Sharing Few Potential Re-sale Issues - Part III

Published by cravat | Filed under Buyer / Seller Tips, Miscellaneous, Real Estate

We now go to the final part; inspections, structural defects, insurance claims, improvements and floor plans and finishes. This pushes you forward on areas that needs to be thoroughly checked when you consider a re-sale.

Inspection Issues

Water Drainage Problems - Poor water drainage may be a serious and costly remediation problem. Talk with an expert about improving the drainage around the house, and evaluate any previous damage caused by flooding of the interior or water standing under the house. Be sure that you have all the facts on the table and an improvement plan ready.

Structural Defects - Structural defects have an underlying cause. They may be due to loose fill on the lot, clay soil, drainage issues, or poor construction. It is crucial to know the source of the problem, and the cost to repair, before taking on a house with structural problems.

Inspection Issues

Excessive repairs noted on your inspection report indicate that the house was not maintained or was poorly constructed. Be prepared for some serious work on the house. An incorrect application of stucco or other siding may have water damage or mold behind it. A mold infestation may be expensive to remove. Be prepared to document your repairs in order to show a future buyer that the problems have been completely solved. These issues tend to have some stigma attached.

Insurance Claims - It is important to know the facts about a previous insurance claim. If it was due to a fire or flooding problem, you should have full disclosure. Large insurance claims are a red flag, and may result in difficulty in obtaining insurance on the home. Many homes have had repairs covered by insurance, such as hail damage, and these are not a re-sale problem.

Improvement Obstacles

Costly Improvements - You may not be able to recoup the cost of certain improvements to your home. These may include imported fixtures, unusual artistry or craftsmanship, exotic woods, European appliances, rare plants, hand decorated walls, etc. If these finishes are similar to locally available materials, they may not have a market value equal to their cost. In general, swimming pools and tennis courts do not contribute the full amount of their cost in the value of the home.

Over Improved - Homes that are over improved for the area, or have excess acreage, often have a difficult time recouping the additional cost. Most people feel safer buying one of the cheaper houses in the neighborhood.

Non Functional Floor Plan.

Floor plans that make living in the home difficult will turn away buyers. Excessive level changes, rooms that are out of proportion, poor access to the backyard, low ceilings, few windows, and other layout issues will result in a re-sale problem. This may be an opportunity to take down walls, add windows and doors, and make creative changes to improve the functionality and value of a house. Design skill and a fairly high budget will be necessary.

Out Dated Finishes - Most homes have some outdated finishes - from needing freshening up, to a complete makeover. This is where design skill and perseverance can completely transform a house. If you are new to remodeling, consider your budget carefully. Often the work required is quite extensive and may grow as the project develops.