Tuesday 29 May 2012

Sellers Home Inspection


Although not yet commonplace, it is very wise for a Seller to complete a comprehensive home inspection prior to listing the home on the market. The inspection helps to identify issues that should be addressed prior to listing, and therefore refines the value of the home. Whether the issues are corrected by the Seller or not; the home inspection allows both parties to approach the negotiation with confidence and a sense of symmetric information.

If you are considering offering your home for sale, it is wise to invest in a certified home inspection soon.

The pre-inspection of a home is an excellent tool to help sell your property faster. After the inspection, the seller will be aware of the shortcomings and positive features of the home. Home sellers can then set a realistic price and refrain from overpricing that would delay a sale.

A thorough home inspection is a foreseeable reality of the real estate industry today. Buyers want to know exactly what they are paying for. This is why it is helpful to get a head start by employing a pre-listing home inspection company. A qualified home inspector will inform you of the “problem” areas of the house. This works to your advantage as you can evaluate the price of your home better.

Here is a list of advantages for a seller’s home inspection:
  • Assess and evaluate the problem areas after an inspection before a buyer can raise doubts
  • Armed with a home inspection report when meeting with a potential buyer, shows thoroughness, confidence and sincerity on the part of the Seller
  • Negotiating repairs can be avoided if the seller can take care of them before interacting with the buyer
  • An inspected home should therefore command a premium in the market


A seller’s home inspection will highlight problem areas ranging from safety risks to property damage. It gives you the flexibility and time to hire the right contractors to attend to any necessary repairs.

A pre-listing home inspection also lets you assess your property in a method similar to that of a prospective buyer. This information is instrumental in determining the actual market value of your property. The home inspection report also empowers you with a great deal of advantage during price negotiations.

Sellers can also choose a few repairs that require immediate attention, to factor in price adjustment to reflect the findings. They could also opt to offer the home inspection report as a part of the Buyers disclosures. By doing so, prospective buyers are prepared for the actual condition of the home. This lowers the chances of buyers backing out of a deal.

With the comprehensive and detailed report that you receive at the end of your home inspection, you can answer any query or concerns regarding your property with prospective buyers. Today, buyers may even waive a home inspection after checking that a pre-listing home inspection was already done by the seller.

For more details about home inspection before selling your property, please visit www.symmetrize.com.

Monday 28 May 2012

Buyers Home Inspection



If you are reading this blog, then you must have taken at least a first step towards purchasing a new home. You may be very close to making an offer on a new home for you and your family. However, before you jump in with both feet, you need to be sure the home is adequately inspected.  Such an inspection will offer you a detailed home inspection report, and provide excellent insight into the quality of the home.

The results of a high quality home inspection are a key component to the sale of a home since (i) it provides confidence to the buyers; (ii) banks and mortgage companies rely on the findings; and (iii) the purchase contract may reference the findings from the home inspection. Clearly, inspecting the physical condition of a home is a very important aspect of the home-buying process.

A qualified home inspector performs the home inspection using a detailed checklist to ensure every aspect of the home and the property is thoroughly investigated. It is beneficial to cross check your home inspection report with that provided by the seller to ensure nothing has been missed.

Structural Inspection
 It is vital for the home to be structurally solid and safe. Structural features inspected include roofing, floors, attic, walls, ceilings, columns, basement, and foundation. The Home Inspector seeks to identify any sloping or cracking that could result in longer-term issues.

Roofing
It is imperative for the inspection report to confirm that the roof is free of leaks since any water seepage can cascade into significant problems.

External features of the home
The inspection would cover the patio, deck, exterior windows, and doors etc. The garage is also checked as a part exterior inspection. Water drains are tested for proper functioning.

HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Inspection
Air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical are examined for proper performance. The inspector checks all the utilities for the proper installation and function. This includes vent systems, water and waste drainage, water system, etc. Home inspectors examine the proper functioning of appliances to check for plumbing or electrical issues. The home inspection focuses on key safety issues, with an emphasis on the electrical components.

Interior Inspection
The interior home inspection covers ceilings, floors, walls, and stairs. Every aspect of the interior is evaluated, and relevant findings are outlined in the inspection report.

Insulation and Ventilation Inspection
The home inspection includes a check of ventilation in the kitchen, bathroom, and attic. Home inspectors check the foundation and subfloor for any issues. Every home is checked for possible problems based on the geographical location.

A buyer must recognize that the home inspection will identify meaningful issues with the home – issues that a buyer would like to be aware of. At the same time, the home inspection cannot guarantee that there will be no repairs in the future. All homes require ongoing maintenance for minor issues, and it is not the goal of a home inspector to outline each potential minor issue.

If the home inspection reports that the house is in generally good condition, the buyer will have much greater confidence in the attractiveness of the purchase.

Also, if the inspection identifies certain issues — such as electrical or plumbing damage/problems, etc. — the buyer can negotiate with the seller to pay for necessary fixes OR appropriately adjust the purchase price.

For detailed information on all aspects of home inspection, visit www.symmetrize.com.

Friday 25 May 2012

Importance of Home Inspections



Home inspections are important as they enable a buyer to learn about the physical attributes of the home. In almost all instances, homes are sold in less than perfect condition. Therefore, a buyer needs to be informed about the anticipated costs associated with maintaining the home post-closing. As a result, the home inspection is a significant phase of the home buying process. An accredited and experienced home inspector investigates the home and writes up the inspection report after the inspection is completed. This detailed document becomes a very important tool in the real estate transaction process.

A home inspection typically includes an examination of the entire house including:
  • Foundation and structural integrity
  • Doors and windows
  • Roof and exterior walls
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical components
  • Heating and air conditioning systems
  • Surrounding vegetation of the home & more…

Why Home Inspection for Sellers:
It is good to have an inspection done before a home is put on the market.
Complete repairs - Sellers can address repair issues before placing the home on the market. This can significantly increase the visual appeal of a home.
Transparent dealings – A home inspection report available to buyers communicates confidence in the quality of the home, and signals that the seller has nothing to hide.
Increased valuation – These steps result in a higher selling price, and a smoother sales process where surprises are limited and buyers bud with confidence.

Why Home Inspection for Buyers:
If a Symmetrize home inspection report is not completed by the Seller, a Buyer should pursue an inspection to learn about potential problems and upcoming maintenance expenses associated with the home.
Assurance - Go into this purchase with eyes wide open about the quality of the home.
Maintenance - Buyers can learn more about the future upkeep and maintenance requirements.
Value - If the home inspection report identifies problems, the buyer can negotiate for a price that accurately reflects the value of the home.

The typical cost of an inspection varies depending on the area, size of the home, and services provided by the home inspection company. As with most services, there is a strong element of getting what you pay for. Selecting the lowest priced inspector can often result in problems down the road.
Hire a licensed home inspection professional to represent your best interests–whether you are a buyer, seller or owner – to ensure the home is safe for you and your family, and that you are fully informed about major upcoming expenses.

Symmetrize specializes in residential property inspection services. Symmetrize Home Inspectors are leaders in the industry, therefore the company confidently provides a 100% Home Inspection Satisfaction Guarantee…. contact us with any questions at info@symmetrize.com