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We're looking to sell our house. Years ago, a realtor suggested that prior to selling we hire a home inspector. That way, if any problems come up, we can get them fixed before selling. In other words, hopefully there wouldn't be any big surprises when the buyer gets their inspection done.
So, today we had an inspector come to the house. He spent 3 hours checking things. We pointed out the obvious to him---that our kitchen needed updating, as the house is 19 years old. This is what he said---he recommended not doing any work in the kitchen and instead of doing that, we should add a deck to the house.
We never did get a deck because where we live (Northern VA), gnats are a huge problem in the summer. So we never could see ourselves ever using a deck. The inspector said that for many buyers, no deck is a deal breaker for them and that an outdated kitchen isn't a deal breaker.
Well, neither kitchen updates or deck additions are really the kind of opinions you hired an inspector to tell you.
What you want to know is, the age and remaining life on the roof, siding, windows, furnace, fireplace. Repairs that need to be made, leaks, defects, safety hazards, and whether your water heater is strapped to the wall. Things that will get flagged on inspection.
If all that was fine, and he can't find one thing that would get flagged about your house, I bet it will sell with or without a deck.
Well, neither kitchen updates or deck additions are really the kind of opinions you hired an inspector to tell you.
What you want to know is, the age and remaining life on the roof, siding, windows, furnace, fireplace. Repairs that need to be made, leaks, defects, safety hazards, and whether your water heater is strapped to the wall. Things that will get flagged on inspection.
If all that was fine, and he can't find one thing that would get flagged about your house, I bet it will sell with or without a deck.
agreed across the board (except the water heater strapping, we don't do that in northern VA)
Fortunately, he didn't find any major problems---thankfully! It was mostly small stuff that can be fixed by hiring a handyman-type company. One thing he did recommend was to hire a landscaper to "grade" the house around the foundation. He said that this wouldn't be extremely costly.
He did make us happy when he said that he noticed right away that we recently replaced the driveway---said it gave the house good curb appeal
Well, neither kitchen updates or deck additions are really the kind of opinions you hired an inspector to tell you.
What you want to know is, the age and remaining life on the roof, siding, windows, furnace, fireplace. Repairs that need to be made, leaks, defects, safety hazards, and whether your water heater is strapped to the wall. Things that will get flagged on inspection.
If all that was fine, and he can't find one thing that would get flagged about your house, I bet it will sell with or without a deck.
and make sure the plumbing and electrical outlets and circuit breaker panels are working.
We're looking to sell our house. Years ago, a realtor suggested that prior to selling we hire a home inspector. That way, if any problems come up, we can get them fixed before selling. In other words, hopefully there wouldn't be any big surprises when the buyer gets their inspection done.
So, today we had an inspector come to the house. He spent 3 hours checking things. We pointed out the obvious to him---that our kitchen needed updating, as the house is 19 years old. This is what he said---he recommended not doing any work in the kitchen and instead of doing that, we should add a deck to the house.
We never did get a deck because where we live (Northern VA), gnats are a huge problem in the summer. So we never could see ourselves ever using a deck. The inspector said that for many buyers, no deck is a deal breaker for them and that an outdated kitchen isn't a deal breaker.
So...do you agree with what he said or disagree?
I disagree but I understand why he did it. It was a pre inspection so to speak not one by a buyer with a contract in hand, so he thought that you would appreciate his opinion, and he may be right, but I would neither update the kitchen nor put a deck, but I would either price is lower or allow a price concession because of that.
Did he check the roof because it you have not had it done in 25 years and it's shingle that can be an issue.
Did he check the roof because it you have not had it done in 25 years and it's shingle that can be an issue.
Yes, he did check. The roof is the original one and is now 19 years old. He said it still had plenty of life in it---same with the heating and air system. The latter we have a service contract with an HVAC company. They come out twice a year to service it.
Of course, the inspector pointed out that if we wait too long to sell, we would, no doubt, have to replace both the heating and air system plus the roof. He said now is a good time to sell for that reason.
Yes, he did check. The roof is the original one and is now 19 years old. He said it still had plenty of life in it---same with the heating and air system. The latter we have a service contract with an HVAC company. They come out twice a year to service it.
Of course, the inspector pointed out that if we wait too long to sell, we would, no doubt, have to replace both the heating and air system plus the roof. He said now is a good time to sell for that reason.
Yes now is a good time, if your buyer gets and FHA loan the house needs to have a few years left, I think 3 to 4.. Your buyer's insurance company may tell them they have to get a new roof in 6 years so it's better to sell now. You may be able to show a potential buyer your home inspection report so they know nothing is wrong with the house and if they may even be able to use your same inspector if he offers them a discount to do their inspection since he's already basically gone thru it.
Wrong.
NOVA is dead between Thanksgiving and New Year's.
Listing in January makes more sense so as to catch the early Spring market.
No to the deck.
No to any updates. With maybe one exception. Improving curb appeal with low-dollar landscaping.
Declutter first.
Deep clean second.
Touch up paint third.
Deep clean fourth.
Hire a stager ($200) to help you use your own furniture in the most auspicious manner.
Interview at least 3 real estate agents and get CMAs from each.
Pick one and go.
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Clean, Did I write clean?
