Although architectural details, wall and floor coverings, modern conveniences and many other factors are important in the buying decision, the focus of a home inspection is on the structural, mechanical, electrical condition of the property.

The transaction has made it through almost every hurdle, but a potential deal breaker still lurks – the property has to make it past a home inspector. Buyers typically request an inspection to determine the condition of the home just prior to closing. Things that may be uncovered during the inspection may force costly repairs upon the seller, or, in the case of extreme neglect, may cause a deal to fall through.

The inspection is designed to give the real estate agent or prospective purchaser a system to detect some of the readily accessible major flaws or deficiencies in the significant components and systems of a home. 

Improper Electrical Wiring

One of  the most serious problems often stems from faulty wiring done by owners or unqualified contractors. A host of issues are often found, such as insufficient electrical service to the home, inadequate overload protection or wires tied together with out being housed in a box.

Plumbing Issues

Dripping faucets are literally money down the drain. There is no excuse for ignoring a drip that often can be fixed by replacing a 50 cent seal. Corroding or miss matched piping materials, faulty fixtures, and improperly installed hot water heaters are sources of common plumbing troubles. Rocking toilets cause by loose bolts in the floor – can cause water damage to the floor and ceiling below.

Poor Overall Upkeep

Cracked, peeling, or dirty painted surfaces and broken fixtures or appliances can signal overall neglect. Decayed caulking around doors and windows may be more than just an eyesore; it can compromise the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems and needlessly hiked up utility costs. 

If the seller has taken care of the home and paid attention to the maintenance details there should not be any problems and the sale should proceed smoothly for all parties involved. 

If someone were to ask you the value of your Palm Beach homes, what would you tell them?  Every homeowner has a number they feel properly reflects the value of their home, the reasoning as to how they arrived at that number notwithstanding.  On the other hand, if you don’t have a clue as to what your home value is, there are a number of resources you can use at no cost to get a better idea.

Any homeowner who wishes to sell Palm Beach real estate has to take the time to find out what properties within their neighboring area have actually sold for.  It’s perhaps one of the most reliable methods of determining a realistic current value.  Alternatively you can look at expired listings, which are exactly what you think they are: properties that did not sell.  In most cases an expired listing fails to sell due to an unrealistic price so use that as a guideline of how not to price Palm Beach homes.

Another method is to think like both a seller and a buyer.  If someone were looking to purchase your home, how would it stack up against other Palm Beach condos or homes in the same location?   Consider what a buyer is looking for nowadays and what features sell.  On that note, adding features (without driving up the cost too much) or cosmetic improvements can significantly add value.  A Palm Beach realtor is very useful in making suggestions that will boost your property value.