An inspector will come in to thoroughly examine your home’s physical structure and its systems to detect if there are any safety issue, major or minor defect. The buyer and their agent will likely be there during the inspection.
Prepare in advance for the home inspection by looking at a home inspection checklist, and try to tackle any issues you encounter before the inspector does. The inspector will comb through the entire house, so ensure everything is in the right place to give the inspector a clear path to walk through. Prepare the attic and basement for inspection as well.
Inspection can be for minor issues like ventilation in rooms, fire safety, electrical wiring, plumbing, etc., and significant issues like roof problems. If your contract calls for a roof certification, you can hire a reputable company to do this. Some buyers may request termite and pest inspections, and others may request a wall inspection or a sewer inspection for an older home.
If you want to be proactive and head off any potential issues, order your own home inspection before you list the home. The inspector will perform an inspection- just like a buyer’s inspector- but it gives you the ability to fix any major issues that arise preemptively.
Disclose, Disclose, Disclose
If you have major issues that you can’t address before the inspection, disclose them. Disclosure protects you from future litigation and lessens the blow if the inspector discovers the issue during the inspection. Some states even require a property disclosure. Look at this as an opportunity to build confidence with your buyer so they know what they’re signing up for.
Types of Inspections
In addition to a regular home inspection, your buyer may be required by their lender or insurance company to have additional inspections or special inspections. Below are different types of inspections that you could encounter.
VA Inspection
The VA appraisal process is necessary to qualify for a VA home loan and typically involves a VA home inspection. This inspection is done to ensure your property meets the fair market value and minimum property requirements. A thorough inspection will be conducted by a licensed professional according to the minimum required by the VA and point out any concerns on the property to the buyers, so they know what they are getting. A VA home inspection is optional, but a VA appraisal is mandatory for lending purposes.
FHA Inspection
An FHA inspection involves an in-depth analysis of the home for structural issues and hazards and to ensure it meets the FHA minimum property standards for a living home. This inspection will also verify the actual market value of the house. While an FHA appraisal verifies the home’s value, determined the actual market value, and protects the buyer, and most of all, the lender. It is needed along with the FHA inspection to get an FHA-insured loan.
4 Point Inspection if Greater Than 40 yrs old
A four-point home inspection may be necessary if your house is over 40 years old. A four-point home inspection checklist typically covers four primary systems of your home; HVAC, plumbing, electrical and roofing structure. A four-point inspection is different from a complete home inspection and is required by many insurance companies before getting or maintaining a home insurance coverage. You may not need this if your home is new, but it is necessary for older homes as they are likely to fall into disrepair or have had many repairs that don’t meet building codes.
Wind Mitigation
A wind mitigation inspection is crucial, mainly if the home is located in an area that frequently suffers natural disasters like hurricanes and windstorms. This unique type of inspection is done to determine how well the home is protected against wind damage. It is essential to add this inspection to your general home inspection to make buyers much more comfortable with what they are getting.
Insurance
An insurance inspector will look for potential fire hazards or liability risks regarding property maintenance. The inspector will note how much clutter is in the house, check for mold, signs of water damage, and more. If you plan to fix such problems, let the insurance company know, as this might help.
Conclusion
Inspections can be uncomfortable, but with some due diligence and disclosures you can soften the blow to the buyer of potential surprises that may come up during the inspection. Following these tips will help turn an uncomfortable experience into a productive one.