| Many news reports point to the sub prime lending | | | | really stop a buyer in his tracks. Fortunately, there |
| mess as the cause for the housing slump. But home | | | | are often repair options that will make the sales |
| sellers should know that plenty of people with good | | | | process go smoother. But it will often require another |
| credit are simply cautious buyers, which can keep | | | | inspection by a structural engineer or repair |
| sales down. | | | | professional, and additional time, to determine what |
| In most areas it's a buyer's market, so people can be | | | | can be done. |
| picky. "Most buyers in this market will try to | | | | Synthetic Stucco or Exterior Insulation Finish Systems |
| re-negotiate based on the findings of their home | | | | (EIFS): Overall EIFS can be effective, economical |
| inspection. If the seller is unwilling to make repairs or | | | | alternatives to traditional stucco. Unfortunately |
| lower the price, they may walk away because they | | | | improper installation can lead to trapped moisture |
| know other properties are available," says Kathleen | | | | behind the siding. This can cause structural damage |
| Kuhn, president and CEO of HouseMaster, a leading | | | | and mold, and can cost tens of thousands of dollars |
| national home inspection franchise company. | | | | to correct. |
| But sellers do not have to stand by with their fingers | | | | "Sellers lose some advantage when they are caught |
| crossed to secure a fair sale. | | | | off guard by issues, even minor ones. In a market |
| Sellers must anticipate the concerns of potential | | | | where every edge counts, sellers can use tools like |
| home buyers in order to ensure their homes sell at | | | | pre-listing home inspections and repair records to |
| acceptable prices. To overcome the tough real | | | | show that they are conscientious and have taken |
| estate market, many sellers are turning to pre-listing | | | | appropriate steps to sell responsibly and |
| inspections as a tool for enhancing the salability of | | | | competitively," Kuhn says. |
| their homes in a slow market. | | | | The information provided in a pre-listing inspection |
| "More and more home sellers are getting a pre-listing | | | | report enables the seller to plan a course of action |
| home inspection that helps identify potential | | | | for addressing any conditions found. This way, the |
| deal-breaking issues before the house is listed on the | | | | seller can set his or her home apart from other |
| market," Kuhn says. "This way, sellers can fix | | | | houses available for sale in the area. The inspection |
| problems and worry less about a buyer walking away | | | | report also provides a strong bargaining tool during |
| late in the deal process." | | | | original listing negotiations with the buyer, ensuring a |
| The following four underlying conditions are the most | | | | quicker, more hassle-free sale and smoother closing. |
| common deal killers when it comes to real estate | | | | About HouseMaster |
| transactions: | | | | HouseMaster is the oldest and most respected home |
| Roofing Concerns: A new homeowner does not want | | | | inspection company, with a network of independently |
| the expense of roof replacement shortly after | | | | owned and operated franchises in more than 375 |
| closing. Many sellers believe that if their roof is not | | | | markets across North America. In operation since |
| presently leaking it is in acceptable condition. But an | | | | 1979, HouseMaster has collectively performed nearly |
| astute buyer knows that a worn roof needs to be | | | | 2 million inspections, consistently delivering high quality |
| replaced before it leaks. | | | | service, innovative industry practices, and solid |
| Electrical Problems: Older panels are often undersized | | | | business leadership. For more information, visit |
| and might even pose a fire hazard. Although an | | | | About R.L. Fielding |
| upgrade is usually straightforward, the potential fire | | | | R.L. Fielding has been a freelance writer for 10 years, |
| risk can be scary for prospective buyers. | | | | offering her expertise and skills to a variety of major |
| Structural Issues: Major structural issues are one of | | | | organizations in the education, pharmaceuticals and |
| the least common defects found in homes, but when | | | | healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing |
| they do occur, they can be costly to repair, and can | | | | industries. |