When purchasing a home, your homeowners insurance company may require you to have a 4 point inspection before they’ll insure your home. These requests are common, especially if you’re buying a house that was built over 40 years ago. A 4 point inspection isn’t as thorough as a full home inspection, but it includes some of the most important components.

The HVAC System is Included in a 4 Point Inspection

A new HVAC system can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so a company writing an insurance policy for your home wants a report on its condition. Also, the conditioned air and ventilation that this system provides help prevent mold growth in the home. For this reason, some companies won’t insure a home without a working HVAC system.

Roof

The roof’s condition is critical because it affects everything beneath it. If the roof leaks, it will cause water damage to the attic, ceilings, walls, and support beams. Excess water and moisture also lead to mold growth. Because the roof protects so many other materials and systems, the insurance provider wants to verify that the roof is sound and without significant issues.

Plumbing

A faulty plumbing system is one of the most common causes of flooding and water damage. The insurance company wants to know what type of plumbing pipes are in the home and what condition they are in. For instance, polybutylene piping that was commonly used throughout the 80s and 90s is susceptible to bursting. Insurance companies may deny coverage or omit water damage coverage upon finding out that the pipes are made from this material.

A 4 Point Inspection Inspects the Electrical System

Electrical problems pose a hazard to the home and its inhabitants. The electrical system should be in good shape for your own personal safety and the insurance company wants to know that the house is not a risk for an electrical fire. A total loss from a house fire means a big payout from the insurance company, and the goal is to mitigate this possibility.

Inspect it Like a Woman, LLC offers home inspection services, including 4 point inspections, in Central Florida. Contact us to request an appointment.

If you are planning to put your home on the market, there are some steps you can take to attract more buyers and simplify the process. When you work closely with a real estate agent, they’ll offer tips to help you sell quickly and avoid common problems. One of the things your agent may recommend is that you order a pre-listing inspection for your home.

Smoother Negotiating with a Pre-listing Inspection

By ordering an inspection before you put your home on the market, you’ll get helpful information on the condition of the property. You’ll learn about any issues so that you can make repairs or price the house accordingly. This means the buyer’s inspection won’t reveal any surprises before closing. You can easily turn down any low-ball offer and have confidence in your asking price.

Avoid Surprises

With almost any real estate transaction, the buyer will order a home inspection. One of the main reasons to have a pre-listing inspection first is to avoid being surprised by the buyer’s inspection report. This will also prevent the closing date from getting delayed, as can happen if negotiations and repairs need to be made.

Significant issues with the property might cause some buyers to withdraw their offer. The pre-listing inspection gives you time to make repairs before the property goes on the market, so you know the home is in good condition and ready to sell.

Offer Buyer Confidence

Pre-listing home inspections help a potential buyer feel more confident because your report will detail the true condition of the property. A buyer will see the inspection as a sign that you’re transparent and you care about the home and the sales process. It gives the buyer peace of mind, which may prevent them from having second thoughts before the closing date.

Price Your Home Correctly with a Pre-Listing Inspection

Having better insight into your home’s condition makes it easier to price the property fairly. If the roof needs to be replaced or the heater is at the end of its lifespan, you can take into consideration the cost of repairs when determining the asking price.

Take Care of Repairs

Ordering an inspection before the home goes on the market gives you enough time to make repairs before potential buyers begin touring your property.

Repair leaky faucets, fix the missing shingles on the roof, and install a new handrail on the staircase. Because you are handling the repairs, you also get to choose the contractor instead of having to use the contractor the buyer wants to hire. Completing the repairs yourself will also help you save money on repair costs.

Better Marketing

You’ll be able to market your home better with a pre-listing inspection because you can promote the benefits of the property in your listing. Your inspector may tell you that the HVAC unit is in great shape or the roof is still in good condition, which you can share in your listing to attract more buyers.

If you’re putting your house on the market, order a pre-listing inspection to better understand the condition of the property. You will go into the process with the information you need for a successful sale.

Inspect it Like a Woman, LLC offers home inspection services in Central Florida. Contact us to request an appointment.

 

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