When selling Ibis real estate in Florida or property anywhere else in a buyer’s market, it’s important for a seller to make sure he’s at an advantage so he can successfully close the deal on his terms. One of the ways to speed up the process of selling the property is by ordering a home inspection ahead of putting it on the market. This post will highlight some tips on how to ace a home inspection to make the property sell faster.
- Eliminate clutter and mitigate the risks of inspection areas
Understand that a home inspection will tell you which areas of your house need repairs and/or replacement. A home inspector going through a standard single-family home with three or four bedrooms will spend from 2 to 2.5 hours.
A standard inspection will cover the condition of the home’s
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
- Interior plumbing
- Electrical system
- Roof, attic and visible insulation
- Walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors
- Basement, foundation, and structural components
Note that the inspector will not enter locked areas nor venture into surroundings that are unsafe. Therefore, homeowners are advised to make sure that areas included in the inspection are unlocked and free from clutter, debris, dangerous objects, and risky conditions.
This allows the inspector to complete the job and submit a report that is reflective of the true state of the home so that you can take the appropriate action.
Showing buyers the results of the inspection and the subsequent repairs that have been undertaken will speed up the buying process and eliminate a few contingencies.
- Keep the pets away during inspection
Pets may get in the way of an inspector. Keep them away from areas of the home that will be inspected. Or, have other family members drive them to a kennel or park or an appropriate place where they can hang until the inspector has done their job.
- Make all places of the property accessible
For an overall smooth home inspection process, make sure all areas of the property are accessible. Unlock doors to the attic, the basement, and the hatch. Inspectors would want to check the electrical service panel too. Make sure all gates are unlocked as well.
- Prepare the exterior of the property
Trim overgrown shrubs, bushes, and other plants in the exterior of the house if they get in the way of inspection areas. Have overgrown tree branches pruned at least 10 feet from the roof. It gives the inspector better access and will look neat and well maintained when actual buyers check out the house.
- Pay attention to the small stuff
Conduct a personal inspection ahead of time. Are cracks on the ground or wall an indication of structural damage? Is the basement or crawlspace damp? Are there signs of termites? While the inspector will assess these conditions as well, you can relay your concerns as well.
- Consider specialized inspections
If you see signs of mold in an older house and want to check for the presence of asbestos and other dangerous substances, you will need a separate specialized inspection. Note that a standard inspection does NOT include:
- Checking for hazardous materials
- Inspections behind walls
- Looking at your septic or sewage system
- Evaluating your swimming pool
- Assessing roof accessories like solar panels
- Thoroughly reviewing your electrical system
- Conducting geological inspections, especially if the home is on a slope or in a flood-prone area
Therefore, you will need to hire specialized inspectors or professionals to look into the issues listed above.
- Work with another expert
Getting all of the items mentioned above is a good way to ace a home inspection that buyers need before they agree to buy your home. Working with another expert like a real estate agent increases the chances of selling your property faster. Local real estate agents are familiar with the market and understand the implications of a home inspection result. They will advise you on the best course of action, whether to undertake home repairs, assess which issues need to be addressed, or leave the house in the condition it’s in.
For homeowners looking to sell their homes in Florida fast, feel free to contact The Telchin Group, LLC. With years of experience in handling palm beach county homes for sale, this team are experts at what they do. Give them a call at 561.301.0249 or send an email here.