Info our home inspection tips for sellers

4 Home Inspection Tips for Sellers

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When you sell a home, prospective buyers will most likely hire a home inspector. They will need a home inspection done if they are planning to finance the house. The property could look immaculate, and the price might be in line with your neighbors, but hidden issues can lower the value of your home. The buyer will want to be certain that there won’t be expensive repairs required before moving in.

An inspection contingency clause gives the buyer several days to have an inspection performed on your property. If the house inspector reports significant problems, the buyer may ask you to fix them first. The to-do list could get extremely long! That’s why we have compiled a few home inspection tips for sellers, so you can prepare your home for the sale.

Big-ticket repairs include:

  • roof
  • foundation
  • major appliances
  • HVAC
  • electrical
  • plumbing
  • lights
  • mold or mildew issues
  • pests or infestations

Here are four tips to help you go through that home inspection process smoothly.

 

 

Info - our home inspection tips for sellers1. Have a dependable real estate agent

Your real estate agent does not do the actual inspection, but they should give you advice and tips about the preparation of the property for showings and inspections, as well as negotiations, credit repairs, etc.

If you can’t trust your real estate agent to do these things, you need to find a better one.

Talk to your agent about foreseeable problems and make a plan. What will you do if a buyer asks for those renovations to be made?

Having someone on the same team as you who has experience and knowledge is invaluable!

 

2. Be Transparent

“Don’t ask, don’t tell” doesn’t apply when selling a house.

Be upfront with your agent regarding major issues on your property. The house inspectors will find them and report them to the buyer.

Your agent should market the problems to prevent the wrong people from showing interest, wasting your time. You want to attract people who are willing to tackle those repairs. When you advertise your property for sale and include a credit for the known damages, they know that you have reduced the price. They are already receiving a discount and won’t ask you to fix it.

Being transparent not only weeds out uninterested prospects. It also makes you more trustworthy. And people tend to purchase from those they feel they can trust.

 

3. Prepare your home for the inspection and presentation

Repairs are not the only things you have to worry about. Operational requirements depend on the type of financing the buyer is using. Conventional loans and government loans will each have their own individual checklists that your property must comply with in order for the loan to be approved. Conventional loans don’t usually require utilities to be left on, but most government loans do.

Ask your agent beforehand:

  • What utilities should I leave on?
  • What maintenance should I do before a home inspection?

Maintenance has many forms, and one of the most important leads us to the last of our four home inspection tips for sellers:

 

4. Keep it clean

You may be living in your home while trying to sell it. Not everyone has the luxury to move to another location and keep the property spotless 24/7. Whether you are living there or not, it is imperative that you keep the entire house clean and eliminate the clutter that might interfere with the presentation.

Inspectors can refuse to inspect a property that doesn’t give them the freedom to access and assess your home properly. Home inspectors will not move around objects or risk their safety to do their job.

Declutter your property inside and out. Everything should be easily viewable and accessible. Remove debris or dangerous materials like broken glass. Tidy your home and make it easy for the inspector to complete their checklist!

If you are still confused about what major renovations your home may need and worry that it will create obstacles in the home selling process, it might be worth the investment to hire a home inspector yourself. This narrows down the work ahead of you and allows you to address problems in your own time before you put your house up for sale. You want to get the best price for your property, and the best way to do that is by raising your home’s value with big and small renovations. You may be surprised what a little paint and a few new light fixtures can do for your ROI.

Interested in learning more? Take a look at Why Sellers Should Get a Home Inspection After Remodel – How to Increase Your Home’s ROI.

Home inspection after remodel tools

Why Sellers Should Get a Home Inspection After Remodel – How to Increase Your Home’s ROI

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A home inspection after remodel might not be the first thing you think about making home improvements for an impending sale. You probably expect prospective homebuyers to hire a home inspector anyway. So why should you hire one?

In order to sell your property at an above-average rate, it needs to communicate that value to prospective homebuyers through a balance of maintenance and home improvements. Your goal is to increase your list price by renovating and/or remodeling. In order to do this, you have to calculate how much to invest in your project. This calculation should include the costs for a home inspection. After all, your improvements will eventually be scrutinized by the buyer’s home inspector. That’s why it is best to know beforehand that they will pass muster.

However, let’s start with talking about your home improvement/remodel options:

 

Value vs ROI

Increasing the value of a home is not the same as your return on investment (ROI). Calculate how much a project costs and compare it to the expected home value increase to determine your net gain.

 

Home inspections after remodel - tools for remodeling and renovation

Maintenance vs Improvements

Both maintenance and improvements are necessary to receive the highest price possible.

Maintenance is the act of restoring or repairing elements in your home to maintain their condition. This helps to control the value. 

Improvements are upgrades or renovation projects that raise the value of your home. When owning a home, an improvement project that is completed properly with quality materials increases the property value.

 

What Kind of Maintenance or Improvements Should a Seller Do?

When analyzing which projects to tackle first, begin where the homebuyer will start – at the curb.

Curb Appeal

  • Driveway
    • Repair
    • Seal
  • Front Door 
    • Sand
    • Paint
    • New door handle
    • New lock
  • Look Up
    • Replace missing shingles
    • Clean gutters
  • Windows /Energy Efficiency
    • Caulk
    • Weatherstripping
    • Replace if damaged
  • Mailbox
    • Replace if old or damaged
  • Deck or Patio
    • Wash
    • Repair
    • Paint, stain, and/or seal
  • Fences
    • Paint
    • Replace if damaged
  • Landscaping
    • Groom trees, bushes, and the lawn
    • Plant new trees or bushes for appeal
    • Add planters with flowers 

Interior Walls

  • Fix cracks and holes

It pays to have these done professionally if your handy work isn’t at an expert level. A careless repair that creates unsightly spackle and plaster marks might make buyers think twice. 

  • Apply a solid coat of paint in neutral, light colors

This renews old walls, brightens rooms, and makes them look bigger.

  • Replace old electrical switches 
  • Replace outlet covers

Flooring

  • Tile
    • Clean tile
    • Restore grout
    • Replace broken tile
  • Carpets
    • Exchange or clean them

Especially in areas with a lot of heat and high humidity like here in Tampa Bay, Florida, carpets as floor coverings tend to be less popular. However, if you decide against exchanging them with a different kind of flooring, you need to at least deep-clean them.

Ceiling

  • Replace dated light fixtures with new classic ones
  • Install a high-quality ceiling fan
  • Apply a coat of paint

Appliances and Mechanicals

Check the age and condition of your:

  • Furnace
  • Water heater
  • Electrical panel

If they are close to the end or beyond their expected lifespan, replace them.

Bathroom

  • New light fixture
  • New shower head 
  • New faucets 
  • Caulk the tub and showers

Take a look at the sink, toilet, and vanity, especially paying attention to the mirror. If you cannot restore their original beauty, replace them.

Kitchen

  • Replace damaged countertops
  • Consider replacing worn appliances
  • New cabinet knobs and handles
  • Apply a fresh coat of paint or restore wood

 

Low-End vs High-End Property ROI

If your home value is under the median cost of homes in Florida, the methods you use to improve your ROI will be much different than if the home value is well above this average. For instance, according to OpenDoor, an expensive home in Tampa, Florida, will benefit from adding on an attached garage. But a low-cost home has a better ROI when adding on a full bathroom.

 

Home Inspection Services for Sellers

Many home sellers choose to hire a home inspector. This offers guidance for homeowners to prioritize renovation and improvement projects. 

The last thing you want to do is put your home up for sale and let it remain on the market for months while you comb through repairs that are holding you back. The longer a property is on the market, the harder it is to sell. People assume that unsold homes are riddled with serious problems. Most of the time, they’re right. 

Don’t get stuck in “for sale” limbo. By paying for your own meticulously crafted home inspection report from Divinity Inspection Services before you list, you won’t be blindsided. Every issue will be outlined in detail so that you can be on top of potential roadblocks. 

Contact us today and schedule a home inspection after remodel!

 

Further reading:

 

Check Mark What to expect from a home inspection

What to Expect from a Home Inspection?

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If you want to make an informed decision as a home buyer, hiring a home inspector to identify issues is a no-brainer. It is an essential step in the home buying process!

However, you might not know what to expect from a home inspection – especially as a first-time buyer. With our new blog post, we want to give you a better idea and help you to get familiar with the process of a home inspection.

 

What to expect from a home inspection (and what not)

  • Cosmetic issues are not part of the inspection unless they hint at underlying damage or danger
  • A home inspection report offers a practical assessment of your future maintenance and repair and makes you aware of potential hazards (e.g., black mold.)
  • Don’t be surprised if the score is not perfect! A great home inspector can usually find some kind of issue with every home. Still, the report’s purpose is not to deter you but to offer you an educated and accurate idea of the property’s condition.
  • We do not provide a grading scale that signals whether or not you should buy the home. Every house will have certain issues, and it’s your task to make an informed decision. It’s common for the buyer to use a home inspection report as a negotiation basis with the seller.

 

When do you schedule a home inspection?

Make sure to choose the home inspection service you will use ahead of time. Before you begin your search for a new home, do some research and find the best home inspector for your needs. Right after the seller accepts your offer and you are under contract, contact your chosen home inspector service. That will give you plenty of time to negotiate with the seller based on the home inspector report details.

 

During the home inspection process

A quality home inspection can last multiple hours and involves a thorough investigation of the property. The exact time it will take depends on the size of the home. The home inspector may do his or her work alone or be accompanied by you as the buyer. If you are present during the inspection, you will benefit from listening to the inspector’s commentary and the opportunity to ask questions.

 

The home inspection report

The home inspection report includes notes and photos along with a summary and checklist.

  • We will suggest repairs and maintenance needed and estimate the life expectancy of the roof, water heater, and other home elements that inevitably require replacement.
  • We will also check for any evidence for the presence of pests, hazards, or structural issues.

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (interNACHI), these are the standard areas of a property that every professional home inspector will evaluate:

The exterior

  • External structures
  • Flashing
  • Trim
  • Doors
  • Eaves
  • Fascias
  • Extensions
  • Porch
  • Garage
  • Patio
  • Deck
  • Balcony
  • Driveway
  • Walkway
  • Stairs and railings

Interior areas

  • Floors
  • Ceilings
  • Walls
  • Stairs and railings

Some home appliances

  • Stove
  • Dishwasher
  • Garbage disposal
  • Built-in microwave

Heating and AC system

  • Cooling equipment
  • Heating equipment
  • Distribution system
  • Accessible vent systems
  • Fuel-burning appliances
  • Fireplace/chimney/flue
  • Electrical system
  • Roofing system
  • Exhaust systems
  • Insulation and ventilation
  • Plumbing system
  • Additional structural components
  • Framing
  • Foundation
  • Attic
  • Crawlspace

(This is not intended to be a complete checklist but a simplified guide to save or print out for reference or research purposes.)

 

Make sure to choose the right home inspection service

All home inspectors are not alike. Some inspection services have relaxed their evaluation process to benefit the sale of a home. This practice is against the ASHI Code of Ethics that Divinity Home Inspection upholds!

Divinity Home Inspection Services goes above and beyond the average inspector and offers the home buyer a thorough and detailed report. But don’t take our word for it: Look at our customer’s testimonies.

Now you should have a more comprehensive idea of what to expect from a home inspection.

If you are looking for a home in Tampa Bay, Florida, especially near St. Petersburg, Brandon, Spring Hill, or Wesley Chapel, contact Divinity Inspection Services and schedule your appointment today!

 

Checklist How to prepare for a home inspection

Are You Preparing to Buy a Home? – Home Inspection Tips For Buyers

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When you find the home of your dreams and you are ready to get the lenders involved—STOP and call a home inspection service. Are you looking for home inspection tips for buyers? We have you covered!

However, let us address an important question first:

 

Do I really need a home inspection report?

The answer is: Yes, you do! Checklist - Home inspection tips for buyers

Even when a home looks perfect at the open house or it’s newly constructed, a home inspection is a smart investment that protects you from regret. Houses are expensive and you want to be sure that it is safe and reliable without faulty construction or hefty damage.

Some buyers believe that buying a home “As Is” makes home inspections a pointless endeavor. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth! Although it may be nice when a seller makes certain repairs themselves before the sale, the real reason you want a home inspection is to avoid huge hidden problems that will cost you big time! Did you know that a foundation issue could run up to $15,000 in repairs?!

That’s why our reports are so comprehensive. We check every detail to ensure that you are agreeing to a deal that won’t run you into debt. Home repairs add up, especially the damage accrued from termites, mold, and rotting wood. 

Big repairs on an “As Is” house can suddenly make your wallet much lighter, or worse, force you to live in a home that is unsafe or problematic. You won’t know if that affordable property in Spring Hill, Florida, will be a great deal or a money pit unless you invest in a home inspection.

Divinity Inspection Services offers you the peace of mind that you will get exactly what you pay for. Know what you’re buying and what repairs you will inherit with the property. Surprises like these are not fun and can hurt you in the long run.

 

Our best home inspection tips for buyers

Especially in hot real estate areas like St. Petersburg where properties are selling at lightning speed, you not only have to be competitive, you need to be mentally prepared—have a plan! 

Way before the home buying process starts:

  • know what you are looking for and
  • what kind of repairs you are willing to make. 

There is a tremendous difference between feeling hurried and conducting swift, assertive action; the latter is compulsive, while the former is knowledgeable and therefore confident. 

If for any reason, you feel rushed and confused, don’t buy in a panic. Continue to educate yourself until you can make a quick but wise decision. This is one of the largest financial investments in your life; learn as much as you can, ask questions, and make educated choices.

 

Make a Home Buyer’s Checklist

So you scheduled a thorough inspection from a Divinity inspector. Congrats! Now you can sit back and relax with the reassurance that he or she will find any problems and your worries are over, right?

Wrong. 

There will never be a property that receives a perfect score. Even a stunning, newly constructed house in Brandon, Florida, can have significant issues.

What could go wrong? 

Humans make mistakes, and it’s our job to find them.

Deciding what you want when buying a house isn’t only about choosing how many bedrooms it should have or if you want an open kitchen and hardwood floors. Knowing what you want when buying a house includes realistic decisions concerning

  • what repairs you are willing to take on yourself
  • the maintenance involved
  • how old the appliances can be

before you look elsewhere. 

These must be realistic expectations because your perfect house doesn’t exist. Everything on your list won’t be checked off, so organize your list by priority, with the most important at the top. 

Once you receive your home inspection report from Divinity, decide if the results are the best ones for your budget and needs. By considering what your personal red flags are ahead of time, you can make a confident decision with speed. 

After We Inspect the Property

Depending on what we find, your home inspection report may help you to renegotiate a price, especially if there is major damage found or repairs necessary. 

But be cautious about using negative findings as leverage to lower the price. In areas with large homes and high demand such as Wesley Chapel, nitpicking could turn away the seller.

Instead of attempting to reduce the seller’s price, another option is to ask the homeowner to make the repairs themselves. These requests should never be cosmetic. 

Ask your real estate agent or lawyer what repairs are worthy of addressing before the purchase. Then, ask the seller if they will make the home improvements before you buy. If they agree, rearrange another inspection for those portions of the home for a smaller fee from us. 

 

Why should a home inspector come back? 

Last but not least in our home inspection tips for buyers: It’s crucial to validate that the repairs were made correctly. Even if the problem looks fixed, it doesn’t mean that it was done professionally or accurately. 

Imagine moving in only to find water everywhere because the plumbing problem “fixed” was improperly repaired! The water damage and mold would be a pricey renovation. The cost of such incidents far outweighs the price of a quick check from a Divinity home inspector’s trained eye.

 

Are you ready to hire a home inspector in the Tampa Bay/St. Pete area?

But why choose Divinity Inspection Services? Many companies inspect and write reports that only cover the basics. This is what we call “soft reports.” At Divinity Inspection Services, we don’t make soft reports; we pride ourselves on the details. With us, your report will be extremely thorough. 

To learn more about the specific inspections we offer or for a full list of the different types of inspections we provide, visit our Services Page. We are ready to inspect your home or property 7 days a week. If you have further questions or would like to schedule your next commercial or home inspection, please contact us!

 

 

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What To Expect In A Home Inspection During The Pandemic

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The real estate market is on fire right now. And its a sellers market. That means not only are homes flying of the shelves like crazy, prices are up and inventory is down. Who would have expected this would be the market condition during a pandemic? And as such, you may notice a few different things happening during your home inspection.

Extra safety measures

All home inspectors should be implementing additional safety measures for both their employees and the sellers / buyers. In fact, when you call a home inspector to schedule an appointment you need to ask the about their new COVID-19 protocols. They should be able to tell you what you can expect as either the seller or buyer.

Less people involved

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you may find less people at your home inspection. In some cases, you would see one to three home inspectors, your real estate agent and the buyers. Sometimes the sellers also attend. However, in an effort to limit exposure, some home inspectors may ask that no one except the buyer’s realtor attend the inspection. While not all safety protocols may be convenient, they are important. A good home inspector will make accommodations and provide a very detailed report so you don’t feel like you’re missing anything.

Extra cleaning during the pandemic

Some home inspectors don’t clean up behind themselves. Unfortunately, some even leave a mess behind! They track mud on the floors, leave lights on and leave the A/C turned down very low. Simply put – it’s sloppy work. Due to COVID-19, extra cleaning should be included in every inspection. This goes beyond the normal standard of cleanliness and respect. Home inspectors should be cleaning behind themselves as much as possible. And hopefully homeowners are cleaning behind the home inspection as well. Everyone needs to pitch in for the safety of each other.

Home inspections are a necessary step to any and all home purchases. However, a safe work environment should remain the top priority. While we might find ourselves enduring new challenges, our goal is to make sure all of our customers are happy with our service. Divinity Inspection Services has always gone the extra mile by using our personal standard of service that all of our inspectors follow. Our goal is to make sure every customer is beyond satisfied with their thorough home inspection.