Selling a house takes a lot of preparation, and it can be easy to get lost in the tiny details of things that need to be fixed. That’s why it’s easy for a house seller to lose sight of the bigger picture—aka the bigger house issues that need fixing.
This oversight can easily lead to losing a sale opportunity or a significant reduction in your asking price. To avoid that, you need to make sure certain areas of your home are in good condition by the time a home inspector arrives.
These are the things you should pay attention to when you’re preparing to sell your home:
The Foundation
The foundation is key to your home’s integrity, and if there are any issues with it, it can be a big factor for losing a sale or having to reduce your asking price. The repairs required for any cracks or shifts in the foundation can be costly, which is why buyers won’t be eager to make an offer for a house with any of these. Structural issues should always be addressed as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary. That keeps your expenses from blowing up, and you can easily earn back the money through your house sale.
The Drainage System
The drainage system is another home factor you’ll want to focus on. If there are any leaks, clogged gutters, or misplaced downspouts, they can be huge bargaining chips for buyers to lower your asking price. They would be right to hold that, too, because these issues shouldn’t be present during a house sale. Luckily, drainage issues can be easily repaired, and it won’t cost you much as long as you address the problem early on.
The Roofing
Most homeowners don’t give their roofs a second thought, but if you’re selling your house, you can’t afford to make that mistake. It’ll be worth your while to check on the condition of your house’s roof before a home inspector arrives because any problems with it could significantly affect your chances of making a great sale. Insurance companies aren’t likely to insure a home with worn-out roofing either because it’s a great potential risk. That’s why you should double-check whether your roof is in good condition.
The Electrical
If your home leans towards the older side, your electricals may need some updating. With all the developments in technology, old electrical systems are at great risk of being a fire hazard, which can become a major problem when you’re presenting your home to potential buyers. Everyone wants updated electricals, and nobody wants to go through the trouble of handling that task, which is why doing it yourself will give you a leg up in the market.
House Pests and Other Infestations
You may be adamant that your house doesn’t have any house pests or other infestations, but it’s worth the money to hire a professional who can double-check that for you. The last thing you want is to have potential buyers discover a pest problem in the middle of a house tour. You should also check for any mold infestations because these are considered highly hazardous to people’s health.
Conclusion
When you’re preparing your home for a sale, it’s important not to get too caught up in the details and pay attention to the bigger parts of the house, where a home inspector will immediately check for problems. These areas of the home are so important that it’s worth hiring your own inspector to do a full inspection just to make sure your house passes all the necessary standards.
Let’s Do It Home Inspections offers home inspection services in Birmingham, AL. If you need high-quality inspections, contact our team today.