I'm often asked ... what's the best thing I can do to make sure that my home closes with the least hassle?
My answer: Get an Inspection First!
If you're thinking of selling ... consider a pre-listing home inspection. You will benefit so much from a thorough evaluation by a professional inspector to help get your property into tip-top shape. Sure, it’s tempting for you to assume that they know everything about your home’s condition. But even people living in a house for 25 years may not realize they’ve been living with a dangerous electrical outlet or plumbing leaks. Taking care of problems early offers a competitive edge.
Buyers are going to do the same thing and get an inspection anyways you might say ... I'll just have to pay for it too! Some may think that but actually many buyers won't get that far if they themselves find deficiencies in the house and may not present an offer. They'll often think that a house that has maintenance issues must have bigger issues too.
Secondly, there is this phenomenon with buyers I affectionately call "over reacting." Let's say that there is a problem with the roof -- they'll often say that they aren't interested in pursuing the property even though they love everything else about it. So as a seller you lose that prospect. The other alternative might be to say that they want a credit at closing. Not too bad you might say as you were expecting to have to pay out something anyways. Here's the problem though -- often the estimate that the buyer comes up with is at least 1.5 times to 2 times what the fix should cost. For example the buyer doesn't know that a toilet is only $70 at Lowe's -- they figure it has to cost about $300!
So, if you can find out about these problems ahead of time and spend the small dollars up front ... you'll save bigger ones and more importantly save deals down the road!
My answer: Get an Inspection First!If you're thinking of selling ... consider a pre-listing home inspection. You will benefit so much from a thorough evaluation by a professional inspector to help get your property into tip-top shape. Sure, it’s tempting for you to assume that they know everything about your home’s condition. But even people living in a house for 25 years may not realize they’ve been living with a dangerous electrical outlet or plumbing leaks. Taking care of problems early offers a competitive edge.
Buyers are going to do the same thing and get an inspection anyways you might say ... I'll just have to pay for it too! Some may think that but actually many buyers won't get that far if they themselves find deficiencies in the house and may not present an offer. They'll often think that a house that has maintenance issues must have bigger issues too.
Secondly, there is this phenomenon with buyers I affectionately call "over reacting." Let's say that there is a problem with the roof -- they'll often say that they aren't interested in pursuing the property even though they love everything else about it. So as a seller you lose that prospect. The other alternative might be to say that they want a credit at closing. Not too bad you might say as you were expecting to have to pay out something anyways. Here's the problem though -- often the estimate that the buyer comes up with is at least 1.5 times to 2 times what the fix should cost. For example the buyer doesn't know that a toilet is only $70 at Lowe's -- they figure it has to cost about $300!
So, if you can find out about these problems ahead of time and spend the small dollars up front ... you'll save bigger ones and more importantly save deals down the road!
If you'd like recommendations ... call me at 585-645-1258 or e-mail at Mike@MikeWalkerHomes.com
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