Maximize value and minimize stress during a home inspection
A successful home inspection can be the difference between sealed deals and dashed hopes in real estate. In Part 1, we explored several ways a professional home inspection can benefit both listing and buying agents, unveiled insights that help sellers prepare for a home inspection, and touched on how home inspection contingencies are utilized before the sale of a home is final.
In Part 2, we’re digging even deeper, discussing how to streamline the inspection process, manage client expectations, understand the nuances of different property types, and more. If you’re a real estate professional looking to take the guesswork out of home inspections, this comprehensive guide is for you.
Streamlining the home inspection process with home inspectors
A home inspection is a crucial step that can’t afford to be hindered. Effective communication and a solid working relationship between home inspectors and real estate agents can turn a potentially nerve-wracking sale into a smooth, trouble-free process.
The foundation of this partnership starts with proactivity. Zoom strives to be as fast and efficient as possible. From thorough inspections to detailed inspection reports, we react quickly to guide our clients on specialist recommendations for repair issues found during the inspection and answer questions regarding the inspection report. We even have a dedicated page in the buyer’s inspection report that lists the recommended specialists for that inspection, making it simple to utilize the additional inspection contingency. We understand how fast the market moves, so we move faster. Our tagline is “quick and complete” for a reason!
Working in tandem: The value of a proactive approach
Realtors who build strong partnerships with home inspectors can harness their resources better, accessing their network of licensed professionals to resolve issues swiftly. Whether it’s identifying a reputable electrician or questions concerning a mold inspection, the broker-inspector duo is an unstoppable team.
Setting client expectations
One of the most critical tasks for Realtors is ensuring that their clients understand the role and scope of a home inspection. This includes managing expectations regarding the number of items found in a typical inspection report and ways to prepare for an inspection.
For buying agents
The home inspector will likely find many items that need repair. However, informing your buyers to focus on items considered a significant concern and costly to repair is important. Simple repairs and normal wear-and-tear items should not detract from the home’s quality; those are manageable repairs the buyer can tackle themselves on the weekend. Some even consider it a right of passage for first-time home buyers to make simple repairs around their homes!
For listing agents
Preparing the property for a seller’s home inspection by taking care of items before the inspection can minimize the number of issues noted and significantly improve the inspection report. Servicing the HVAC system, installing seismic straps on the water heater, upgrading old smoke alarms, etc, can significantly improve the cleanliness of the report.
Home inspections for different home types
Every property comes with its own nuances and challenges. Knowing what inspectors typically find, whether in a newly constructed marvel or a vintage charmer, can help you prepare.
Newly constructed homes
While a newly constructed home may present fewer obvious issues, isolated problems can sneak by the most vigilant eye. These can range from minor electrical wiring issues to more significant concerns that we’ve seen our fair share of — including critical water damage, natural gas leaks, and plumbing issues. Communicating to your client the importance of a new construction inspection is vital to ensure no surprises pop up down the road and your client is happy and satisfied with their purchase.
Previously owned homes
Homes built in the early 1900s, even homes that are a few decades old, can expect a variety of items in the inspection report, and for good reason. Corrections needed in electrical, plumbing, and pest management are just a few of the areas that are commonly identified during home inspections. Homes with areas lacking professional workmanship can present safety concerns or, at the very least, questionable reliability. This is especially true for the “weekend warrior” homeowners who tackle their home’s projects, from plumbing to electrical, with only a novice level of proficiency on the project at hand. This is why we always stress the importance of hiring a licensed professional for critical repairs. We don’t want to scare those “weekend warriors” away from maintaining their homes, but understanding their limits is essential. To scratch that handyman itch, we suggest homeowners follow our home maintenance tips calendar to know what they can take on themselves, when to hire a professional, and how to keep their properties in tip-top shape.
The inspection checklist: What’s included and what’s not
To truly grasp the value of a home inspector, it’s essential to understand their role and the items they cover in a typical inspection. From the roof to the crawlspace, no stone is left unturned — but some areas and systems may require additional, specialized inspections.
Zoom Home Inspections’ scope of assessment
We offer a full visual inspection of the home and follow the parameters required by the State of Washington Standards of Practice, which include the following:
- Roof, attic, and crawl space
- Structural components
- Exterior, grounds, and deck
- Structural pests and rodents
- Interior and thermal imaging
- Insulation and ventilation
- Plumbing systems, gas lines, and fixtures
- Electrical systems and fixtures
- Heating and cooling systems
- Interior ceiling, walls, and floors, and signs of moisture intrusion
Unlike other inspectors, Zoom includes infrared camera inspections and structural pest inspections at no additional cost. This allows us to detect potential issues and then include in the inspection report the necessary steps to address them promptly. It’s just one more way we ensure peace of mind for our clients.
Beyond the routine checkup
A home inspection encompasses a wide range of components, but additional specialized inspections like mold or radon testing may also be necessary, depending on the home’s condition. Each property displays its own distinct character and charm, which often comes with areas of a home that are not included in Zoom’s full inspection, including:
- Low-voltage systems
- Audiovisual equipment
- Alarm systems
- Boat docks
- Well systems
- Septic tanks
- Sprinkler systems
It’s also important to note that a sewer inspection can be added to Zoom’s routine inspection service for an additional fee, but it is not automatically included. While we recommend getting a sewer scope before purchasing a home, regardless of the circumstances, our sewer scope blog takes a deep dive (literally) into their importance and common warning signs of sewage issues on the property.
What it means to be an ASHI-certified inspector
When choosing a home inspector, real estate professionals should look for credentials. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) provides a gold standard of professionalism and excellence, ensuring that Realtors work only with the best in the business. ASHI offers prospective sellers trust and confidence and provides peace of mind and assurance to buyers that their investment is professionally and ethically evaluated.
Partnering with Zoom Home Inspections for enhanced Realtor services
Zoom Home Inspections provides more than comprehensive home inspections. We are a resource and partner for client success, offering inspection services and guidance on finding the right professionals to address the varied issues that may arise. With over thirty years of experience in construction and performing home inspections since 2012, we dedicate ourselves to helping Realtors and their clients reach their goals as quickly and efficiently as possible. The true condition of a home can be puzzling; we’re honored to be a steadfast partner through the home-buying or selling journey. To schedule your inspection with us, click here.
