What You Can Do if you Get Bad Home Inspection Results

Home inspections come with a nervous feeling of "what if," with the results potentially scaring away an interested buyer. Although home inspections are required, they should not be a step in the process you stress over. Remind yourself to stay relaxed and calm during the inspection, knowing you are equipped to tackle any results. At Choice Properties, we know the anxious feeling associated with the process, so we created a list of what you can do if you get bad home inspection results.

Be Prepared

Although you should not always expect the worse, being prepared for shocking news allows you to mentally process in a healthy way. Going into the inspection knowing you have physically and mentally prepared will let you welcome the results in a breeze. It can be hard to stay patient during this process as you are one step closer to selling to a potential buyer, but repairing any damages or concerns without rushing will ensure a promising reward.

Repair As Needed

When receiving a bad report, your mind is probably running circles wondering where to start. Take each project with a grain of salt, and remember to discuss with your trusted realtor and interested home buyer to develop a plan of action. If you agree to help the buyer with repairs, it is common to have them waive liability for later problems in exchange.

Even if you are surprised by the inspection findings, it's best to keep quiet until the buyer has presented you with a request of repairs or price reduction. The potential home buyers may not interpret the report as negativity as you do, saving you the stress and effort. If the buyer is interested in resolving the issues, schedule a chat with your realtor to review and discuss standard negotiating.

Selling your home the easiest way possible comes with learning to accept what you cannot control. Don't get ahead of any repairs before speaking to your realtor and determining a logical solution.

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your dream home search today.

2014 was a relatively strong year for real estate across the farm belt and greater Midwest.  However, the National Association of Home Builders predicts 2015 will be even stronger for single-family homes, despite the continued rise of mortgage rates.  While the recovery seems to be delayed in many states, Ohio is noticing a resurgence of interest in homes and available land.  In the meantime, let's focus on the standard best practices that have kept us strong for decades.

It's the Little Things

The best possible presentation of a house is necessary to capture an eager buyer's eye.  Little things like trimming the bushes near the front door, changing out old welcome mats, and de-cluttering closets and shelves will add to an already well-prepared home. 

Take Notes

If you're a buyer looking at the home options available on the market, you're probably seeing several properties a day.  In this situation it's helpful to keep a notebook on you and make notes on the properties you visit.  Pros and Cons for each house will help you make a decision later on.

Sell for Spring

The winter months are over so it's time to start thinking springtime at your home.  Fresh flowers are always a nice touch for highlighting the rebirth of warm weather and add color and life to the rooms of your home.  Spring cleaning is important, especially to wash away the salt brine from the winter roads and the clutter that accumulates while we're hibernating. Take advantage of the smiles brought on by the sunshine.  

Transparency is Trust

A smart home buyer is going to hire an inspector or two to investigate the quality and possible problems with a property so it behooves sellers to be forthright with the state of the home.  Don't try to hide anything because buyers will assume you're hiding even more.  Try to get minor fixes out of the way like plumbing leaks and paint jobs.

We're all hopeful this year on both sides of the real estate market so let's keep the enthusiasm rolling and make this a great year for home buyers and sellers!

Buying a new home in the Logan County area is an exciting new step in your life and we're here to help you through that process, side-by-side.  While our award-winning real estate agents always help you spot potential problems before you commit, it's always good to be a well-informed home buyer.  Here are ten things you should look for when shopping new homes.

1. Foundations & Structure

The walls and flooring should be solid and properly enforced.  Note any bowing or give in the frame or floors that might indicate structural damage.  Cracks in the corners of doorways are signs of a shifting or weak foundation.

2. Roofing

Make sure you're getting a new or decently kept roof.  It shouldn't be missing shingles or sagging in the middle. 

3. Water Flow

Be aware of where water accumulates in the area and any runoff that may affect your yard or property.  Does the ground slope away from the house?  Do the gutters and rain spouts properly route rainwater away from the home and into proper drainage ditches?

4. Electrical Wiring

Make sure you'll have enough power outlets and that the wiring has been well maintained.  Frayed wires or an outdated fuse box can cause problems down the road.

5. Plumbing

Make sure there are no leaks or plumbing issues at any faucets or pipes, which should be un-rusted copper.  Check the condition of the water heater.  Gas water heaters are often more efficient than electric. 

6. Heating

Check the quality of the furnace and air conditioner to make sure the house is properly heated and cooled in all rooms. 

7. Insulation

One of the best ways to save money is proper insulation in the home to maintain temperatures year round.  Check the attic for adequate fiberglass insulation and all the doors and windows too.

8. Kitchen & Bath Fixtures

Try the various faucets, shower heads, and toilets to make sure everything operates properly with adequate water pressure.

9. Fireplaces

The fireplace is a potential source of danger so make sure there are screens or doors on the front and the chimney is properly cleaned.

10. Details

Paint and wood craftsmanship are important for the long run so inspect every room for the details of the design and structure.  Loose pieces of trim or peeling paint is something to point out to your real estate agent.