Home Inspector Finds That Can Negatively Impact A Sale
A major piece of a home sale is getting the property inspected, and although it's optional, having one performed is wise. A home inspector's job is to discover hidden problems in a home for sale and make the buyer aware of them. Once the buyer knows of any repairs the house needs, he or she can negotiate those repairs with the seller and the seller may agree to pay for some or all of those repairs. If major problems are discovered -- like structural damage -- or if the seller refuses to negotiate, the buyer can walk away from the sale losing only his deposit. Read on for some of the major things a home inspector could find in a home that could derail the sale process.
Toxic Mold
Mold is a tricky thing because it can develop inside walls or in other places where a home inspector can't reach. A home inspector will, however, check for mold on obvious places, like around pipes, and will watch for signs of water damage in the home, like warped flooring or water stains on the wall. A musty smell also is a sign of mold presence. A home inspector doesn't have to search for mold, but if he or she suspects it, the home buyer can get a mold inspection done. If mold is present in the house, the home buyer has a decision to make. He can walk away from the sale or choose to negotiate the repair costs with the seller. A buyer who is living with an infant, an elderly person, or someone with respiratory difficulties should think carefully before purchasing a home where mold is present.
Termite Infestation
A home inspector will look for signs of termite damage while inspecting the home for sale. Signs of termite damage include buckling wood or even tunnels through the wood. Finding termite damage below the ground surface is more difficult, and if a buyer is particularly concerned about termites, he or she should hire a termite inspector to discover hard-to-find damage. Termites are difficult to avoid, depending on the climate, but they can be controlled by hiring a termite control exterminator. Termites should be stopped quickly, however, because a serious infestation can lead to structural problems in the home.
Structural Damage
A home inspector will look for things like uneven floors in a home, which could be a sign of problems with the home's foundation. Some settling is normal, but if there are cracks in the walls or windows and doors don't open and close properly, it could be a sign that the house is not straight. A home inspector also will check the home's foundation to make sure there are no cracks between the foundation and the home itself. Structural problems are extremely costly to repair and should be part of the repair negotiation process.
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