Property Inspection Tips to Use When Visiting New Home Prospects

 

After you have listed and prioritized you requirements and preferences, you are ready to begin visiting specific properties.  As you visit each property, grade the home according to your criteria.

We provide a sample property rating sheet that you can copy and use for each property you visit.  It is advisable to use a separate rating sheet for each property.  This will help you in coming to an objective decision and comparison between properties.  The following are additional tips to consider when inspecting the property:

• Distinguish between major and minor flaws. Keep in mind that $200 worth of paint can hide $2,000 worth of problems or allow you to negotiate a $2,000 reduction in price.
• Check all rooms. Look for signs of water damage on the walls and ceilings, as they can a painful indication of future repair needs.  Check also for signs of pests and drafts, as well as the condition of the floors, fixtures, windows and doors.
• Check external features. Examine the foundation, sidings, eaves, windows and porches for necessary repairs and replacements.
• Ask questions & take notes. Find out about the neighborhood, home history, reasons for sale and recent improvements.  Don’t forget to write down your observations.  After a few tours, mental notes have a tendency to get mixed up.
• Leave small children at home. Home-shopping is not child’s play.  Leaving small children at home avoids placing burdens on your time and on the seller’s courtesy.
• Keep appointments. You should call ahead if you will be late or unable to make an appointment.
• Work with professionals. Experienced and helpful real estate agents, property inspectors, loan officers and real estate attorneys are at your disposal.  To make your home shopping more fruitful, you should take the time to find professionals who know this industry and allow them to help you.  Sometimes they may cost more than a newer agent, but you usually get what you pay for.
• Bring tools. The following are recommended tools (in order of importance) to bring during all inspection visits.
• 1. Clipboard, rating sheets and pencils to take notes.
  2. A small but strong flashlight to illuminate dark corners and unlit areas.
  3. Electronic measuring device (preferred for ease) or a tape measure.
  4. Binoculars to check exterior roof, upper walls and chimney from the ground.
  5. Electric tester for outlets.
  6. Level to double-check floor’s levelness or wall’s plumbness.
  7. Compass, if you’re unsure of house positioning, to determine solar and wind exposure. [Note: many smart phones already have a built-in campus.]

Finally, keep in mind that you’re in the driver seat.

If you find yourself getting flustered or pressured, take a step back. In most cases, the seller and other parties involved in the purchase need you  more than you need them.

So have fun and good luck!