Curb appeal is more than just a catchy phrase; it’s the first impression your home makes on potential buyers or guests. A well-maintained exterior can significantly increase your property value and make your home feel more inviting. 

The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank to achieve an impressive upgrade. 

Here are six affordable DIY projects to boost your home’s curb appeal.

1) Rent a pressure washer

Nothing beats a good pressure washing to remove dirt, grime, and stains. It makes your home look cleaner and more welcoming. 

Don’t have a pressure washer? No problem! You can rent one from most hardware stores.

• Rent a pressure washer with adjustable pressure settings. For concrete, a medium to high setting is usually sufficient.
• Before starting, sweep away loose debris and cover any delicate plants near the cleaning area.
• Use a wide-angle nozzle for even cleaning and hold the wand at a consistent distance from the surface.
• For stubborn stains, consider using a specialized concrete cleaner or degreaser. 
• Pay attention to the grout lines in paved driveways or walkways, as these areas tend to accumulate dirt.
• Safety first: wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes. The powerful stream can shoot debris right up into your eyes, and the force of the water can cut through skin.

2) Paint your front door

A fresh coat of paint on your front door can instantly transform your home’s appearance. Choose a color that complements your home’s exterior and adds a touch of personality.

• Choose a high-quality exterior paint that is designed for doors. Semi-gloss or gloss finishes are durable and easy to clean.
• Thoroughly clean the door and sand lightly to create a smooth surface for the new paint.
• Remove the door knob and hardware, or tape them off with low stick painter’s tape.
• Paint on a day with moderate temperatures and low humidity for optimal drying.
• Consider your home’s architectural style and existing color scheme when choosing a paint color. A bold color can create a focal point, while a more subtle shade can enhance existing features.

3) Upgrade your landscaping

Add some colorful flowers or shrubs to your front yard or flower beds. 

Trim hedges and bushes, and remove any weeds. 

Mulch around trees and shrubs to add a finished look. Start by assessing your existing landscaping. 

Remove dead plants or weeds, and trim overgrown bushes.

• Choose plants that are appropriate for your climate and soil conditions. Consider native plants that require less maintenance.
• Create a balanced design by varying plant heights, textures, and colors.
• Use landscape fabric and mulch to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and add a polished look to your flower beds.
• Edge the flower beds to create clean lines.
• Consider adding a small water feature or decorative rocks for visual interest.
• Add some potted plants near the front door.

4) Windows to the soul

Sparkling clean windows let in more light and make your home look brighter and more inviting. You can wash them yourself or hire a professional window cleaning service.

• Use a mild detergent or a specialized window cleaning solution.
• For exterior windows, use a squeegee for streak-free results.
• Clean on a cloudy day or in the shade to prevent the cleaning solution from drying too quickly and leaving streaks.
• Don’t overlook the window frames and sills, as they tend to accumulate dirt and grime.
• If you have second story windows, and you’re not experienced on ladders, consider using an extended reach window cleaning tool, or hire a professional.
• Clean the screens, too!

5) Add outdoor lighting

Install solar-powered lights along your walkway or porch to create a warm and inviting atmosphere at night. 

You can also add string lights to trees or around your front door for a festive touch.

• Solar-powered lights are easy to install and require no wiring. Choose lights with adjustable brightness and automatic on/off sensors.
• Don’t cheap out on solar-powered lights. The really cheap ones won’t last very long.
• Place lights along walkways, driveways, and around the perimeter of your house for safety and security.
• Highlight architectural features, such as your front door or porch, with strategically placed lighting.
• Use warm-toned lights to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Roll out the welcome mat!

Add a new welcome mat or a decorative door knocker to enhance your front entryway. A well-maintained mailbox can also make a big difference.

• Choose a durable and weather-resistant welcome mat that complements your home’s style.
• Add potted plants with colorful flowers or foliage to frame your front door.
• Consider adding a decorative door knocker, wreath, or other seasonal decorations.
• Ensure your mailbox is clean and in good condition. Replace it with a new one if it’s old, faded, or damaged.
• If you have a porch, add some seating.
• Make sure your house numbers are clearly visible.

Improving your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive task. By focusing on these six affordable DIY projects, you can make a noticeable difference in the overall appearance of your property. These projects will enhance your home’s value and create a lasting positive impression. 

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and start creating the curb appeal you’ve always dreamed of. Your home, and your neighbors, will thank you!

Buying or selling a home in Western North Carolina?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post 6 do-it yourself projects to give your home curb appeal appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

As your home ages, it can lose much of its former glory. Bathroom tiles get grimy, kitchen cabinets seem shabby, and the living room walls look… well… lived in.

It’s tempting to want to do a whole house renovation, but that’s like letting an army of Vikings ransack your savings. There are ways to upgrade your home and add value that don’t cost the proverbial pound of flesh.

With some willingness to roll up your sleeves and invest some old-fashioned elbow grease, you can add some real value to your home, especially if you’re looking to sell any time soon. But even if you’re not, you can reap the rewards of living in a more beautiful house.

Home experts say you’ll get a decent return with cosmetic improvements, such as deep cleaning, painting, updating fixtures and hardware, and landscaping. These updates can spiff up your home’s curb appeal, as well as bumping up your home’s value.

Let’s take a look at some economical, high-value home improvement projects.

Get fresh with the walls

Are your walls dirty and scratchy? Or that avocado green color that seemed like such a good idea a few decades ago – how’s that working out for you now? 

It’s amazing what freshening up your home’s paint inside and outside can do for home value. It sends a signal to potential buyers that the home is cared for and well-maintained.

A quick fixture-upper

Small things can make a real difference in your home’s appeal to buyers. Don’t overlook those grimy old switch plates and outlet covers. Fancy brass jobs can cost less than $10 each, but they add a lot of class to the place.

Resist the urge to install those purple switch plates and covers. Choose colors and finishes that appeal to a wide audience.

New light fixtures in the kitchen or bathroom can be a bit pricey, but the wow factor they bring can really pay off in the realm of buyer satisfaction. More on this below.

Dear John

Out of all the fixes you can make, bathroom improvements give you the best bang for your buck. The average return on bathroom renovations is around 70%, and you don’t have to rip the whole room apart to get these benefits.

A dull, outdated bathroom can be a real turn-off for buyers. Here are some modest projects to increase your home’s value by way of the bathroom.

Update the bathroom floor. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you can save a lot of money on labor and splurge for some higher-end floor materials. Be sure to aim for neutral colors to add the most value.

Really be honest with yourself. Just because you sat through a floor tiling class at your local home improvement store or watched a few videos on YouTube, that doesn’t mean you’re cut out for the job. If you’re not the handy type, hire an expert to do it.

Upgrade outdated fixtures. For less than $100, you can replace a tarnished vanity fixture or ceiling light with something more elegant and eye-catching. They’re easy to install, or if you’re not confident, it won’t break the bank to get a handyman to install them for you.

Switch out old faucets, shower heads and towel bars. A luxurious spa-style shower head costs about $80. New towel bars cost between $20 and $30, and they’ll look great!

Next, the kitchen

An old saying goes, “No matter where I serve my guests, it seems they like my kitchen best.”

The kitchen looms large for house hunters, but (surprisingly) not as much as the bathroom. 

While a full kitchen remodel may be tempting, experts say the ROI for a mid-range kitchen makeover is around 53%.

This means if you put $25,000 into a kitchen remake, you’ll recoup about $13,250. So, focus instead on smaller changes, such as painting the cabinets, installing a new tile backsplash, upgrading lighting, and (if necessary) swapping out Grandma’s old appliances.

Zillow points out that “tuxedo” kitchens (contrasting upper and lower cabinets) are popular and can increase home value more than $1,000 dollars. A very popular contrast is white and dark blue or charcoal gray.

Speaking of Grandma, if her quaint wallpaper still adorns your kitchen walls, replace it with some bright, neutral paint.

Don’t curb your buyers’ enthusiasm; go for curb appeal instead

When potential buyers pull up to your home, the exterior is the first thing they see. That includes your landscaping. 

Experts say landscaping has an ROI of about 15 to 20%.

That means don’t go crazy with huge, expensive projects. The idea is to make the path to your front door look elegant and clean.

Flowers and shrubs are a tried-and-true way to spruce up your home’s exterior. Low growing greenery and mulch along walkways can draw visitors’ eyes to your front door, which should be clean and welcoming. Give it a fresh coat of paint if it’s starting to look dull and dreary.

Speaking of plants, choose perennials, rather than annuals. Perennials come back every spring, saving you the trouble of constant replanting. Some gardeners like to add a bit of spice with a few strategically placed annuals for extra color, but they will die at the first frost in the fall.

Don’t leave bald spots in your yard. Add fresh sod or grass seed to fill those rough patches. And be sure to keep trees and bushes neatly trimmed. This gives the impression that your home is well-maintained.

Think small

Avoid taking on huge projects, such as installing a pond and waterfall or a shaded pergola. You will not see enough ROI to justify the expense, and potential new owners may not even desire these additions.

As you can see, there are strong advantages to upgrading some features in your home to prepare it for sale. The key is to take a sensible approach, and focus on small improvements that add visual appeal without breaking the bank.

Buying or selling a home in Western North Carolina?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post Smart updates and improvements to increase your home’s value before listing appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

People often ask if a home inspection can kill a real estate deal? The simple answer would be no. An inspection of itself is not the reason deals are called off. However, there are times when the inspector finds serious issues with a house, which can cause negotiations between buyer and seller to break down, and the deal may fall apart.

First, let’s define the role of a home inspector. An inspector is a professional hired by buyers or sellers to carefully inspect a house and inform you of things that may be broken and in need of repair or replacing. When he or she does find issues in a home, the report may recommend seeking out an “expert,” such as a licensed electrician, roofer, plumber, or HVAC specialist for further evaluation or remediation. That’s because most of the time, inspectors are not licensed in these fields.

In most cases, the buyer hires the inspector and pays him to do his job and present his report. There are times when an inspection may uncover serious issues that may cause buyers to walk away from the deal. However, the inspector presents the findings in a neutral fashion, without getting involved in negotiations between the seller and the buyer.

As a home buyer, do you need an inspection? That’s a resounding YES! North Carolina is a “buyer beware” state. As a buyer, it is your responsibility to learn everything you can about a property before signing on the dotted line. When trouble is found, you can request repairs or a discount for the cost of the repairs, but if the seller won’t budge, you have the option of walking away from the deal.

The greater Asheville area is still a hot seller’s market, so negotiation may be off the table for small issues, but major defects are a different matter entirely. Let’s take a peek at some of the discoveries that sometimes derail the sale of a home.

Water damage and mold

Mold forms from damp or even wet conditions. Moisture in the house can come from a leak in the roof or chimney, cracked foundation walls, flooding, failing siding, and more.

Mold in the attic or basement left unchecked can cause problems in the home’s interior.

If you find mold and moisture on the insulation in your attic, make an appointment with a licensed roofing company to find and eliminate the problem at its source. Then you’ll need to consult a mold remediation company to clean it up.

Water and mold in homes may cause some buyers to walk away from the deal.

Major foundation issues

A home’s foundation is the core upon which the structure rests. Major problems with the foundation will likely reveal other issues in the home, such as:

• Uneven floors
• Sticking or tilted doors and windows
• Dampness or water in the basement

Minor cracks in the foundation are normal, since all houses settle over time. However, large cracks can be a cause of concern and require a foundation expert to estimate the potential cost of repair.

Major foundation repairs can range in the tens of thousands of dollars. Discuss solutions with the seller, such as getting them to repair the problem. This may have to be fixed before the deal can go through, because lenders may reject a property with serious foundation issues. If the seller refuses, then the buyer might choose to end the deal.

Roof repair or replacement

A roof is more than just a barrier from the elements. It helps maintain the home’s structural integrity. Instructors will look for loose or missing shingles, soft spots, and signs of water damage. Even relatively new roofs can lose shingles in storms. These are easily replaceable, but rotted wood underneath the shingles can be an expensive fix and may signal the need for complete roof replacement.

Can complete roof replacement be a deal-breaker? That depends. If the roof is shot and needs immediate replacement, some folks will amend their offer, or they might request the seller make the repairs, or they might just walk away from the deal.

Finding asbestos in the home

Older homes may have asbestos, which, when disturbed, can cause a fatal form of lung cancer called mesothelioma. Before being banned in the USA, asbestos could be found in flooring, drywall, attic insulation, siding, and pipe insulation.

The problem occurs if you’re doing renovation and repairs, and the material breaks up and gets into the air (and into your lungs). If you have this in your home and you plan on doing renovations, then you will need to get the material tested and removed by an accredited and reputable environmental contractor. This can be costly (up to $20 per square foot) and may become a deal-breaker.

Polybutylene piping

Polybutylene piping is a type of plastic resin used for indoor plumbing in homes from the late 70s through late 90s. The most common color of “Poly B” was light gray, but there were other colors, such as blue, silver, black, or white, depending upon region and manufacturer.

The main problem with Poly B piping in homes was its susceptibility to degradation and eventual failure over time, resulting in leaks and burst pipes, and causing sometimes catastrophic water damage. 

There are other types of plastic pipes found in homes, but if they are gray and flexible, chances are they are Poly B. Your home inspector should be able to identify them, or may recommend getting a licensed plumber to confirm the findings. Many homes built with Poly B are likely facing the need for replacement with more reliable materials.

Depending upon size, repair costs can range from several thousand dollars to more than $15,000. Discovery of Poly B is, at the very least, a reason for renegotiating a home’s selling price.

Dangerous or outdated electrical system

Two potential sticking points in home deals are aluminum electrical wiring and old-fashioned knob and tube wiring. Aluminum wiring can be trouble, because the connection to outlets, switches, fixtures, and lights can become overheated. Continual heating and cooling can result in loose connections and fires. Many insurance companies will not underwrite homes with aluminum wiring.

Knob and tube wiring lacks a ground wire for safety. An easy way to spot it is all the electrical outlets in the home have only two-prongs.

Electrical repairs and wiring upgrades can be pricey, and some buyers may choose to walk if the seller won’t budge on the price or opt to do the repair.

The need for speed!

If your inspection report reveals serious issues in the home, begin negotiations with the seller immediately, and if you do need to walk away, do it quickly. Your purchase agreement usually contains clauses about a bad inspection report of a low home appraisal. 

Your realtor and attorney can advise you on withdrawing your offer and arranging to get your earnest money returned. Then you’ll be free to find another, more suitable home for your needs.

Buying or selling a home in Western North Carolina?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post Potential home inspection deal-breakers appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

The housing market goes on day after day, year after year, with an impressive success record. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports only about one in 20 real estate transactions is not completed. A small part of these don’t reach successful closing due to problems unearthed during home inspections. These are not the fault of the inspection or the inspector, but are due to serious issues with the homes themselves.

Home inspections are an essential part of any home buying transaction. They are usually paid for by the buyer. Please note that homes cannot “fail” an inspection (see our July, 2019 blog). However, an inspection may reveal unexpected problems, which (if serious enough) can kill the deal. More often, home inspection issues lead to negotiations in which the seller agrees to pay for repairs or adjusts the selling price to account for needed repairs. Without some wiggle room, deals may fail to reach completion.

So, let’s take a look at what happens after a home inspection.

Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware)

A small percentage of home buyers (about 5%) waive their right to a home inspection. This is not a good idea. 

Even if you’re purchasing a home “as is,” it is best to know what you’re getting into before signing on the dotted line. Otherwise, you may be in for a world of hurt, like the young couple in the Tom Hanks/Shelly Long movie, The Money Pit.  

Well, okay, that’s a bit extreme. But keep in mind that in North Carolina, sellers are under no obligation to disclose anything not requested. That makes it risky to buy a house that’s for sale by owner. Conversely, realtors are required to disclose known defects. However, in either case, a home inspection is critical. 

No home is perfect, not even newly-build ones, so don’t expect an inspection report that doesn’t uncover a few problems. Think of a home inspection as a way for buyers and sellers to get a realistic look at a home’s current state while bringing to light any problems that might need fixing in order to close the sale. 

For buyers, an inspection can bring some peace of mind in knowing no big surprises are in store. For sellers, an inspection can help set a realistic selling price on the house. That’s just one reason that many buyers opt for a home inspection prior to putting their house on the market.

A look under the hood

There’s no “one size fits all” home inspection. Different inspectors may focus on different areas, but there are a number of items generally covered in a home inspection. 

These include a home’s major components – in essence, the things that hold a house together – and other items that are considered essential.

Here’s what most home inspections cover:

• Roof
• Attic (with visible insulation)
• Walls
• Ceilings
• Floors
• Windows
• Doors
• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Optional septic inspection (recommended to avoid costly surprises)
• Appliances
• Electrical system
• Foundation
• Basement
• Structural components

What happens if problems are found?

The majority of problems revealed by home inspections are minor. A good rule of thumb is that if the repair costs less than the price of the home inspection, it’s best to just let it go, especially in a seller’s market. Asheville is still a strong seller’s market, even if this past year has shown a bit of cooling down.

So don’t sweat the small stuff. You may have to foot the bill for regrouting the bathtub if the seller won’t do it or adjust the price for it. It’s just the nature of the beast in today’s market.

The real issues are those relating to safety or the home’s structure. For example, if an inspection reveals a serious electrical hazard in the main junction box, this must be addressed before proceeding with the sale. It’s perfectly reasonable for the buyer to ask the seller to fix this problem. Likewise, if an inspection report reveals serious structural issues, this would be the seller’s responsibility to fix it. 

If the seller refuses, the buyer can walk away from the deal. However, it is in the best interest of both buyer and seller to come to a mutually satisfying deal.

If a seller wants to make a quicker sale, or lacks the money to make repairs, the house may be sold “as is.” An “as is” home typically sells for less, and may have fewer offers, since lenders won’t approve loans on homes with notable problems. So if you’re buying an “as is” home, an inspection is a must.

What’s next for sellers when inspections reveal serious issues?

In reality, sellers are under no obligation to make any repairs. However, FHA and VA lenders mandate repairs in the following areas:

• HVAC issues
• Structural issues
• Water damage
• Roof damage
• Electrical defects
• Plumbing issues
• Insect and pest infestations

If the seller refuses these repairs, the deal can fall through and the home may go back on the market. However, this isn’t too likely, since these same issues will arise the next time around.

Counterpoint? Or was that “counter-offer?”

The seller may decide to make a counter-offer, fixing any serious problems, but denying smaller issues. In a seller’s market, buyers will have to give up asking the seller to repair any of these items:

• Minor electrical issues, such as a faulty dimmer or cracked switch plates
• Cosmetic flaws, such as a chipped tile on the bathroom floor
• Appliances
• Window treatments
• Minor walkway or driveway cracksRepairs less than $100

If the seller makes a counter offer, the buyer generally has a few days in which to agree or terminate the sale. If an agreement is reached, there will need to be an amendment to the contract that spells out the repairs to which the buyer has agreed. Then the seller will begin the process of making the repairs. 

Sometimes repairs can’t be made before the buyer takes possession. In that case, the repairs are made as soon as possible and paid for by the seller. Most of the time, this involves an escrow agreement between the seller and the buyer.

Giving credit where credit is due

In many cases, sellers may offer a credit on the home purchase price for the cost of repairs. For example, if a roof repair is going to cost $6,000, the seller reduces the sale price by $6,000. Then the buyer can use a home equity line to pay for the repair and even save a bit in taxes for the interest payments.

The bottom line: Home inspections can lead to a flurry of activity and negotiations between seller and buyer. However, you should not even consider engaging in a home transaction without getting an inspection first.

Buying or selling a home?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post <strong>What comes after a home inspection?</strong> appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

The housing market has been HOT HOT HOT for the last several years, with mortgage rates at historic lows. During the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, rates fell to record lows, and emergency actions by the Federal Reserve helped to keep them low.

2022 brought an abrupt sea change. With the dark specter of inflation casting clouds of gloom on the economy, a series of Fed hikes pushed mortgage rates to their highest peaks since 2002. However, rates are slowing cooling off, and as the Fed slows down on further hikes, rates should begin to decline somewhat, or at least level off and stop climbing.

Some say it’s not that simple. Let’s consider supply and demand. According to Forbes, demand outweighs supply. Nationwide, the supply is limited by the fact that those who purchased homes at extremely low mortgage rates are digging their heels in deep and not budging. This lack of supply has held prices (mostly) steady, keeping home prices out of reach, especially for first-time buyers. 

So, where will the national housing market go in 2023? While some doomsayers are bringing up the “C word” (crash), most analysts say that is not likely. Instead, they see a cooling off period in 2023. National home prices may be due for a 5% drop nationally, while some markets will continue to experience price increases. Let’s see where Asheville stands in this scenario. 

Against the grain

One notable trend for the greater Asheville area is that homes are remaining on the market a bit longer than last year and not seeing such high spikes above asking price as before. 

Asheville Today reports that strong demand for housing remains, along with limited supply of available homes.

Zillow’s Home Value Index shows the typical home value in the Asheville metropolitan area at $392,744, up 23% in the last year, and up 110% in the last decade. The City of Asheville’s typical home value is $421,664, up just over 20% this past year. While this trend is showing some signs of slowdown, Asheville metro homes still are predicted to rise by 13.7% by April 2023.

Asheville’s appreciation rates remain among the highest in the nation, placing the city in the top 20% nationally. The last 12 months have shown an appreciation rate of 21.69%, placing the area higher than 78.55% of the nation’s cities and towns. So, despite a predicted “cooling off” of rising home rates, Asheville is cruising in far ahead of the national trends.

More optimistic

The National Association of Realtors is a bit more optimistic, saying home prices are not likely to fall in 2023. Low inventory in many areas will keep the pressure on prices steady, so despite a drop in sales fueled by higher mortgage rates, home value should continue to remain strong.

NAR is optimistic about 2024, as well, predicting a 10% jump in home sales and a 5% increase in national median home prices.

Whichever way 2023 plays out, the one constant seems to be that Asheville will stay ahead of most of the nation where home prices are concerned. If mortgage rates cool a bit, competition for scarce existing inventory may once again fuel more generous price increases. However, with inflation affecting the cost of materials in new home construction, 2023 may be the year of “holding the line,” where appreciation occurs at a more modest level than in previous years.

With housing market experts divided on how 2023 can go, we’ll just say it’s anybody’s guess! But it’s fun to put on our prognosticator hat and toss our own “two cents” onto the table.

Wishing all of you a great year ahead!

Happy New Year from your friends at Peter Young Home Inspections. We wish all of you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2023.

Buying or selling a home in the greater Asheville area?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post <strong>Asheville housing market trends for 2023</strong> appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

Everybody knows that home buyers need to have a home inspection before inking the line on a contract. Far fewer know that sellers can get their home inspected before even listing it for sale.
Getting a pre-listing inspection will eliminate any surprises that might put the brakes on a sale. Here are some solid reasons for sellers to arrange an inspection.

Knowing what condition your condition is in…

Worrying whether an inspection will reveal unknown problems keeps many sellers awake at night. What if an inspector finds something serious enough to jeopardize the sale? The anxiety is justifiable, because a poor inspection report can be where negotiations break down. 

Guess what? You don’t have to wait for the buyer’s inspection and suffer all that anxiety. Having a pre-listing inspection will reveal the condition of your home, and it will give you time to make needed repairs if you are hoping to fetch to dollar on the market. Just be sure to choose a qualified inspector with long experience and plenty of satisfied customers.

For what it’s worth…

Setting the right price for your home is a critical step in the sales process.  You want to find the “sweet spot.” Ask too much and you might scare buyers away. Asking too little and you’ll miss out on potential profit from the sale.Your realtor will guide you in setting the right price. However, even the most experienced realtor may be groping in the dark if the condition of your home is unknown. A pre-listing inspection lays out all the facts and makes it easier to find the right price for your home.

What, me worry?

Putting your home on the market can be stressful in itself. Worrying that something might rear its ugly head to kill the sale adds a deeper layer of angst to the process. That’s where a pre-listing inspection comes in. It may reveal some issues that need to be addressed. Knowing this in advance can ease your mind.

Time is on your side

If your seller’s inspection reveals the need for major repairs, you will have time to fix them before listing your home. This will help you get full price for your home. In this market, it may even get you better than full price, as buyers try to outbid each other for a well-kept property.

If you wait until the buyer’s inspection to discover major issues, you will have only until closing to get the repairs done. In some markets that can be problematic. A pre-listing inspection gives you all the time you need to schedule repairs. Then you can list the property for sale when your home is at its best.

Less haggling

Many buyers view the home inspection as leverage for negotiating a home’s price. They’re hoping some issues will be revealed that warrant rethinking the sale price. A seller’s inspection can cut this off before it begins.

Since an inspection was done previously, the buyer’s inspection is unlikely to reveal anything new. If the seller has made the repairs revealed in the pre-listing inspection, there’s little or no room for negotiation, especially in today’s hot sellers’ market. So, any negotiations that do come up are likely to be of minimum consequence.

Putting your best foot forward

Giving your buyer (and their realtor) a copy of a pre-listing inspection report goes a long way toward making them feel good about the potential deal. For most people, a home purchase will be the single largest purchase they ever make. That means it’s wise to make them feel confident about what you are offering.

Your realtor will love you

A pre-listing inspection is a great gift for your listing agent. Knowing a home’s condition paves the way for the realtor to price the home more accurately, negotiate with confidence, and attract qualified buyers more readily. 
It’s a wonder that more sellers don’t opt for a pre-listing inspection. Chances are good that if they did, their home sale will be smoother, and they’ll be more likely to fetch top dollar for their property.

Buying or selling a home?

The post Why should I get a seller’s inspection before listing my home for sale? appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

Everyone knows that you need to get a thorough, professional home inspection before purchasing a home. Sometimes it’s all smooth sailing, but there are times when inspectors zero in on serious issues. Are these issues “deal breakers?” That depends on how serious (and expensive) they are, but it also can depend upon the direction of the real estate market at the time.

In areas where there’s a glut of homes, buyers have a lot of leeway in demanding that sellers make fixes before the sale. However, in a hot sellers’ market like Western North Carolina is in currently, sellers know that buyers can’t be too choosy and are more reluctant to agree to expensive fixes. But there are some issues that need to be fixed before lenders will agree to finance the property. Let’s look at some of the more serious issues that may arise in a home inspection.

Foundation issues

Nearly all houses have some kind of “settling.” Over time, a home’s weight causes it to settle into the ground. This can create hairline cracks in the basement or even in walls. Most of these small cracks are not significant, but larger cracks can indicate a serious problem. 

For example, a quarter inch crevasse traversing a basement wall from floor to ceiling might indicate a serious problem. A house supported on concrete blocks is an accident waiting to happen. Likewise with slanted floors. If the house has settled too much, it may result in structural weakness. If cracks are large, the inspector may recommend a structural engineer to decide whether they are dangerous. If the home has serious structural issues, this is likely to be very expensive, and until it is fixed, banks may not offer financing on the structure.

Water damage

When there is standing water in the basement or evidence of water stains elsewhere in a house, inspectors hear alarm bells. While a small water stain on the ceiling may look like a simple fix, it could be evidence of a wider problem. Water works its way downward, so a stain in the basement might be caused by a leak in the roof. 

The trouble could be the roof or skylights, drain tile cracks, or a serious issue with the home’s plumbing system. The cause should be determined before buying the home. Water intrusion in a home can lead to another serious issue, and that is mold.

Black mold

It’s not unusual to find surface mold in poorly ventilated bathrooms, but black mold in a basement or crawl space is a far more serious issue. Black mold can cause allergies, asthma, and other serious health issues. If mold is widespread, the cost of remediation can be very expensive.

First you must bear the cost of removal, and then the added costs of making sure it doesn’t return. Serious mold issues might be due to foundation cracks allowing water to seep in, or it could be caused by roof leaks or plumbing failures. Any of those three causes require expensive fixes.

Antiquated or faulty electrical systems

Pre-1960 homes may have an antiquated “knob and tube” electrical system. In most areas, those systems don’t meet local codes, which means the home’s entire electrical system will have to be replaced. In some cases, walls may have to come down in order to do the wiring repairs.

Speaking of wiring, old wiring may be a serious fire hazard, and replacing it can set you back many thousands of dollars. Then there’s aluminum wiring, which was discontinued in Western North Carolina after 1974. Aluminum wires can overheat, resulting in fire damage. If a home is found to have aluminum wiring, it will need to be replaced.

Vermin infestations

There are vermin, and then there are vermin! It’s not too serious if an inspector finds some evidence that there were mice in the home. Most homes will host mice from time to time, and the owner can put out traps or even get a few cats to remedy the situation.

Termites are another story entirely. Termites show up when moisture gets into wood in your home, and they can literally eat you out of house and home, as the saying goes.

Getting rid of them can be difficult and very costly. First you must kill them, then you must replace the wood they destroyed, and finally you must keep an eye on the area to be sure they don’t come back. Small areas can be spot treated, but larger infestations may require tenting the house, and this is a costly endeavor.

Inspectors may find other pests, such as squirrels, bats, and raccoons. They will need to be removed by professionals, and then their means of entry must be sealed up. This requires some repair, but is far less of an issue than termites.

These are some of the more serious issues home inspectors find. Are they deal breakers? They can be. If they prevent lenders from financing the property, they will have to be fixed, but in a hot sellers’ market it may be more difficult to get sellers to make these repairs. However, as most realtors will tell you, “Everything is negotiable.” It’s always an issue of what each side is willing to compromise to make the deal happen.

Buying or selling a home?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post Serious home inspection issues could impact closings appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

Buying a home can be a challenge in the best of times. Try buying a home in this Asheville sellers’ market that we’re in currently in Western North Carolina, and the task might seem overwhelming. Don’t worry. There are ways to cut down on the stress and still get the house you want, even in a scary market.

What is a seller’s market? Put simply, it means there are more people trying to buy houses than there are houses for sale. The main implications are:

• Higher prices
• The need to make quick decisions
• Stiff competition from other buyers

Here are some tips that can help you stay ahead of the game:

Find a highly-experienced realtor

You need to have an agent who has proven expertise in the areas you’re seeking, but is also well-connected, organized, efficient, and dedicated to responsive customer service. You’ll be facing some fierce competition. You want the best realtor you can find.

Not sure what to look for in a realtor? Click here to learn more.

Seeking approval?

Speak to your lender about becoming preapproved. The preapproval process will tell you how much buying power you’ll be bringing to the table. Additionally, it can give you a leg up on rival bidders who have not taken this important step. Not to mention the credibility it gives you in the mind of the seller. 

Knowing your buying power can help you to have price discipline, as well. If a bidding war breaks out, price discipline keeps you from getting carried away. You don’t want to get that home at too high a price and face years of strained budgets and monetary stress. Set the upper end of your buying power as the absolute limit, and be willing to walk away when that threshold is crossed.

Beggars can’t be choosers!

Okay, you’re not a beggar. You’re a house hunter. But when buyers far outweigh the inventory of homes in your area, you don’t have the luxury of waiting for that picture-perfect home to hit the market. You may have to change your expectations. Don’t compromise on something that can’t be changed, such as neighborhood or lot size.However, that ugly, outdated bathroom can be renovated at a later date. Ditto for the avocado green appliances in the kitchen. You can’t let these things be dealbreakers in this market.

Stay sharp in this Asheville seller’s market

In a buyer’s market you can take your sweet time about your home search. That won’t work in this Asheville sellers’ market. Stay on top of new listings, and make appointments to see the houses as quickly as you can. If you really like it, be ready to act swiftly to beat out competitors.

Highball, anyone?

Forget bargaining for price. In a sellers’ market, it’s a huge waste of everyone’s time to submit a lowball estimate. Forget about coming in well below the asking price. Your competition will likely bid higher than the asking price. Are you serious about staying in the game? Then be willing to come in at the price the seller wants, or even slightly higher.

Consider new construction

You may want an existing home, but you may find that new home builders offer better prices or are more available. However, much new construction is in outlying areas, so be sure to factor in commute time if new construction is further away from your work.

Play the waiting game if you can

If you’re not desperate, you may want to put off your home search until the market cools down. However, this can be tricky, because it’s not easy to predict when the market’s tide will turn. It may take a few years until the pendulum swings the other way.

Don’t get swept away by home-buying fever. It’s easier to get burned in a sellers’ market, and always remember that a home purchase has a long-term financial impact. Remember what we said about price discipline. It’s better to walk away than face years of financial hardship based on a careless decision.

In a seller’s market you’re likely to have to accept flaws in a home that are not negotiable. However, don’t go in blind. A home can be hiding much larger problems. Contact Peter Young Home Inspectionsbefore making a decision you might come to regret.

Buying or selling a home?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click the link below to make an appointment.

The post Asheville sellers’ market makes home buying tough appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.