Passing your home inspection

By Melissa Wirkus

The slowing market is causing all sorts of problems for people who are looking to sell their homes. There is a surplus of homes on the market, and this is making it harder for individual sellers to get rid of their home and into a new one.

If you have recently sold a home or are looking to sell one right now, you know that it is a long and arduous process; full of a lot of paperwork and different appointments.

One of the most important parts of the home selling process is the home inspection. Many people do not focus too much of their attention on the home inspection which is a very terrible and detrimental mistake.

A recent article posted on about.com by Janet Wickell, “Getting through the home inspection,” gives some sound advice on what to expect and prepare for when getting a home inspection.

A home inspection basically looks at every part of your home form the inside to the outside. They test everything from the appliances to the water pressure of your plumbing system.

Home inspectors are very thorough, so make sure you are prepared in advance for their arrival.

“Nearly all home buyers hire a professional home inspector to take a close look at their new house before closing. You can speed things along by analyzing the condition of your home and making necessary repairs now, before the house is under contract.”

One of the things that worry buyers most is mold – it is because some forms of toxic black mold have been making waves in the news lately.

Many people also tend to neglect spaces or things they do not use on a regular basis such as basements or crawlspaces, and these can be a goldmine for mold and mildew.

“Buyers and home inspectors will look closely at the walls and floors for patches of mildew and signs of dampness. The inspector might use a meter to determine how much moisture is present in these spaces, because moisture deteriorates building materials and attracts insects.”

Always fix leaks and other plumbing problems long before the inspection takes place. This will prevent any unnecessary stalls or problems when the inspector arrives.

In addition to the things mentioned above, inspectors will also take a look at the heating and cooling systems to make sure they work properly. Even if it is the dead of winter, blast your air conditioning for a few minutes in advance of the inspection to make sure it is still operating as it should be.

Also, don’t forget about the roof over your head, because inspectors and buyers always seem to notice dilapidated shingles or faded tiles.

Do everything you can to get the house in good condition before you attempt to sell it, but don't be discouraged if the inspection report contains a few negative statements. Home inspectors make note of everything they see.

“Remember that the home inspection report is not a wish-list for buyers. Read your contract carefully--it dictates which systems should be in good working order at closing. If the roof is older, but doesn't leak, it's in good working condition. The same is true for older appliances. Your contract may also state that you are under no obligation to make any repairs at all--although the buyers can then likely withdraw from the contract. Don't feel you must comply with unreasonable demands for repairs.”

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