going to need a plan. Because the reality is, if sticking a sign in your front lawn was enough then realtors wouldn’t exist.

Create a Marketing Plan

Why do you need a plan, specifically a marketing plan, to sell your home? It’s not about just throwing any price on your house, it’s about selling it for all it’s worth. A plan is the source of getting top dollar for the least amount of hassle and within a reasonable time frame.

Exposure is Key

Sure you can throw your house up on Craigslist, Zillow, Trulia, etc. You can also host your own open house. But how will you get people to attend your open house? Who will manage the listings or inquiries made on your home from all of those online platforms?

More is More

The more buyers you can attract, the more competition among buyers, the higher the price. The more expansive the exposure of your home, the more buyers you can attract. The goal is generate multiple offers. This is what will sell your home for top dollar. Even if you don’t get multiple offers, more exposure means increasing your changes of selling your home within a reasonable time frame. Every home owner that wants to sell their home has the same goal: to sell for top dollar, in a reasonable time frame, for the least amount of hassle.

Statistics show that listing your home a real estate professional will produce more money in your pocket at the end of the sale than by selling your home on your own. Even so, there are a few things you can do to ensure you are working your way toward that top dollar. Getting a pre-listing home inspection, for example, is an excellent way to sell your home. Call us now to get more information or schedule your inspection right here on our website.

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First-time home buyer program now includes Home Inspection

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We may be able to learn a lesson from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development in Glens Falls. Their new home buyer program now requires a home inspection as part of the application process. According to the Department, the inspection rule is in response to a tendency for first-time home buyers to decide on a house based solely on price, not condition, and then not be able to pay for the repairs necessary to keep it in livable condition.

Why are home inspections still just an option?

We have heard horror story after horror story of home buyers running into major repair issues in their new home. These issues at the very least could have been expected if the home buyers had an inspection done on the home first. In Florida there are many incentives and first-time home buyer programs. Some of them even include money towards the down payment. None of them require more than learning about the home inspection process.

Home inspections should be a requirement and a decision you make before you complete any purchase on a home. Every single home, even new builds, have the potential to need repairs. If for nothing else, a home inspection will give you a heads up of what to expect instead of a sudden major issue with a heft repair bill.

It’s your choice, so make the right one.

A home inspection should be as necessary as a down payment. Some banks might require a home inspection, but don’t depend on them to make that decision for you. Sellers may take the initiation to get a move-out home inspection or even a pre-listing home inspection. In these cases we still recommend scheduling your own home inspection. You can contact Divinity Inspections anytime for a residential or commercial property inspection.

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Breaking Down the Cost of Your Home Inspection

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Have you ever wondered why a home inspection costs $400 and up? We here at Divinity Inspection Services think it might helpful if you knew the break down of the cost of your home inspection. Where the cost of your home inspection really goes. The cost is in the details and the details matter. Property inspection reports are often a dozen pages or more, detailing various components about the property. Hopefully after reading this blog and understanding the fees, you will feel that the investment is well worth it.

Tools and Equipment

Your home inspector will walk through every single room in the house. They will also inspect the roof, the attic, the basement, under the home, and every access. Home inspectors will inspect the foundation of the home and everything outside around the home. Common equipment used by all inspectors include flashlights, ladders, screwdrivers, and infrared cameras. Some inspectors, if needed, will also use a mold test kit, a radon test kit, or other certified material testing products.

Time and Experience

Each state has different licensing and certification requirements. Above that, the experience of your home inspector increase their value. A good home inspector will not only know where to look but what to look for that may be signs of an issue not otherwise obvious to the untrained eye. Time is also a huge contributor to a home inspector’s fees. The larger the home the longer the inspection. Often a home inspection takes no less than 2 hours to complete. If you stick around for the inspection, your inspector may walk you through some potential concerns. Some inspectors may even offer solutions, referrals, or estimated costs for repair. These details can help homebuyers make an informed decision before completing a purchase.

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Home Inspecting a rental might be worth the investment

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You may think having a rental inspected seems excessive, but in reality inspecting a rental could save you a huge headache in the long run. There is a growing trend in the Tampa Bay Area and it’s not a good one. Conflict with landlords and big management companies in getting rentals fixed. Many tenants are complaining about concerns and issues not being addressed by their landlords or property manager. As a result the tenants are having to fix the problems themselves or live with it.

An Inspection will take the “Bull by the horns”

If you are considering entering into a long-term rental contract then you should also consider paying for a home inspection. Before signing on the dotted line, give the inspection report to the landlord and demand any major issues be taken care of before moving in. This is not an unreasonable request. If the inspection report shows significant reason for concern the landlord will meet your request. Property management companies may have a different structure you will need to follow. Some PMs will request you use their home inspector, others will simply not comply. Either way, you should never move into a home you don’t feel comfortable and confident living in.

Inspectors can give referrals too

Home inspectors, such as Divinity Inspection, work with real estate agents, landlords, and property managers all over the Tampa Bay Area. As a result, we know and can tell you what to expect from a specific company. We can tell you if they will allow a home inspection to be done, if they will accept a report from us, or any other specific procedures you may have to follow. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing. For you to love the home you’re in, to be happy enough to stay a long time, and to feel safe.

Other Options

Keep in mind that if you do run into any major issues, regardless of an inspection, you have other options. If your home is a new build you can call the builder and they will take care of any major issues in the home. You can also call your PM and ask who the best person is to contact to address specific issues.

If you do want to get a home inspected, whether you are renting or buying, we are happy to help. You can schedule your inspection directly on our site or give us a call!

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The Home Inspector and the Real Estate Agent Relationship

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The home inspector and the real estate agent have a unique relationship. In most cases, this relationship is good. Both the home inspector and the real estate agent tend to look out for the home buyer’s best interest when considering a home for purchase. However, you may hear about this relationship becoming a strain on either party or within specific cases. Stories claim some real estate agents try to pressure the home inspector to “take it easy” on their inspection with a concern that any major issue with the house will kill the deal. I promise you that even if a real estate agent tries to pressure a home inspector, they still have the home buyer’s best interest in mind. The relationship between a home inspector and a real estate agent can become very delicate but there are a few things you should know.

Use the Inspector your Agent refers

If you trust your real estate agent then you should trust their reference. Your agent doesn’t just want to sell you a house, they want to sell you a home. When an agent knows and trusts a home inspector to do a good job they will always refer that inspector. You should consider their reference first. If your agent is on your side then you know the home inspector will be too. That being said, you must understand that the home inspector’s job is to make you aware of any potential problems with the home. We are not trying to ruing your “dream home” or break your heart. At the end of the day, you still get to decide if you want to purchase the house or not but now you can make a much more informed decision.

Let the Home Inspector do their job

So many home buyers quake at the thought of a home inspection. Especially first time home buyers. They get so worked up that the home inspector is going to find something that will completely dash their dreams of buying the house they have fallen so in love with. But you have to let the inspector do their job. Do you want to move into a house and find out after 6 months that you need a new roof? Which can cost upwards of $10,000 by the way. Of course you don’t! If there is ever a time to spend money on a home it is to make sure you are aware of exactly what you are purchasing before you complete the transaction.

Trust your instincts

There are a few cases where the home buyer does not feel comfortable with their real estate agent. For whatever reason, they just don’t trust that their agent is on their side. In these same cases, being open and honest with your agent might be all you need. Sometimes it’s a miscommunication, sometimes personalities don’t blend, etc. But whatever the reason might be, don’t stay with an agent you don’t feel comfortable with. Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life – both financially and emotionally. You want to go through that process with someone you trust.

You know you can trust Divinity Inspections to perform a thorough inspection on your home. We will always walk you through our reports, explain everything we find, answer all of your questions, and even give you references if you need any. We also work with some really fantastic real estate agents that we are happy to refer. Because referrals go both ways! Contact us today and tell us how we can help.