As we all know, the term "caveat emptor" no longer applies to the purchase of any real estate. In today s market the buyer not only needs to know but has a right to know of existing or potential problems with his future home. That is why astute home buyers are turning to home inspectors for a professional Inspection. However, the findings of such inspections can result in a great deal of wasted time spent by the brokers and sellers and might even cause buyers to change their minds about buying the house. Is there anything a broker can do to avoid the consequences of an unfavorable inspection report? Most certainly. Brokers should have the sellers inform them of any previous or present defects; for example, problems with septic tank / system, a leaking roof, water penetration into the basement and other major structural or mechanical defects, etc., should be divulged. Records of repair costs should be made available to interested parties. The broker should inspect visually for any obvious faults. Defects such as peeling paint, rotting gutters, defective chimneys and other such visible flaws should be brought to the owner s attention. All necessary repairs should be made prior to the sale. Finally, a home inspector should be hired to make a pre-sale inspection which will provide additional insights into present or future problems. This inspection differs from a regular one only in that it is done for the seller rather than the buyer. It takes the usual two to three hours to complete. The importance of an inspection cannot be overstated. An alert inspector for the seller will be able to point out defects that a buyer s inspector may find, which in turn will enable the broker and client to take steps toward correcting them before the sale. Being forewarned is truly being forearmed. A pre-listing inspection:
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