Anyone who has bought or sold a home is familiar with two ways buyers protect themselves during the process: a home inspection, and a termite and moisture letter. A home inspection is typically performed by a licensed home inspector, who is examining systems and functions, and then preparing a report on those findings. Home inspectors are typically checking on roofing, windows, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems. While they may notice signs of insect or termite damage, they simply report the findings – they don’t perform repairs.
The termite and moisture letter is more typically required by the lender, to ensure the home they are lending against is free from signs of termite or moisture damages. In Hampton Roads that usually means in a crawl space or along the foundation. The termite and moisture inspection is performed by a licensed termite or pest control company, who are experienced at identifying termite damage and determining if there are active termites in the structure.
Both of these inspections are important to both buyer and seller, but too often they happen near the closing date for the transaction. At that point everyone’s emotions are on edge and there is often little time to address any problems to everyone’s satisfaction. That’s when deals fall through, or the seller has to give big discounts to cover future repairs.
At HomePro, we recommend a self-generated inspection, before you list your home for sale. That way you can find out if there are any issues, and you have time to address any concerns, without the pressure of a pending sale falling through. Plus, it’s far better to find out what’s happening under your home before it becomes a surprise to everyone. You get more time to perform any repairs and treatment, and in most cases, you get the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your home is in good shape, before you list it for sale.
Best of all HomePro offers a free termite inspection to homeowners, so you can find out early in the process, while you can proactively address any problems. To learn more about our termite inspections, give HomePro a call today at 757-488-1078.