GETTING HELP
To identify the home components that are most in need
of repair, many sellers now obtain pre-listing inspections before
putting up the "For Sale" sign. The person best qualified to
do this is an experienced professional home inspector.
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the
leading international professional organization of independent home
inspectors, is the recognized authority in this field. ASHI sets the
highest standard of professional performance, and qualifies its members
through examination of their technical knowledge and home inspection
experience.
In addition, home inspectors who have been admitted to
ASHI agree to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics that prohibits them from
engaging in any conflict of interest activities which might compromise
their objectivity. This is your assurance that the inspector will not,
for example, use the inspection to solicit repair work for himself or
any particular contractor.
A HOME SELLER'S CHECKLIST
Over the years, ASHI has identified a list of common
problems that typically appear on buyers' home inspection reports. Early
correction of these problems can increase a home's appeal and its
selling price. It also sets the stage for a favorable home inspection
report for the buyer, and thereby helps to expedite the sale.
The following 6-point checklist can help you achieve
these marketing goals.
CHECK THE MAJOR SYSTEMS
After size, style, and location, a home buyer's
primary concern is the condition of the home's basic structure and major
mechanical systems. Most buyers do not want to invest a great deal of
money correcting problems in such critical areas.
A pre-listing home inspection of the visible and
accessible home components can reveal most of these problems, and
include recommended repairs, if needed, on the following major items:
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Roof structure and covering
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Foundation, basement, and/or crawl space
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Central heating and air conditioning systems
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Electrical system
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Plumbing system
MAKE MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENTS
A number of maintenance improvements are relatively
easy and inexpensive to make, yet they can substantially improve a
home's appearance, efficiency, and comfort.
A professional home inspector may make helpful
maintenance suggestions, such as:
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Trim trees and shrubs which touch or overhang the
house;
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Apply new caulking and weather-stripping as needed
around windows and doors;
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Clean gutters of debris and leaves; repair or
replace damaged gutters, downspouts and extensions.
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Replace bathroom caulk or grouting where necessary
to prevent seepage and improve appearance;
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Ventilate closed basements and crawl spaces, or
install a dehumidifier, to prevent excessive moisture build-up;
-
Regrade soil around the foundation, as needed, to
keep water away from the house;
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Replace dirty filters in the heating and air
conditioning systems;
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Have the heating and air conditioning systems
professionally serviced;
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Have chimneys professionally cleaned, and install
chimney hoods or caps as needed.
PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS
Fixing even minor items can go a long way toward
improving that important first impression of your home. Here are some
typical improvements which might be suggested by the home inspector's
findings:
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Repair leaky faucets;
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Tighten loose doorknobs;
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Replace damaged screens;
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Replace broken panes of glass;
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Replace burned out light bulbs;
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Secure loose railings;
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Repair and coat driveway;
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Patch holes or cracks in walls and ceilings, then
repaint;
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Repair peeling wallpaper.
TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Home inspectors also pay attention to items relating
to protecting the home and its occupants from danger. They can alert you
to important safety precautions which home buyers will appreciate, such
as:
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Installing smoke detectors on each level;
-
Installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
(GFCI's) in "wet" areas, such as kitchens,
bathrooms, and exterior outlets;
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Keeping flammable products away from heaters, water
heaters, and fireplaces.
MAKE COSMETIC IMPROVEMENTS
An attractive, clean, and neat home will appeal to a
buyer's emotions. In addition to making repairs such as those listed
above, remember to
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Keep the lawn mowed and the house neat;
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Clean the exterior walls and trim; repaint if
necessary;
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Open windows shades and curtains to create a
bright, inviting atmosphere;
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Keep the kitchen and bathrooms clean, since buyers
scrutinize these areas.
PREPARE FOR THE BUYER'S INSPECTION
It's a good idea to assemble in advance various house
records that can be used to answer questions from buyers and home
inspectors. Specifically, you should have on hand:
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Appliance receipts, service records, and
warranties;
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Information on the age of major components, such as
the heater, air conditioner and roof;
-
Major component warranties (e.g. carpeting, siding,
roof shingles);
-
Heating, water, and electric bills from the
previous year.
In addition, keep areas clear to give buyers and home
inspectors access to the garage, heating system, and electrical
equipment.
ABOUT ASHI
The American Society of Home Inspectors was founded in
1976 to uphold professionalism among home inspectors and to develop
formal inspection guidelines, the ASHI Standards of Practice, and a Code
of Ethics for consumer protection.
IS YOUR HOME PHYSICALLY FIT?
To give your home a competitive edge when it's time to
sell, make sure it is in good physical condition.
This not only makes your home more attractive and
desirable, it also simplifies the negotiation process when the time
comes for the Buyer's pre-purchase inspection.
{According to home inspection experts, approximately
half the resale homes on the market today have at least one significant
defect. Routine maintenance is the best way to prevent major, costly
problems from developing in the first place. If you have been putting
off those repairs, now is the time to make them.
