OAKVILLE NEIGHBOURHOODS AND HOME PRICES
OAKVILLE NEIGHBOURHOODS AND HOME PRICES
Home Inspection Issues Sellers May Face
As the Seller, it is in your own financial interest to be proactive and resolve home inspection issues now. It is better to spend some money and have key issues fixed than to lose the Buyer and languish on the market.
Here are main issues that Sellers have to respond to from a Buyer Home Inspection:
Basement Cracks and Past Leaks: These are very common -after all this is a cold climate. Many new basements develop cracks just after the warranty period has expired. Many finished basements smell musty because there is or has been water infiltration behind the wallboard surfaces. Home inspectors are trained to red-flag basement cracks on non-partition walls. Also home inspectors use moisture meters in finished basements to find any areas of concern. The Seller should repair any leaks in an unfinished basement. Past leaks or musty odours in older finished basements require full disclosure and proactive approach – these will reduce your sale value range unless fully addressed.
Side Yards Sloping toward Foundations: Land settling is common adjacent to older homes. The inspector will pick this up right away and caution Buyers that water penetration to the basement may result. If settling is significant, fix it before going on the market – Buyers will not look forward to fixing it themselves and will reduce their offer price accordingly!
Unsafe and Out-of-Date Electrical Systems: All homes should have a minimum 100 Amp service. The Buyer will expect the Seller to repair loose wires, incorrectly installed or wired receptacles, switches or electrical box problems.
Clogged Gutters: The home inspector will go going up on your roof and will see right away if your gutters are draining correctly. Cleaning your gutters is wise thing to do before you go on the market!
Plumbing Not Fully Operational: Faucets should run easily and shut off completely, bathtubs should be properly caulked and grouted, toilets should be bolted down securely, drains should be clog free, and the water heater should be in good working order. Ensure old leaks have been properly fixed.
Heating/Cooling System Not Fully Operational: Schedule that inspection if it has been a long time, install new filters. Resolve safety issues. Make sure windows open easily and lock securely, and entrances/exits can be securely locked. Correct hazards such as protruding interlock on front walks, frost-heaved curbs and loose railings on stairs.
The home inspector will of course investigate the amount of insulation in your home and the state of your windows and advise the Buyer on needed upgrades and replacement timeframes.
I am familiar with what buyers and other Realtors expect to see in terms of the condition of a home within various price ranges. I will be open and honest with you about what needs to be done. You then can better judge whether to make any expenditure.
Here are main issues that Sellers have to respond to from a Buyer Home Inspection:
Basement Cracks and Past Leaks: These are very common -after all this is a cold climate. Many new basements develop cracks just after the warranty period has expired. Many finished basements smell musty because there is or has been water infiltration behind the wallboard surfaces. Home inspectors are trained to red-flag basement cracks on non-partition walls. Also home inspectors use moisture meters in finished basements to find any areas of concern. The Seller should repair any leaks in an unfinished basement. Past leaks or musty odours in older finished basements require full disclosure and proactive approach – these will reduce your sale value range unless fully addressed.
Side Yards Sloping toward Foundations: Land settling is common adjacent to older homes. The inspector will pick this up right away and caution Buyers that water penetration to the basement may result. If settling is significant, fix it before going on the market – Buyers will not look forward to fixing it themselves and will reduce their offer price accordingly!
Unsafe and Out-of-Date Electrical Systems: All homes should have a minimum 100 Amp service. The Buyer will expect the Seller to repair loose wires, incorrectly installed or wired receptacles, switches or electrical box problems. Clogged Gutters: The home inspector will go going up on your roof and will see right away if your gutters are draining correctly. Cleaning your gutters is wise thing to do before you go on the market!
Plumbing Not Fully Operational: Faucets should run easily and shut off completely, bathtubs should be properly caulked and grouted, toilets should be bolted down securely, drains should be clog free, and the water heater should be in good working order. Ensure old leaks have been properly fixed.
Heating/Cooling System Not Fully Operational: Schedule that inspection if it has been a long time, install new filters. Resolve safety issues. Make sure windows open easily and lock securely, and entrances/exits can be securely locked. Correct hazards such as protruding interlock on front walks, frost-heaved curbs and loose railings on stairs.
The home inspector will of course investigate the amount of insulation in your home and the state of your windows and advise the Buyer on needed upgrades and replacement timeframes.
I am familiar with what buyers and other Realtors expect to see in terms of the condition of a home within various price ranges. I will be open and honest with you about what needs to be done. You then can better judge whether to make any expenditure.
