how to pass a home inspection 2013
TRANSCRIPT
How To Pass A Home Inspection
Advice for Home Sellers
Today’s Talk
REALITY CHECK
BEYOND PASS OR FAIL
SET THE STAGE
THE BIG DAY
WHAT’S NEXT?
DEAL WITH THE RESULTS
GET PROACTIVE
REALITY CHECK
Today’s Home Buyers:
Concerned about home values
Take their time
Insist on a professional a home inspection
Expect to negotiate findings
Want to buy a home – let’s help them!
No Home Will “Pass or Fail”
A home inspection is one of the most pivotal steps in the home sale process, but it’s not a simple “pass or fail” test. A home inspection should be:
An assessment of the major elements of the property
Performed by a trained professional
An educational opportunity for the home buyer
What Sellers Need to Know
Structural Elements
Exterior
Roof and Attic
Plumbing
Systems and Components
Electrical
Appliances
Garage
Framing, ventilation, roof construction, flashing, and gutters
Pipe materials, toilets, showers, sinks, faucets, and traps
Water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning, duct work, chimney, fireplace, and sprinklers
Main panel, circuit breakers, types of wiring, grounding, exhaust fans, receptacles, ceiling fans, and light fixtures
Dishwasher, range and oven, built-in microwaves, garbage disposal, and smoke detectors
Slab, walls, ceiling, vents, entry, firewall, garage door, openers, lights, receptacles, exterior, windows, and roof
Walls, ceilings, floors, roof, and foundation
Wall covering, landscaping, grading, elevation, drainage, driveways, fencing, sidewalks, fascia, trim, doors, windows, lights, and exterior receptacles
Home inspections generally last two or three hours, and generally cover the following:
Preparing The Home: Set The Stage
There are several things sellers can do to help the home inspection go smoothly, and ensure the best possible outcome:
Repairing or replacing broken, damaged, or missing items such as door knobs, locks and latches, broken window glass,
damaged window screens, and missing chimney flue caps
Cleaning rain gutters and make sure downspouts are properly attached and draining away from foundation
Replacing burned out bulbs and faulty switches
Having all HVAC equipment serviced, and cleaning or replacing air filters
Moving wood or stored items away from the home’s foundation
Preparing the Home to be Inspected
For the convenience of all parties and to keep the deal moving along the home seller should help ensure all the inspections can be done in one visit, without interruption or the need to make a second visit to the home
Confirm utilities (electric, water, gas, fuel oil, etc.) are all on
Pilot lights for water heaters, fireplace logs etc. should be lit
Inform the inspector of any non-functioning systems
Preparing the Home: Final 24 Hours
There are a few things a home seller should do (and not do!) right before the inspection to make things easier for the inspector to complete the inspection:
Don’t use fireplaces and woodstoves; they should be cool and clean for inspection
Pets should be confined or removed from the home for the duration of
the inspection; do not place them in a room or area that will be inspected
Leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher with detergent;
the inspector will run the dishwasher as part of the inspection
Turn off any sensitive electronic equipment
Preparing the Home: The Big Day
On the day of the inspection, make sure the inspector will have access to all major elements and areas of the home:
After the inspection is completed, sellers should make sure that any pre-programmed electronics and alarms that were deactivated have been reset
Unlock or remove locks from gates on fences, closets, or panel doors
Move any stored items away from garage or basement walls
Clear under cabinet areas and sinks for plumbing fixture inspections
Remove items that may restrict access or movement in attic or crawlspace
Make sure the electrical panel is accessible
Deactivate all security alarm systems
What’s Next
After the inspection is completed, the inspector will prepare his or her report and will
answer questions from the buyers regarding any conditions identified. Generally you will
get the results of the inspection, and then need to share the buyer’s feedback.
Getting the Results
Don’t take the report personally; all homes have flaws!
Try not to react rashly; more than any other reason, emotions can cause sales negotiations to fall apart
Focus on next steps and their response to any buyer concerns
When provide the feedback on the inspection results, it’s important to remind your seller to remain objective;
Get Proactive- WHY Wait?
Although many inspections are conducted by potential buyers after an offer has been made, having an inspection performed prior to listing your home can actually help you get to closing more quickly — and with fewer surprises.
In a volatile economic environment, more and more real estate professionals today are recommending that their sellers conduct a pre-
inspection at the time of listing, to identify potential deal-breakers, demonstrate good faith toward buyers, and set
the home apart from others on the market.
Pre-Inspections
A HouseMaster Pre-inspection Will Enable Sellers To:
Address any defects an inspector might find and have them repaired before a potential buyer even sees the house
Eliminate last-minute price negotiating and reduce the possibility of buyers getting cold feet as a result of an inspection uncovering a needed repair
Reassure buyers that what they see is what they get and speed up purchase negotiations
Reinforce the reputation of the listing Realtor, and demonstrate the serious intent of the seller
Highlight the assets of the home, pointing out major systems that have recently been updated, or repairs made
HouseMaster Pre-Inspection
Promoting a home that has been Pre-Inspected will set the home apart from similar listings
HouseMaster provides Pre-Inspected yard signs as well as internet logos to identify your home as pre-inspected
Documentation regarding repairs found on the inspection should be include in the inspection report to highlight your efforts in preparing the home for sale
The HouseMaster report will be uploaded to a password protected website so it’s easy to share when you have an interested buyer
By having your home pre-inspected you significantly reduce the potential for any post sale legal issues on conditions that may develop after closing
HouseMaster: Stands Up to Inspection
HouseMaster is the recognized authority on home inspections. Sellers must select a home inspection company with the credentials to stand up to buyer scrutiny.
Founded in 1979
More than 385 locations in North America
Nearly 2 million home inspections to date
Require E&O insurance
Require annual testing
Back report accuracy with Limited Repair Reimbursement Guarantee*
Provide extensive technical support
*Where Permitted
HouseMaster Tools
Preparing your home seller for the home inspection can go along way:
“How to Pass” Hand out
Interactive Guide to Home Inspections
Onsite then Online Completed Report
Pre-Inspection Program
Referral Liability Protection
NIBI® Inspectors
How WE CAN Help
HouseMaster’s Tools help you prepare your home seller for the home inspection and:
Offer positive approach
Demonstrate value
Avoid disappointment Close the deal!
Reduce anxiety
Thank You!!!
Contact HouseMaster
To locate a qualified home inspector in your area
CALLVISIT
1.800.526.3939www.housemaster.com