As a real estate agent, you know home inspection reports typically include a number of details that can frighten and overwhelm prospective buyers. To help alleviate fears, it’s important to educate your clients so they can make smart buying decisions. Use this guide to help your clients determine which items are deal-breakers, and which are quick fixes.
What is Included
By definition, a home inspection report is a detailed, itemized list prepared by a certified inspector, who identifies deterioration, assesses the condition of home systems and provides recommendations for a buyer. In effect, the home inspection is conducted to unveil any expensive defects unknown to the buyer and seller.
As your client’s representative, you will want to make sure the inspector assesses several key parts of the home, including:
- Exterior: driveway, roof, siding, walkways, doors, steps and decks
- Structure: framing and foundation
- Interior: doors and windows; walls, ceilings and floors; basement and attic
- Electrical and plumbing systems; heating, water supply and drainage; service entrance wires, control panels, fuses and breakers; cooling, heating and ventilation/insulation
Throughout what is typically a four- to five-hour process, the inspector will look for any evidence that a system – such as plumbing – may have caused damage to the walls or ceilings. The inspector will observe the condition of every key element and take notes. If the inspector notices a potentially serious issue, he or she may recommend that you seek further evaluations from an expert – such as a radon inspection or termite inspection.
Although an inspection provides the homeowner with a good idea of the condition of the home, unidentified issues can always arise that the inspector missed. A systems and appliances home warranty may help alleviate Buyer concerns about expensive repairs popping up post closing. As long as the systems and appliances are deemed to be in good working order at the beginning of the service agreement, a home warranty provides comprehensive coverage against unexpected breakdowns in the future.
Interpreting the Report
A home inspection report can come in a variety of forms, including a rating system, checklist or narrative. In most cases, it will include an introduction with dates, definitions, weather conditions, type and age of the building, and the people who were present during the inspection. It will also contain component sections (exterior, interior, roof, etc.) with detailed observations, comments, photos and recommendations. The report will generally conclude with a summary of problems and discoveries, along with areas that require further investigation.
Advising Your Clients
While most every home will have at least a few imperfections, it’s important to advise caution if your client receives an inspection that includes warnings about potential structural damage, serious plumbing issues, electrical problems, radon or any other issue that might lead to substantial repair costs or health risks. You should also make sure that your client has the appropriate contingency clauses in place, so he or she can back out of a deal if an inspector discovers serious problems.
If the home inspector recommends specific repairs or upgrades, such as replacing outdated windows or installing banisters on staircases for safety, you may wish to insert provisions into the contract requesting that the seller make all of the necessary repairs before closing. You and the buyer should also do a final walk through to ensure that the house is in the expected condition before closing.
Again, be sure to get an expert evaluation for issues related to any problems that could lead to high repair costs or health risks. Lastly, you should also remember that real estate agents are legally obligated to act in the best interest of their clients, meaning you can be held legally liable if you fail to discuss a home inspection with your client.
2-10 HBW offers comprehensive Systems and Appliances Home Warranties to help protect your clients from unexpected repair and replacement costs. Contact us to learn more.
