When selling a condo in Miami, the buyer will like to have an inspection done in most cases. As a home seller, you should understand some basic things about home inspections to prepare for one properly.
In this article:
What is a home inspection?
What inspectors check when inspecting condos.
What isn't inspection?
How to prepare for a successful inspection?
What happens after the inspection?
How to choose an home inspector?
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is when a professional reviews a home's structure and systems by a professional home inspector who provides an unbias opinion of the property's condition. The home inspector conducts a limited visual examination of the accessible installed systems and components of a home and writes a professional opinion of the property's condition.
A home inspection:
Is visual only.
Not comprehensive.
Can't detected concealed issues.
Cannot predict future failures.
All homes have maintenance and unexpected repair needs.
What inspectors check when inspecting condos
The inspector will check:
The HVAC unit
Unpleasant smells
Ensure that the electrical systems work properly
Structural conditions such as the ceiling and floors
Appliances
Plumbing
Safety issues such as mold
What isn't inspected?
Anything not readily accessible
Future defects coming from unidentified concealed defeats
Product recalls
Hairline crack on a tile (cosmetic)
Code violations (home inspection is not a code inspection)
Warped floors under carpet (not visible)
Ugly paint (that is esthetic, not functional)
How to prepare for a successful inspection?
Before the home inspector arrives, you should ensure that any known issues, big or small, are taken care of beforehand.
Fix and replace items like light bulbs, knobs, handles.
Make sure the utilities are on.
Ensure the condo is clean.
Clear out the washer and dryer.
Make sure everything is accessible.
Share documentation of past repairs or renovations.
What happens after the inspection?
After the inspector shares the report, the buyer and their agent will review it. Issues may arise from the inspection that the buyer would like to negotiate to be taken care of or ask for a credit. Therefore, it’s essential to review these items and work with the buyer to rectify the situation. Buyers may walk away from a deal with no problem during the inspection period; it's best to get these items taken care of now vs. later.
Things that will almost always need to be addressed by the seller is:
Leaks.
Issues with the HVAC unit.
Appliance issues.
Termite damage.
How to choose a home inspector
I have a couple of recommendations for inspectors in Miami on my Recommended Vendors page. But you want to ensure that the inspector is insured and licensed. You can use the DBPR website to ensure that they are licensed. You can ask the inspection company for a copy of their insurance policy.
Inspectors that belong to associations such as FABI (Florida Association of Build Inspectors) have stricter annual certification and continued education requirements. The inspectors should be more trained and informed than inspectors that do not belong to an association.
Check online reviews for home inspection companies to get a good idea of the inspector's reputation.
Conclusion
When selling your home, a home inspection is an essential step of the process. Buyers may terminate the deal if what is discovered concerns the buyer enough. It's a good idea to have the home inspected before listing to get ahead of any issues that you may fix or disclose to potential buyers.