ARTICLE INDEX
The Benefits Of Using Just One Agent
Don't Forget To Prepare For Your Move
How Buyers And Sellers Can Benefit From The Same Market
How Rising Interest Rates Could Affect The Local Real Estate Market
Important Terms Concerning Representation
The Market for the Second Half of 2007
Understanding Key Elements of Buyer Representation
Understanding Key Elements of the Sales Contract
Understanding Key Elements of Seller Representation
Understanding Maryland's Required Agency Disclosure
What Questions Should You Ask An Agent?
What's More Important - The Price My House Sells For Or My Sellers Net?
How Important Is A Roof Inspection?
As a home buyer, or a REALTOR® representing a home buyer, you want to know if there's a raccoon family living in your chimney, or if their are any other expensive surprises waiting for you when the house is later occupied. No one wants to move into a home only to discover that the roof leaks.
A good home inspector will always walk on the roof. It is impossible to see all the defects (or any raccoons) with binoculars from the ground. Some roofs, however, are too steep or are made of fragile materials such as slate or cedar shakes. In these situations, the roof inspection should be done from a ladder against the gutters of each side of the house, viewing with binoculars.
The inspector should check the roof materials, gutters, pipe vents and flashings, skylights, ridge vents, parapet walls, exhausters, and the chimney top (crown), cap, liner, flashing, and chimney materials. No roof inspection is complete without a visit to the attic. (Attic inspections will be discussed in next months article.)
Roof repairs can entail as little as 15 minutes of caulking or as much as replacing the entire roof. Roof leaks can cause ruined roofing felt, rotten sheathing, and even rotten rafters, not to mention the damage to interior finishes, flooring and carpeting.
Protect yourself or your buyer/client by getting a home inspection as a home purchase contract contingency. The inspection will identify repairs that are needed. Considering the cost of repairs that sellers typically agree to pay for, the cost of the inspection usually pays for itself, and more!
HOME INSPECTION ARTICLES
Understanding Maryland's Property Disclosure Law
Why Buyers Should Have A Home Inspection
Doug
Barry
LONG & FOSTER REAL ESTATE, INC.
Direct
410-207-4751
Office 410-823-8111
Doug@RealtyComplete.com