News & Info

Neelly Realty Services

Appraisal • Inspection • Consultation

www.TypicalBuyer.com

Amsouth Main Building, 2^nd Floor

Downtown Tupelo

Post Office Box 1492 • Tupelo, Mississippi 38802

Phone: 662-840-1935 • Facsimile: 662-840-0858

Toll-Free: 1-888-834-1935

E-mail: Info@TypicalBuyer.com

	Pre-listing Inspections 1. As home inspections become more frequent and more popular, the trend is also towards a rising number of pre-listing inspections. In addition to buyers requesting home inspections to identify potential problems and to increase peace of mind, some lenders now require home inspections.Realtors and sellers are recognizing the benefits of obtaining a pre-listing home inspection in order to identify and address potential deal-killing problems. Agents invest a great deal of time, money, and energy into advertising and showing a home, and a pre-listing inspection can help insure that a home is ready to market. Listing agents and sellers are realizing that a pre-listing inspection is a proactive approach to successfully marketing, showing, and selling a home. No agent or seller likes to be in the position to react to negative inspection findings in a report obtained by a potential buyer. Home inspectors advise sellers and listing agents to obtain a pre-listing inspection, and often suggest appropriate courses of action for preparing the house for sale. A pre-listing inspection enables the agent to hang out a "Pre-Inspected Home" sign. Selling agents find this to be attraction to prospective buyers. Why should an agent needlessly invest time and money only to have the buyer's or lender's inspector discover a major defect that delays, or at worst, voids the deal? There are pros and cons to pre-listing inspections of which all parties should be aware: Con: Once the realtor is made aware of a defect, most states' laws require full disclosure. Pro: Inevitably, a good inspection will locate many major defects (e.g., roof, structure, HVAC, defective materials such as polybutylene, EIFS and aluminum wiring). Many of these items may become critical issues, so it is best to be proactive rather than reactive. Inspectors recommend that the seller or agent take an active stance and identify, and in some cases, repair items or provide a statement of "proper operation or certification" by an appropriate contractor. These steps may ease the anxiety of buying a house with potential problems. Sellers typically feel more at ease, as everything is being disclosed. Buyers are comforted knowing that a seller with a history of taking care of the house is in the scope of the deal. Con: What if they buyer decides to get a second inspection and finds other problems? Pro: First, home inspectors find that most buyers accept the original inspection (if it is a fair and thorough inspection). If another inspector finds additional concerns, they are typically fewer and minor. A second inspection often helps to affirm the buyer's confidence in the condition of the home. Although two inspectors may view the house differently, in most cases the major concerns will be identified by both. More and more sellers are offering a warranty with the house, and pre-listing inspections are just the next extension to this process. Inspectors can recommend that radon, well, and septic inspections be part of the package. Preparing A House for A Home Inspection Many of these items may be taken care of with little or no cost. Some of these items will indicate to the Home Inspector and Buyer, that the house has been maintained. 1. Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding. Preferably 6 or more inches of clearance. 2. Clean out dirty gutters or debris from the roof. 3. Divert all water away from house, i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation drain, etc. Grade should slope away from structure. Clean out basement entry drains. 4. Trim trees, roots and bushes back from foundation, roof, siding, and chimney. 5. Paint all weathered exterior wood, and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows and doors. 6. Seal asphalt driveways if cracking. 7. Seal or point up masonry chimney caps. Install metal fluecap. 8. Clean or replace HVAC filter. Clean dirty air returns and plenum. 9. Point up any failing mortar joints in brick or block. 10. Test all smoke detectors, install CO detectors if needed. 11. Update attic ventilation if none is present. 12. Clean & service chimney, fireplace, or woodstove (provide a copy for buyer). 13. Seal masonry walls in basement if old stains are present.. 14. Don't do quick cheap repairs, i.e. (giant caulk repairs) this will clue in an Inspector that amateur work has been done and will tend to make him/her look closer at the house. 15. Put all windows and doors in proper operating condition, including any cracked windows. 16. Put all plumbing fixtures, toilet, tub, shower, sinks, in proper working condition. Look for any visible leaks. 17. Install GFCI receptacles near all appropriate areas, test all present GFCI receptacles for proper operation. 18. Check sump pump for proper operation and inspect condition of crock (pit) and drain-tile if present. 19. Replace any burned out light bulbs. 20. Remove rotting wood, firewood from contact with house. 21. Proper grading recommended under deck, filter cloth and gravel. 22. Peroxide in sump pump or condensate drain will reduce odors and bacteria. 23. Caulk all exterior wall penetrations. 24. Caulk all tub/shower fixtures. 25. Caulk along tub/floor, tub/walls, tub/shower/glass doors. 26. Check that crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapor barrier. Remove any visible moisture from crawlspace. Moisture levels in wood should be below 20%, to deter rot and mildew. 27. Check that bath vents are properly vented. 28. Remove paints, solvents, gas, etc. from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch, etc. 29. Check that toilets are secure to floor. 30. Check that toilet are not condensating or cracked. 31. Where windows are at or below grade install window wells and covers. 32. Remove grade from contact with foundation vents. 33. Have clear access to all attic, crawlspace, heat systems, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected. 34. If house is vacant be sure all utilities are turned on: • Water• Electric • Water Heater • Furnace / Air Conditioning • Breakers in main panel 35. Be aware of product failures such as; EIFS (Synthetic Stucco), Aluminum Wiring, Polybutylene, FPE Panels, (Federal Pacific Stab-Lok) and Omega Sprinlker Heads, FRT Plywood. Have your house pre-inspected by Neelly Realty Services to reduce the chance of last minute surprises and expenses. Call now! 662-840-1935 (office), (toll free): 1-888-834-1935. (Cell Phone) 662-871-5770 ---------- NEELLY REALTY SERVICES (662)840-1935 431 West Main Street TUPELO,MS 38804 ed@typicalbuyer.com www.typicalbuyer.com