Page 30 - Real estate: a guide for buyers and sellers
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Real estate: A guide for buyers and sellers
Inspections SELLER’S TIP
Make several visits to a property before It is natural to want to present your
you decide to buy it. Visiting the area property in the best possible light. First
at different times of the day or week impressions count and it never hurts to
can highlight issues that may not be mow the lawn, place a few plants in the
immediately be apparent at a daytime garden, keep the house clean and tidy
inspection – for example, the level of and even add a lick of paint.
street noise or how well-lit and safe the
areas feels at night. While it is acceptable to present a
property in a good light, it is not
The first visit will give you an initial acceptable to cover up, misrepresent or
impression and determine if the property in any way mislead a buyer about its true
meets your basic requirements, such as condition.
location, age, size, access to facilities,
style and condition. If you are inspecting Professional building inspections
a number of properties in one day, it is a
good idea to take a notebook and record Before signing a contract, consider
any identifying features. You will need paying an independent qualified building
to get the agent’s permission to take inspector, surveyor or architect to do a
photographs. professional building inspection report
on the property. A qualified inspector will
Keep an eye out for signs of potential know what to look for and will see through
structural problems. For example: any cosmetic improvements covering up
faults that may otherwise be missed.
• sloping or bouncy floors may mean
re-stumping is needed The inspector will provide a written
report listing faults, whether they can be
• damp brick walls can indicate rising repaired and the likely cost. The report will
damp or salt damp also highlight any unsafe renovations or
extensions.
• blisters or bubbles on paintwork can
indicate termite activity You may be able to use this report to
negotiate conditions in the contract –
• cracked walls can indicate subsidence, and possibly the price – with the seller.
requiring re-stumping. If there are large The inspection service should have full
cracks, you should seek advice from a professional indemnity insurance to
structural engineer. protect you, as the buyer, if a problem is
missed in the inspection.
• mouldy walls, lifting tiles, peeling
paint or pools of water in wet areas can
indicate excessive moisture
• fretting (crazed) brickwork can indicate
major structural problems
• a sagging roof, cracked or broken
roof tiles may involve costly repairs or
replacement.
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