Inspection day is both exciting and nerve-wracking for everyone involved. It’s exciting for the buyer as it could be the first time they’ve had the opportunity to really explore the home since making an offer. However, home inspectors are paid to find every small thing that is wrong or potentially will need repair in the future. It can sometimes be heartbreaking to get such a long list of items on one report. Here are some tips to make the home inspection process go as smoothly as possible:
Property Disclosure
When listing a home, I always walk around with my sellers and point out things that can possibly be flagged on an inspection report. Those can be a worn roof, wood rot, appliances not working, even hairline cracks in the tile. While all of those are normal, you’ll want to disclose them as the seller because the buyer will sign acknowledging the issue and will accept that this will transfer with possession. I always do the same due diligence with buyers when viewing a home and provide a printed copy of the disclosures. You’ll find state to state disclosures are very different. In Mississippi, for example, the property disclosure is very detailed and includes the age and source (gas/electric) of each appliance while Tennessee does not require this.
Finding An Inspector
I have a few home inspectors I recommend that my clients use. This includes home and termite at a minimum. A home inspection runs between $300 – $500, depending on square footage and attic/crawl space size. Termite inspections run between $75 – $100 and that fee usually is deducted from an annual contract if you choose to use the same company for routine services. I always tell my clients to expect around 100 items to show up on a report to set the barometer of what they will see in a report. Depending on market conditions, you can negotiate what you find on the report. I advise people to look past little items that a handyman (or even yourself) can repair later, but anything regarding HVAC, roof, foundation, plumbing, or electrical needs to be seriously discussed and negotiated. Those items can be detrimental long term and very costly to repair.
Homes And Inspectors Aren’t Perfect
What happens if you find something wrong after you move in? Keep in mind, inspectors can only view what is visible and anything behind a wall cannot be assessed. My inspector team has cameras that can see any visible water behind drywall. That comes in handy to see any water leaks from drains or HVAC that have not shown up yet. Look carefully at the report and contract to see if anything was reported and what the stipulations are. A leaky gutter? Consider that part of the joys of homeownership. A foundation issue that causes the home to be condemned? Call your agent or lawyer to see what recourse is available.
Click here to learn more about me and how I can help you with your real estate needs. Whether Memphis or Pickwick, primary home or investment, I’m happy to offer my services. Contact me at 901-468-7030 or Marygrodskyrealtor@gmail.com
Mary Grodsky, Crye-Leike Realtors
E: Marygrodskyrealtor@gmail.com
C: 901-468-7030
O: 901-756-8900
