Is it worth getting your home Pre-Inspected Prior to Selling it?

 Is a House Pre-Inspection Worth it?

If you are thinking of selling your house, consider getting a pre-listing inspection for your home before putting it on the market, regardless of its apparent condition. A pre-listing inspection can help identify any issues that might need repair, and prevent any surprises during the buyer's inspection. By doing this, you can avoid losing a sale or incurring costly repairs later on. For example, a home seller of mine in Mamaroneck who had a pre-listing inspection done found out that their house had high levels of radon in the basement, a common issue in the neighborhood. They were able to address the problem before putting the house on the market, and the buyer used their pre-inspection instead of conducting a new one.

To find a qualified inspector, you can ask your agent or trusted acquaintances for recommendations or consult the American Society of House Inspectors website. When selecting an inspector, compare fees and the scope of the inspection, and ask for references. If the inspection identifies any issues, be sure to either fix them or disclose them to potential buyers to avoid legal issues or financial liabilities. Taking proactive measures to inspect and address any problems with your home can help ensure a successful and smooth sale.

If you have a Real Estate need with buying, or selling call me at (914)755-9816.  If you would like an idea of the value of your home please click my Quick Home Estimate  There is never any obligation on your part to use this free service.

My Video Introduction:

Concerned about frozen pipes in your home- You should be concerned

 

The Dangers of Frozen Plumbing

As a Realtor, I have witnessed the aftermath of a few homes, especially vacant ones, suffering from frozen pipes. The damage caused by thawing pipes can be extensive and costly to repair. To prevent this from happening in a vacant home, there are steps you should take. If you are in a home and the power goes out and there is no heat, it is important to know how to turn off the main water valve to prevent a potential disaster. This past weekend, our own home lost power, and with outside temperatures dropping to -2 degrees Fahrenheit, I was worried about our pipes freezing. Within a few hours, the temperature inside our home dropped to 48 degrees and the temperature kept falling. Fortunately, I was able to prevent any damage by closing the water system and draining it before the pipes could freeze

Many years ago, I was scheduled to show a vacant estate. When we arrived at the house, we were met with the devastating sight of a flooded house in the middle of winter, a true disaster.

Here are the steps to take to prevent a frozen pipe

Homeowners in the Northeast face a significant risk of frozen pipes, which can result in costly water damage and insurance claims. In fact, water damage and freezing claims were the second-most common type of claims in the US between 2016 and 2020, with the average loss amounting to $11,650. To protect your home, it's important to understand which pipes are most vulnerable and take steps to prevent them from freezing.

Four types of pipes are particularly susceptible to freezing: uninsulated pipes, pipes located on the exterior of the home, pipes in unheated areas such as basements, garages, attics, and crawl spaces, and copper or galvanized steel pipes. Other areas in the home, such as washing machine hoses and sink pipes, are also at risk. Outdoors, spigots, sprinkler systems, and swimming pool lines may also freeze if not properly insulated.

To prepare your pipes for colder weather, there are several steps you can take: drain and store outdoor hoses, open outdoor hose spigots and close the indoor valves, insulate pipes in unheated areas, maintain a consistent indoor temperature, and let water trickle through pipes during cold nights. You can also invest in tools and products such as a Wi-Fi Leak & Freeze Detector, heating cables, insulated tape, and outdoor faucet covers.

In the event that pipes do freeze, follow these steps to prevent disaster: shut off the main water valve, call a plumber if the frozen pipe is inaccessible, use warm air to thaw the pipe, and slowly turn the water back on while watching for leaks. If a pipe bursts, shut off the water immediately and contact a plumber.

By taking these preventative steps, you can protect your home against the damaging effects of frozen pipes.