Today, there are many homeowners in precarious positions, financially or otherwise. Some must sell ASAP! Do some occasionally become flexible with the truth, inadvertently or not, to that buyer that falls in love with their home? Or do some just forget about a problem lingering in the home? Hopefully not, but unfortunately some do.
“Oh, no, I don’t know what those stains on the ceiling are, but the roof has never leaked.”
“No, we have never flooded here.”
“Electric bills, oh this house is completely energy efficient.”
Today, it is important for buyers to be proactive and do a good bit of research on their own, before considering the purchase of a home!
This is especially important on homes being sold in AS IS condition. And what about foreclosures? THERE ARE NO SELLERS, so it is important to be extra cautious.
Typically, in the sale of a home, a seller is required to fill out a Sellers Property Disclosure indicating any problem areas that a home may have. These items may include items that can be seen and especially items that cannot be seen by the naked eye.
It is always recommended that a buyer request and pay for a home inspection through a certified licensed contractor, before proceeding ahead with their financing on the home. Have him go through the home with a fine tooth comb, and check for any problems.
Have your home inspector look at that roof to see if there is a problem leak. If needed, have a licensed roofer check the integrity of the roof.
Here in Florida, REALTORS recommend that homeowners get termite inspections on a property they are considering buying. Our soil here in Florida is conducive to termites. We often kid, and say that, ‘In Florida, it’s not if you get termites, it’s when you get termites.’ Termites cause billions of dollars in damage a year.
A licensed pest control inspector can determine if there are termites in a home. They can also see if a home has previously been treated for termites. If it has, go back and ask for the previous history of the termites. Where they just treated? Are there receipts showing where the damaged wood or studs were fixed or replaced? Were pictures taken of the repair work?
What about the area? Is it quiet? How are the neighbors? What about the quality of the schools?
Check these items out for yourself. Do your own homework. Go door to door and talk to the neighbors. Drive the neighborhood first thing in the morning, after dinner and over the weekend. Do your own research. Call the school system and visit the schools and see for yourself.
In the current buyer’s market sellers are often facing long market times, with few potential buyers. Occasionally sellers inadvertently forget to mention a problem with the home that could potentially cost the buyer thousands in the future. The time to find out about these items, is BEFORE you purchase the home, not AFTER. Then, it’s too late.
And, don’t forget to do your final walk through inspection on the home you are purchasing a couple of hours before you go and sign the closing documents.