Spring has sprung! Even more important than buds, birds,
and bees, spring brings buyers! When buyers are looking for a place to
nest, they would really rather not see problems. As it turns out,
nearly every home inspected has problems or imperfections of some sort
or size. Most issues are very minor and simple to correct. Almost all
are a result of deferred maintenance.

Most of these simple deferred maintenance problems, when
discovered during the home inspection, cause the majority of the
headaches when trying to bring a contract to close. With the five quick
checks described below it is probable that 90% or more of the minor
maintained items typically discovered in the home inspection could be
eliminated, and with them a great portion of the time and stress
associated with their correction:

Dirty Filter and Coils in the Heat Pump. The clean and
efficient flow of conditioned air as well as the longevity of this very
expensive system is dependant on proper airflow. A professional
cleaning is most always well under $100. Routine filter replacement can
be done by a homeowner for about a dollar.

Poor Caulking of Ceramic Tile in the Tub and Shower Area. The
cost to repair or replace a rotted shower wall often exceeds thousands
of dollars. This is an avoidable event! A homeowner can accomplish
caulking of tiled areas easily for under $20. If a crack in the caulk
or grout is visible, you can believe it's large enough for water to
pass!

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) not Properly
Functioning. GFCI's are the electrical outlets that have the "press"
and "test" buttons. These devices are critically important in reducing
the chance for electrocution. The homeowner can test the devices by
pushing the "test" button. The cost of a new GFCI is less than $10.
They can be installed in less than 10 minutes.

Amateur Workmanship. When something looks like an amateur did
it, that means an amateur did it, even if the perpetrator was paid for
his work! When amateurs do things, the materials are often improper for
the intended purpose or of poor quality. Many times they are both.
Seldom are proper permits pulled or inspections performed when work is
performed by amateurs. Amateur work is also difficult to maintain.
Amateur work and the people who perform it always complicate a closing.

Wood Rot. Closing contracts sure would be simpler without wood
rot. It sure would be nice to see a home listed that said "clear WDO on
file". Consider doing the WDO inspection at the time of listing to
greatly reduce the greatest challenge in Florida real estate.

The act of selling real estate can be made simpler, more
enjoyable, and more profitable by educating buyers and sellers about
preventative maintenance. Spring is a time of renewal - renew your
interest in home care and take a few simple steps to keep safe,
comfortable, and ready for some summer sun!