| When you are ready to put your home up for sale, be advised that the market is very competitive. One plan that may help you sell your home is a pre-listing home inspection. Any problems that exist can be dealt with or readily expressed to the consumer before they become an issue at closing. Having an inspection report from a skilled professional can put cautious buyers at ease and provide compelling proof of your disclosure statement. A pre-listing inspection can also be a great basis to judge your home's value. Be aware that the lowest bidder is not always the best choice, especially when it comes to home inspections. Be extra cautious if you live in a state that does not require a home inspector to be licensed. Many people in the construction trade do home inspections on the side to make ends meet. While a person with experience in construction is an excellent candidate for this profession, further education, licensing and bonding should be on your list of requirements. Employ someone who has experience with all areas of construction and upkeep. A well qualified person will have a complimentary balance of both education, training, and first-hand experience. More sophisticated home inspectors may use software that has been specifically designed for the trade. Ask any prospective inspector what elements of the property will be included in the inspection. They should include the roof, basement or foundation, heating and cooling system, water heater, plumbing, electrical and the structural integrity of the home. The minimum time that should be dedicated to your home is two hours and the report on your home's condition should be no less than ten pages. A good home inspector will encourage the homeowner to join the evaluation of the home. If the contractor you are speaking with does not allow this or this person states that the report or the actual inspection should take less time and effort than specified, you might consider using someone else. Verify the format of the report and how long it will take to prepare. If you use a company instead of an individual, make sure that the person performing the inspection will have all of the qualification advertised. Proof of training and insurance should be researched. Make sure that they carry liability and omission insurance in case there is a discrepancy in the disclosure statement. Contaminants like asbestos and lead usually will need to be handled by a professional with recognized expertise. In fact, your state may require the employment of an expert. Although it may seem counterintuitive to get a home inspection before you put your property up for sale, it will boost your credibility as a homeowner. A pre-listing home inspection can also provide you with plenty of time to fix problems before they culminate in a lost sale. Using a competent and qualified inspector can also provide you with peace of mind that your home is a safe and fully operational place to stay with your family in the meantime. |
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