5 Home Defects to Detect When Homebuying
-5 Home Defects to Detect When Homebuying-
Most homebuyers will want to detect home defects during the homebuying process, but many less-than-perfect homes can sell rapidly in a seller’s market with a low inventory of properties.
As always, our goal is to help both buyers and sellers enjoy a seamless and successful real estate process, during which all sides have a full understanding of a property’s value and condition. With the continued seller’s market across Tampa Bay this fall, we are offering tips for buyers and sellers to identify common home defects and issues to fix.
Easy-to-Spot Issues and Home-Repairs
Sellers, it is often worth your time and money to fix home-repair issues before listing your home for sale. Why? Most homebuyers will want a professional home inspection completed before closing. Also, savvy homebuyers will spot missing items and defects that could financially cost them in the future. Here are five of the most common issues to detect:
- Missing/Faulty Items: Are there any missing appliances or run-down systems like A/C units and water heaters? Buyers would want to note these when budgeting for future home-maintenance costs. Also, take a closer look to check for small things like working smoke detectors. Smoke detectors and alarms are essential safety items in all Tampa Bay homes.
- Visible Flaws: Homebuyers can’t help but notice poor-quality flooring, chipped paint, and other cosmetic issues throughout the interior and exterior of a property. It is also a good idea to look at the caulk and grout in the kitchen and bath areas throughout the home. Interior caulking and sealers are important to prevent water intrusion and mold growth.
- Fixtures Need Fixed: Even an untrained eye can spot fixtures with visual flaws, lights flickering, fans not fanning, and switches not working. Notably, these fixes could be as simple as a bulb replacement, or as complicated as electrical issues requiring an electrician.
- Seals and Barrier Issues: Windows and doors are items that professional home inspectors always examine. It is not uncommon for inspectors to find windows needing better sealant, doors needing adjusting, or both windows and doors needing full replacement.
- Major Issues: Spotting things like a leaky roof, termite damage, plumbing/faucet issues, problems with outlets or electrical panels, mold in certain areas of the home, or cracks in sheet rock should raise a red flag for further inspection by a professional.
Buying Your Dream Home in the Tampa Bay Area
In a competitive bidding market, eager homebuyers may consider waiving contingencies to make their offers more attractive to home sellers. However, our decades of experience have shown us that it is in a buyer’s best interest to have a professional home inspection.
In addition to a home inspection that explores the condition of a home, it is important to know that the lender will require an appraisal by a State licensed appraiser to determine the value of a property. This is done by comparing recently sold homes in proximity to and most like the buyer’s desired new home purchase.
Contact Dick and Karla Nielsen today at 813-294-5786 for expert real estate advice and receive our free booklets to help you before, during, and after your move.
