So, you want to sell. Now it's time for a home inspection!

The home inspection process:

Of the many ways you need to get your home ready for sale, home inspection should be near the top of your checklist. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, an inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house from the roof to the foundation. These inspections are generally completed 10 to 14 days from the acceptance of the home sale contract.

Source: Thompson Home Inspection

“From what I’ve seen, the primary concern of buyers is worrying about problems they haven’t seen that could cost them money down the road,” Jean-Luc Andriot says

In order to ease their concerns, buyers will therefore cover the cost of the inspection and the payment for the repairs is something that may end up negotiated in the home sale contract.

What’s included in an inspection?

Though there are general guidelines for what inspectors will examine, keep in mind that every home is different and there may be problems with your home that are not on the list. For Florida homes, these are parts of the home that are examined:

• Exterior-structure, cracks, paint job, loose bricks, unhealthy trees
• Interior-carpet, floor coverings, ceramics, water stains
• Walls-condition of plaster, straightness, cracks
• Ceilings-sagging, staining, electrical systems, light fixtures
• Doors & Windows-close properly, tight weather seal when closed, condition of door and window frames, trim
• Kitchen & Bath-plumbing, mold, caulking, water pressure, faucets, appliances working
• Electrical-outlets, electrical boxes, condition of heating and cooling system, visible wiring condition
• Mechanical-hot water heather and visible plumbing, emergency turn-off valve to house water supply

Should I get an inspection done before I put my home on the market? 

Jean-Luc and his experienced team of professional realtors suggest having a professional home inspection before you put your home on the market. This affords you the opportunity to make needed repairs to your home and increase the appeal, as well as decrease the time it takes for the sale to close. This will also be attractive to qualified buyers because they know a professional inspection has already been completed. This is especially important in the luxury home market.

What’s required of Florida’s home inspectors?

Home inspectors in Florida must be certified by a state or national association that requires successful completion of a proctored test on home inspections services and completion of at least 14 hours of verifiable education on these services.

An applicant must submit a criminal background check and be of good moral character.  Professional realtors depend on accurate inspections that meet all legal requirements to ensure that home buyers are clearly and accurately informed about the state of the property they are buying.

If you’re looking to own or sell your luxury home, rely on the experience of Jean-Luc Andriot and his team of professional realtors at Keller Williams. Call Jean-Luc today at 561-213-9008. We specialize in luxury properties, including luxury condominiums in Boca Raton, Highland Beach, Delray Beach, Gulf Stream and Singer Island.