Eric Alter

HOME INSPECTION – A SELLER’S NIGHTMARE – OR DREAM?

The biggest source of worry for a home seller is the dreaded home inspection – when the buyer hires a professional inspector to go through the house to discover any defects. Sellers worries that an expensive give-back will be demanded – or worse, that a dishonest buyer will use the inspection as a price re-negotiation.

It doesn’t need to be that way. An inspection can be a seller’s best friend.

Real estate law favors buyers who need to be informed about the property they’re purchasing. The seller is obligated to only inform them of known defects. A thorough home inspection shifts much of the burden of disclosure on the professional home inspector. The results of the inspection will cover most of the issues a home seller might have to disclose. The homeowner is not obligated to know everything about his house, including unknown defects.

Should a home seller hire his own home inspector before the sale?

Not necessarily. Most sellers wait until they see the result of the buyers inspection.

Remember, the seller is not under any obligation to address inspection issues. An unfair inspection item can be challenged, even to the extent of bringing in a seller’s expert. A repair or credit is always negotiable, and most can be reasonable worked out.

So, sleep well at night knowing the home inspection is your best friend,

Jan 17. is the anniversary of the 1994 Northridge earthquake that shook up Los Angeles. Things have been quiet since then but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

Get an earthquake warning app for your phone, I use “My Shake” – a University of California app available for free. 10 seconds is enough so you won’t be surprised by a big shake.

Check with your insurance company about available earthquake coverage.

Get a tool to shut off your gas at the meter and learn how to use it.

Keep a “survival kit” of camper stove, fresh water, flashlights and batteries, medical supplies and freeze-dried food (to eat after you’ve eaten all your thawed food in your freezer.)

Keep a “bugout bag” in your car with walking shoes, warm clothes etc. in case you’re in your car and the roads are closed.

Have a plan to contact family members if you’re able to get word out.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE – DON’T PANIC. When the quake hits – DON’T RUN. You can do more damage to yourself. Don’t get in the way of emergency services. They know what they’re doing. Sit tight and don’t stress if it takes days to get power back on. You won’t be missing anything.

HOME INSPECTION – SELLERS’ NIGHTMARE?