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Buying or Selling a Home/What repairs are needed before selling?

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Expert: John McKenna, CMI - 7/18/2008


Question
We were just beginning to consider selling our house in Miami when we
discovered a roof leak that made it to the ceiling and began to leak into the
house.  It appears that the original builder (we bought the house new in
1998) might have made incomplete repairs before we moved in.  There are
leaks and cracks now in the ceiling and possibly mold, although we're not
sure.  We have a loss adjuster working with our insurance company, but we're
now unsure of what we should have done when the estimates are done.  What
amount of repairs are necessary considering that we may be selling soon?
And what can we tell a potential buyer that won't be false, but won't make it
impossible to sell the home?

Answer
Full disclosure, regardless, is the best policy.  No exceptions.  Anything less will expose you to future liability, especially when it comes to moisture issues (moisture can be conducive to mold, decay, corrosion in electrical fixture and wood destroying insects).

Consult a qualified attorney for any legal questions you may have.

Hope this helps.

John McKenna, CMI
Certified Master Inspector
http://texas-inspection.com

Infrared Certified Training
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Buying or Selling a Home

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John McKenna, CMI

Expertise

I can answer your question about home inspections and the hidden aspects of of the industry. I own American Home Inspection for east Texas and am a Certified Master Inspector. Sometimes there are questions about buying and selling a home that a qualified and honest home inspector can answer. Many people are led to believe incomplete information about repair items and make costly mistakes when they respond. If you do not know enough information or know what to ask, you can buy a nightmare instead of a home. Is your home inspector working for you or the Realtor? Is the owner of the home telling the truth? How do you make sure the contractor who makes repairs will do it right? Is the Realtor moving too fast and causing a person to make hasty choices? What are some of the things the Realtor does not want you to know? What you discover after you are the owner of the home and then decide to sell? What type of box can the home inspector put you in when the new buyer is now inspecting your home? What can you do if the home inspector was negligent? How do you prepare for a home inspection? What should you do with the home inspection report at the negotiating table? What are the signs of sheeple being led to the slaughter? Why do some realtors hate the "deal killer" home inspector? What type of action can you take now to protect yourself from law suite after someone buys your home? When is something a minor or major problem? What are the most common problems found in a home inspection? What can you do to prepare for a home inspection? What questions can you ask the home inspector so you choose the right one? The list goes on and on... "The truth will make you free"

Experience

Over 25 years experience in construction and board certified as a Certified Master Inspector. Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Professional Home Inspector (TREC #4565) and Certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).

Education/Credentials
Certified Master Inspector (CMI) National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC #4565)
See more info: http://texas-inspection.com

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