SELLER BEWARE
A home inspection is part of the home selling process. Once a buyer settles on your home, an inspection is done to assure that the house is sound, that mechanicals are operational and safe, and that any defects are made known. Disclosure on the part of the seller is also a factor. In today's litigious culture, inspection and disclosure not only protects the buyer, but the seller as well.
As the seller, you want to be sure to make a full disclosure of the age and condition of major systems. The water
heater may be 20 years old, but you've maintained it well, and expect it to get another ten years of service from
it. Still, disclosing the true age is the best policy. Being forthright and truthful lets the buyer know exactly
what he or she is purchasing, and protects you, the seller, from legal action down the road.
On occasion, a seller may feel that a home inspector is not-picking. Upon discovering that the roof, while sound,
is worn, a buyer may decide to forego the purchase. On the other hand, if the seller has priced the house with
consideration to the possibility of a new roof in the future, the buyer will proceed, fully aware that this major
improvement is in the near future.
The home inspection will hopefully reveal any and all potential problems to both the buyer and the seller. "Buyer
beware" is not sufficient. The seller and the buyer need to be aware of what's being sold, and what's being
purchased. Full disclosure and full awareness of the real condition of the property save all parties annoyance
and heartache.
When you're selling your home, consider how you would feel if you were the buyer. The Golden Rule applies: do unto
your buyer as you would have the buyer do unto you. Be up front, and welcome a thorough, detailed inspection. The
peace of mind is priceless.