To buy or sell Sarasota golf course or waterfront real estate, be sure to call upon

Connie   Belmont

Professional Home Inspection

Not Just for Buyers

     If you buy a home in Sarasota County Florida without a professional inspection, you're assuming a really unnecessary risk.  But home sellers can also benefit by having a professional home inspection.

     If you're a Sarasota real estate seller, your first reaction might be "Why?   I don't want an inspector to uncover a hidden problem that will cost me thousands to repair."  Or, "Then, I'll have to disclose the problem and reduce my asking price down to compensate the buyer for the needed repair."

     Well, actually, there's a good reason why as a Sarasota home seller can be well served by a professionally conducted home inspection before putting the property on the real estate market.  Why?  Because if a professional inspector seconds your opinion that your home is in good condition structurally and is in full compliance with local codes, you have an great marketing tool that will help your Realtor sell your home more quickly for the highest possible price.  The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is a professional trade group that maintains a database of qualified Sarasota Florida home inspectors at www.ashi.com.

     A clean pre-inspection report by a reputable professional gives validity to your asking price.  It gives your buyers confidence about your home versus others they're considering.

     A serious buyer may demand a professional inspection as a contingency to an offer.  Any intelligent Sarasota ral estate agent acting as a Buyer's Agent, will recommend an inspection, so its not as though you can get through this transaction without an inspection.

     Your pre-sale inspection report shows the buyer that you're so confident in the structural integrity of your home that you paid to have it inspected and it passed or you made the necessary repairs.

     Your Sarasota Listing Agent Realtor® will undoubtedly advise you of any visible or cosmetic improvements that will help your home sell quickly at a higher price, like a fresh coat of paint, neutral colors, fresh landscaping, and such.  But your Sarasota Realtor ® can't see less obvious problems like small leaks, water damage in the attic, or electrical code violations.

     Your Realtor® will counsel you that it is your responsibility to report any problems you are aware of under the terms of Florida disclosure laws.  But if a problem is behind a wall or in the foundation, even if you're unaware of it, the buyer may come to you months later, with your seller's property disclosure in hand, demanding to be compensated for the cost of repairs.

     Let's say the buyer did just that - but you had protected yourself by having a home inspection before you placed it on the Sarasota real estate market.  And, your inspection, performed by a competent professional, uncovered some problems which you dutifully repaired but not the problem the Buyer is complaining about. You may not be held responsible.  You made an honest effort to uncover defects, you repaired those that showed up and properly disclosed everything you knew about.

     Having your new Sarasota Florida home pre-inspected can prevent any problems from occurring at the "11th hour" just before closing, be a great selling tool and an extra measure of protection after the sale.  Think of it as "an inexpensive insurance policy" for a smooth home selling experience.