Of course, you’re not responsible for whether or not your customers follow through with buying a house. But your report carries a lot of influential power. The material defects, or lack thereof, can inspire your customers to carry on as planned, negotiate a better deal, or let them back out of a sale before it’s too late.
Here are 4 potential deal-breakers that can make a prospective buyer think twice.
#1: Serious Roof Defects
A missing shingle or broken roof tile isn’t often a deal-breaker. But after a roof reaches a certain level of disrepair, the only remedy is replacement. If there’s a longstanding leak, the job might also require structural repair.
According to LearnVest, roofing material replacement can cost $10,000 or three times as much, depending on the materials and the size of the roof. Price negotiation might be an option for buyers since the replacement investment is sizable.
#2: Outdated or Broken HVAC System
Heating and cooling systems have a known lifespan. Even with excellent maintenance, they can’t last forever. Problem is, mechanical system repairs can rack up. And replacement is another major expense, comparable to the cost of a new roof.
If the system is operational but inefficient, the homeowner might decide to go ahead and buy, and think about replacement later. But if age and condition of the unit point to replacement sooner than later, it becomes a significant deciding factor.
Information can help savvy buyers negotiate better terms.
#3: Outdated or Dangerous Electrical
For a something that’s used so often, many homeowners know precious little about wiring, receptacles and the myriad elements of an electrical system. Outdated wiring isn’t just the lack of grounding, although that’s a clear problem. It can also be insufficient GFCI and AFCI protection coupled with too few outlets.
Unsafe electrical systems obviously require immediate, professional attention. And although a home with fewer outlets might be safe enough, convenience takes a hit. Rewiring a few outlets isn’t usually a deal breaker. But if the whole house needs an upgrade, the cost can reach $15,000 for a 3,000 square-foot home, according to Angie’s List.
#4: Structural and Foundation Issues
Houses settle, homeowners don’t always keep up with maintenance, and sometimes well-meaning DIY enthusiasts make poor decisions. A lot of factors can affect the structural integrity of a house. And depending on the extent of the issue, they could send a buyer packing.
Structural and foundation defects can be minor, or some of the most expensive defects to repair. Realtor®.com says they’re a “huge undertaking.” In extreme cases, repairs can exceed the value of the house. Depending on the scope of structural defects, the smartest choice might be for buyers to politely decline.
Home inspectors have a difficult job. The scope of work isn’t prohibitive. But the potential responsibility for influencing a sale can weigh heavy, even when the inspector takes a decidedly no-opinion stance.
Above all, inspectors have the power to support good decision making by providing customers with accurate, unbiased information. And the most convenient platform for that is the home inspection report mobile app.
You can download the Report Form Pro home inspection app for Android or get it for iPhone at the Apple App Store.