Top 5 Things to Look for in a Property Inspection

1) Foundation

• Most foundations are not up to date with today’s building code, so retrofitting is recommended, especially in California where earthquakes are prevalent. If you ever see cracks on ceilings or tilts in the floor, it could be a sign of foundation issues so be sure to have an expert inspect.

2) Roof

• Roofs typically have a life expectancy of 10 years and should be replaced accordingly. If not, you may deal with flooding issues which could cause damage to flooring. Make sure to inspect your roof to avoid additional costly repairs.

3) Plumbing

• Be aware what year the property was built. Galvanized pipes were used as late as the 1990s and have a life expectancy of 80 years, so are a ticking time bomb. It can ruin floors, walls and much more costing a lot to remediate.

4) Electrical Panel

• Older control panels are obsolete if not dangerous to use. Most older control panels don’t have enough amps to support modern appliances. If circuits and wiring are not up to building code, it could be a fire hazard.

5) Termites

• In California it’s recommended to do remediation yearly but most owners do not keep up with the maintenance so most properties will require some level of termite repair.

These are all major things that could affect the value of your property and your insurance rate, as these are the top things insurance companies look for when giving you a quote.

Be sure to have a qualified team, including a competent inspector, contractor, and Realtor. This will help you avoid a bad situation and help you negotiate to save money and unnecessary stress.

We’d be happy to help guide you through the process or offer a second opinion.

10 Ways to Add Value to Your Property

In today’s market, these are the biggest features that homebuyers look for and will go a long way in adding value to your home. Of course, you don’t have to include everything on the list but even a few will greatly increase the value and desirability of your home, which will help it sell faster and at top dollar.

1. Interior/Exterior Paint

   This is an easy and low cost upgrade. A simple fresh coat will help your property stand out to potential buyers.

2. Update Kitchen

   As kitchens are the heart of any home, it’s one of the major factors that will add the most value to your property and it makes the property more functional and livable. While it may seem intimidating to do a full remodel, gradually updating it will help give you the most bang for your buck. Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report states that you can expect to recoup up to 62.7-81.6% of your investment on a kitchen remodel.

3. Update Bathrooms

   Bathrooms are the other major way to add value to your home. According to the Cost vs. Value Report bathroom remodels will recoup 87.7-93.5% of your investment.

4. New Appliances

   -HVAC, Water heater, fridge, stove, washer, dryer, dishwasher

5. Improve Curb Appeal/Landscaping

   First impressions are everything. Even painting your front door, the exterior and house numbers will make your property visually more attractive. You can also add plants, shrubs, flowers, or mulch to make your property look more inviting. This has a huge effect on buyers psychologically.

6. New Roof

   The average life expectancy of a roof is 10 years. We recommend replacing your roof accordingly as it’s one of the top things inspectors and insurance companies look for. On average, you’ll get roughly 57% of your upfront cost back when selling.

7. New Flooring

   Hardwood floors are one of the most attractive flooring and with so many types available today, it can be a cost effective way to add tons of value to your property. Homeowners can expect about a 147% return on their initial investment once selling.

8. Garage Doors

   Not only will a new garage door replacement add value to your property, but it will also help sell your home faster as it takes up a large portion of your exterior and adds extra security. A garage door replacement has an ROI of about 96.8%.

9. Windows 
   If you don’t already have dual pane windows, consider this upgrade as it can not only reduce outside noise, but also save energy and help with insulation.

10. Misc:

    Electrical Panel, Pex Water Lines, Insulation, Light fixtures, outlets

Before listing your property, also be sure to declutter and clean it out. Doing so will make your property more attractive to potential buyers to ensure that you get the best offer.