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Home-sellers can assess basic issues of their home to spot potential
problems prior to putting their home on the market.
Mold & Mildew
Mildew stains and odors scare buyers. Even if the mold in your
house is not the toxic black mold (stachybotrys chartarum) take
care of it immediately. Kill the
mold and mildew and fix the source of the problem.
Wet Basements & Crawlspaces
Mildew odors signal that a basement is too moist. Buyers and inspectors
will look closely at the walls and floors for patches of mildew
and signs of dampness. Moisture
deteriorates building materials and attracts insects. Cover exposed earth in basements and crawl spaces with plastic
to help keep moisture levels down.
The Roof & Its Neighbors
Deteriorated shingles or other roof coverings are one of the first
things home buyers and home inspectors notice. If the elements
underneath the shingles are moist or rotted, you can bet repairs
will be requested.
Clean the gutters and make sure downspouts are positioned so that
water runs away from the house.
Flashing around the base of chimneys should be watertight. Mortar
and bricks should be in good condition.
Plumbing Problems
Fix leaks and clogs long before the home inspection takes place.
The inspector will check water pressure by turning on multiple
faucets and flushing toilets at the same time. Appliances such
as dishwashers and clothes washers will be tested, too. Leaks
and clogs will be apparent during these checks.
The home inspector might check the septic system. During one method
dyes are flushed down a stool. The inspector waits to see if the
dye surfaces on the drainfield, indicating a drainage problem.
Inadequate or Inferior Electrical Systems
The electrical panel and circuit breaker configuration should be
adequate for the needs of the house. A 125 amp electrical panel
works for most homes. Individual circuits should not be overloaded.
The inspector will look for receptacles with ground fault circuit
interrupters (GFI) in bathrooms and kitchens.
These receptacles have little test-reset buttons on them. The
home inspector will likely make sure the receptacles are what they
appear to be, and not "dummies" that aren't wired to
work.
Some of the grounded receptacles (with 3-pronged plugs) will be
checked too.
Other Systems
The inspector will check the heating and cooling systems, making
sure they work and commenting about their efficiency. The inspector
will take a close look at the structure and foundation. All appliances
will be checked. The inspection report will include details about
smoke detectors.
Before the Inspection
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 negative statements. Home inspectors make note
of everything they see. No home is perfect.
Remember that the home inspection report is not a wish-list for
buyers. Read your contract carefully--it probably states which
systems should be in good working order at closing. For instance,
if the roof is older, but doesn't leak, it is in good working order.
If there's a leak, and fixing just the leak is possible, the roof
will be in good working order.
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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Home Seller Basics
