ADVANTAGES OF A HOME INSPECTION FOR BUYERS: Buying a home is one of the biggest investments anyone will ever make. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. ASSETPRO Home Inspections, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement. The report may also include safety recommendations or upgrades to components or systems. A professional home inspection will put a homebuyer in a better position to make a buying decision by providing the most objective view of the property under consideration. With a professional home inspection report on hand, most repairs can be subject to negotiations between the parties to a sale. Keep in mind, however, a TREC inspection does not obligate the seller to address any of the recommended repairs or improvements the report may recommend. A professional home inspection will provide the buyer with an understanding of how the home systems and components work and how to maintain them.

ADVANTAGES OF PRE-LISTING HOME INSPECTIONS: It allows you to see your home through the eyes of a critical third party. It helps you price your home realistically. It permits you to make repairs ahead of time so that defects will not become a negotiating stumbling block later. You have the time to get reasonably priced contractors. It may encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency. It may alert you of items of immediate personal concern. It may relieve prospects concerns and suspicions. It reduces your liability by adding professional supporting documentation to your disclosure statement. It may alert you of safety issues before agents and potential buyers tour your home.      TIPS TO SPEED UP YOUR HOME INSPECTION Sellers can speed their home inspection by following these suggestions. The inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing. Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning. Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from the premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home. Replace burned-out light bulbs to avoid a "light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries. Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely. Remove stored items, debris and wood from the foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for insect infestation. Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawlspaces. Unlock areas the inspector must access: attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawlspaces. Trim tree limbs to 10 feet from the roof, and shrubs from the house, to allow access. Attend to broken or missing items such as doorknobs, locks and latches, windowpanes, screens and locks, gutters, downspouts and chimney caps. Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property. Your real estate agent will thank you.                  ASSETPRO Home Inspections Can Give Your Buying or Selling Decision a Solid Foundation                                      1.

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