As a real estate professional, clients come to you for expert advice. Know which elements of a buyer's inspection report raise serious questions.
As a real estate professional, clients expect you to provide accurate advice at all stages of the home buying process. They trust your interests, especially when problems arise at the inspection. Inspection results can help your buyers get the home of their dreams or walk away from a money pit they'll regret for years to come. In this article, we'll help you identify the red flags to look out for during a home inspection.
The importance of a home inspection
If you have an anxious client who wants to close the deal as soon as possible, you can suggest skipping the home inspection, as it is still not that common in Spain. But skipping a home inspection is never a good idea. During the inspection, the client has the opportunity to discover the true value of the home and whether it is worth making such a significant investment.
You may find repairs that reduce the value of the home or void the deal altogether. With an inspection report in hand, it can help you gain negotiating leverage and make a smart decision on one of the most important purchases of your life.
Knowledgeable Purchasing
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10 common red flags in home inspections
You may know the ins and outs of the real estate industry, but when it comes to home inspections, what should you look for to help your client? Where can dangerous and costly problems be hiding? The following list includes ten red flags on the exterior and interior of the home.
Possible signs of hidden defects on the exterior of the house
The roof
Roof replacement can be one of the most costly repairs for a homeowner. Does the roof appear to be well maintained? Are there flat areas where water collects? Are shingles missing? When was the roof replaced previously? Problems here can be a serious issue.
Foundations
The entire house rests on the foundation, and repairs are often neither easy nor affordable. Did the inspector notice any uneven areas? Any major cracks? Sunken areas? Evidence of moisture? A solid foundation is essential to a good business.
Windows and doors
Windows and doors can be replaced, but not without significant expense. Do they open and close smoothly? Do they seal tightly? Windows and doors that don't keep out the elements can lead to expensive energy bills and even more significant damage elsewhere.
Gutters
Water damage is always a critical problem, and gutters are surprisingly important. Make sure that the gutters are properly connected to the roof and that the downspouts push water away from the foundation of the house in a gradual slope.
Pests
Termites and other wood-destroying organisms can quickly destroy wood siding and structural components. The same can be said for squirrels, mice or rats that chew through wires and build nests in walls. The presence of pests can cause headaches for years.
Possible alarm signals inside the house
- Electrical: Electrical problems are often serious red flags in inspections. Outdated wiring may require total replacement for a home to be safe to occupy. In addition, old wiring does not always accommodate large, modern appliances. Using appliances with fuses that do not fit them is very dangerous.
- Mold: Mold and water leaks often occur together, and neither is a good sign. While some types of mold are harmless and can be removed without problems, others can cause respiratory problems or aggravate symptoms for allergy or asthma sufferers. Any major type of mold should be treated before your clients move in.
- Plumbing: Replacing the mechanism of a constantly running toilet is quick and inexpensive. Replacing pipes that are not insulated and burst in freezing temperatures? Not so much. Also check for lead pipes. In Spain, lead pipes were banned in 1980 in new housing, and since 2002, lead pipes have been required by law to be removed in any construction, but they are common in houses built before that date. As for plumbing, there should be a sewer check that can identify problems such as roots growing through the pipes or a "belly" through which water does not drain properly.
- Appliances: Outdated appliances are not a cause for concern. The most expensive appliances are furnaces, water heaters and air conditioners. Replacing or repairing these appliances can cost tens of thousands of dollars and may require tearing out walls or ceilings. In addition, improperly maintained gas appliances can expose homeowners to deadly carbon monoxide gas.
- Insulation and asbestos: Asbestos seems like a problem of the past, but it is quite common in homes built before 1980. In fact, this carcinogenic insulating material can be found even in things as simple as popcorn ceilings. While it can be safely removed, it requires costly, professional removal that may be beyond what a client wants to assume.
Revicasa is your trusted partner for home inspections
We know that as a real estate professional, you want a thorough inspection that helps your clients detect both minor and major problems. When you're looking for a trusted partner for your home inspection, turn to Revicasa. We have more than 15 years of experience in judicial appraisals and supervision of renovation work.
Revicasa's home inspectors perform an inspection of more than 170 evaluation points to provide you with an accurate understanding of the current condition of the property. Within 24 hours of completing the inspection, we will provide you with an industry-leading Revicasa report detailing the condition of all major systems and components, as well as useful information such as the location of valves and manholes.
Revicasa is a trusted partner to countless real estate professionals. Contact us today to schedule a home inspection for your client or for more information about our inspection services.