Top 10 Finds from a Home Inspection That Can Kill a Sale
Painfully, I’m working with two buyers and we’re currently experiencing four of these Top 10 Finds from a Home Inspection That Can Kill a Sale … in two inspection!
- Seller has not told the truth on a property condition disclosure form regarding the age of major systems (electrical, plumbing, roof, etc.
- Heat / Air unit not functioning and seller refuses to repair or replace.
- Mold found in moist crawlspace or basement.
- Electric system antiquated or non-functional.
- Water found in moist crawlspace or basement.
- Roof pelted with hail and crunchy requiring new roof within two years.
- Old plumbing encrusted inside restricting water flow so much that when shower is on, no other faucets work.
- Gigantic tree has massively sized dead limbs hanging over house and seller won’t remove.
- Broken window panes required to be fixed to get FHA loan.
- Termites found under home that have caused extensive damage to supports and pillars.
Sometimes a seller gets to the financial point where they absolutely can not afford to make the repairs - especially when several costly repairs hit at once. However, homeowners should try to be aware of their home during the tenure of the time they live there and address problems as they occur. This is much easier said than done. For example, my husband and I are completely aware of the fact that we’re going to have to replace the water line from the road to our home because old materials were used that have been found to deteriorate within 10-15 years. I think I’ll do some research to find the class action suit on this issue!
Perhaps the most important thing both a buyer and seller can take with them is the importance of a home inspection. Sellers CAN have their homes pre-inspected before they list and make repairs in advance of the home hitting the market. Most sellers do not. That’s why it’s even more important for buyers to find an unbiased, licensed home inspector.
Call the Better Business Bureau. Get referrals from friends. Ask your agent to recommend an inspector (and don’t be afraid to ask if they get a referral fee for inspections or if they’re related or good friends with the inspector - walk away from those).
Photo from here (which also has more good tips - home inspection basics 101!)
