Whether you have just bought or sold your home, home inspections are an integral part of the real estate transaction. Our Anne Winch Ottawa Real Estate Team understands that as a buyer you want to make sure your new home will come out with no real issues. As a seller, you want to make sure you don’t have any apparent problems that may delay the sale of your house.
Here are some inspection problems that may be deal-breakers for the purchase or sale of your home:
Mould or water damage
Mould can cause health problems and may include water damage in the home. As a seller, you may wish to have a professional inspection to see the cost of repair. If you have extensive damage, have a professional remove the mould as a safety precaution.
Insects
Many buyers just don’t want to take the chance on a property if there is any sort of pest infestation. If you notice any problems you should make sure that your home is clear of insect pests by hiring a professional exterminator before you sell your home. Keep your home clean and tidy to repel any future insect problems.
Faulty wiring
Home inspectors always check for any exposed or faulty wiring during the home inspection process. If it is not an expensive fix, you may wish to have an electrician make any adjustments. You can always use the wiring receipt as a selling point.
Maintenance or flooding problems
If you have had issues in your home that require major maintenance including flooding you will want to have paperwork to back the restorations that were made. You may wish to include paperwork on any measure taken to decrease future flooding (e.g. sump pump).
Foundation issues
If you have found any cracks in the foundation or dampness in the basement, these issues will come out in a house inspection. You may not have a significant problem but it is better to have it assessed by a professional. You may just need a dehumidifier if you have a damp basement. Musty basements are a turnoff to many buyers.
Roof
Take a walk around your property and inspect your roof. If you have an attic take a peek inside to make sure you do not have any cracks of daylight popping through. If you do see problems have a roofing contractor take a quick inspection. You may even be able to claim repairs through your insurance company. Don’t forget to clean the gutters too!
These are just some issues that may come out of a home inspection. Remember no house completely fails a home inspection. Home inspectors are there to give you a visual examination of issues that may be of consequence when you are selling or purchasing a home.
If you keep your home in good repair chances are that you have nothing to worry about when the inspector comes to your door. If your home is in a poorer condition, be ready for a list of repairs the buyer may want done. Often inspections are a bargaining chip for many buyers, which may include a reduction in your selling price.
If you are looking at buying or selling your home, do not hesitate to contact the Anne Winch Ottawa Real Estate Team for any of your real estate needs. We have a team of professionals to help you with the buying or selling process. Ask about our free home staging when you call.