PRE-LISTING INSPECTIONS

1. When you hire a home inspector, there are a number of questions that they may ask you to help determine the value of your home. Each state requires a certain minimum value, but many home inspectors will use their own personal estimate as the basis for their price. The following information will answer the most common questions that home inspectors ask you and help you prepare. What is the condition of the house needs to be in order to sell? Every home needs to meet the same standards of design and maintenance that other homes in the area have. However, some areas do not have the same design or upkeep as other areas. If you have concerns about the condition of your home, you may want to visit the neighborhood before purchasing the home. What are the necessary repairs that need to be made? A home inspector can determine if you have any repairs that you can save money on and that can be performed by yourself. They will also be able to tell you what repairs need to be done immediately. Do you need an architect to review your home and provide you with an architectural restoration? This is not a very common request that a home inspector makes, but if it is needed, the inspector should make sure that the person selected has experience in this field. The inspector will also be able to tell you if your home meets the architectural standards of your neighborhood. How often should the inspector do inspections? As with other inspections, a home inspector should inspect the property on a regular basis. Most home inspectors suggest at least three times per year; however, some will recommend a schedule that may be different than the one that you have. How would the house look like if you could not see into the house? Does the house require exterior wall coverings? A good home inspector will work with you to determine whether your house requires a couple of coats of paint or if it can be cleaned without causing damage to the outside. Will I need to purchase additional carpeting? Often, homeowners find that they cannot justify spending the extra money on a new carpet. The inspector can help you determine if the price of a new carpet is worth the added expense to your home. Will my neighbors complain about the noise that the house makes when it is active? When you buy a home, you usually do not consider the noise that the home will produce while it is being sold. A good home inspector will help you determine if the noise will cause your neighbors to feel uneasy about their health. Noise pollution is an issue. How does the state in which the home is located currently fit into the seller's market? In some states, a property will sell much faster if it is located near a state park. It is important that the state that the home is located in is one that has low population density and that it is not a hotbed of crime. What is the condition of the bathroom and kitchen, as left by the previous owner? Every home should have a clean and efficient bathroom and kitchen that are well-maintained. However, these rooms are often overlooked when a home sells because it does not make good sense to make repairs for a home that will be occupied for years to come. Are there any obstacles that will prevent the buyer from moving quickly in a buyer's market? If the value of the home in question is higher than the asking price, the seller will want to make sure that annual inspections the home has not been vandalized. They will also want to make sure that there are no fire hazards, or other obstacles towards selling the home on time or in an expedient manner. By using this list of frequently asked questions, you will be prepared to answer all of the questions that your home inspector asks you. You should also consider taking notes on what they ask, so that you can better prepare for your home inspection. Do not worry if you miss a question; an experienced home inspector will know when to ask the questions that are necessary to your inspection. If you are in the Southern California area and you are looking for an experienced and certified home inspector, there is no better company than KamNorth Home Inspections. Visit their website at https://www.kamnorth.com/ to talk to these experienced professionals. You will be happy that you did!