4 Common Mistakes that Realtors, Buyers & Sellers Often Make

The following are just a mistakes to avoid that we see all too often. Taking the time to do these things (& do them properly) will make a big difference in the process of buying or selling real estate..

1. Neglecting to schedule a home inspection on time

Most sellers elect to leave the home inspection to the buyers, but that can often be a mistake.
A Move-In-Certified Inspection provides many benefits to sellers who have the home inspected before putting it on the market.
Check out www.sherlock-inspections.com & click on “For Sellers.”
Additionally, both buyers and sellers often wait too long to contact an inspector. Fortunately, we know this & can usually have an inspector on site within 24 hours. Unfortunately, if/when we are booked up, clients (&/or Realtors) sometimes feel forced to hire a sub-par inspector rather than simply asking for an extension to their inspection period.

2. Failing to properly prepare the home

Sellers who fail to ensure that the property is ready for inspection end up costing themselves.
First, buyers may automatically assume that the sellers are trying to hide something. Second, if we need to schedule a 2nd trip to the property, there will be an additional fee (& the buyer shouldn’t have to pay for the seller’s mistake). Here are a few common areas that sellers & Listing Agents often fail to ensure:

• Power &/or water are on
• Shed & other out-building are unlocked
• Attic access is not blocked
• All major components (Electric Panel, A/C System, Water Heater, etc.) are accessible
• Garage door, ceiling fan, & other remotes are available
• Any special operating instructions are provided

3. Hiring the wrong inspector

Too many buyers and sellers hire the cheapest inspector, or the one who best fits their schedule, rather than the best person for the job. Here are a few key questions to ask:

1. Are you a member of the National or International Association of Home Inspectors (NACHI) or (InterNACHI)?
2. What are your qualifications?
3. Do you and your inspectors have a current license?
4. What specifically will the inspection cover?
5. How long does the inspection take?
6. Can we accompany you on the inspection?
7. How long will it take to receive your inspection report, once the inspection is completed?
8. Can you send a copy of the inspection report to my realtor or another 3rd party?
9. Does the report include estimates of repair costs?
10. Do you have references?
11. How much will the inspection cost?

You can find our answers at www.sherlock-inspections.com
(see our FAQ page).

4. Forgetting to read the inspection report

A quick conversation with the home inspector or Realtor is not sufficient. Home Inspectors take the time to type up a thorough report with detailed comments and several photos for a reason. It is imperative that the client reads through the entire report to understand the inspector’s findings. Our job is not done until all of your questions are answered. If our clients still have questions after reading the report, a simple phone call can get them answered. Our professional inspectors are not only experienced and knowledgeable, but also friendly, approachable, and well-spoken.