When it comes to technology, we all know that as time passes devices become obsolete. For example, when you go to your local cell phone company for a new phone, you ask for one of the latest versions, correct? You would never consider asking for a phone from 1999 because what it offers would not function properly in today’s culture. This same rule applies to many of the core components of your home. While older hardware may have been fine 10 or 20 years ago, as time passes it to becomes obsolete.

For this reason, insurance companies will often require home owners to have a 4-point inspection on any older home that they are wanting to insure. Usually, this requirement is for homes 30 years or older but, depending on the insurance company and other factors the home may have experienced (such as storms), the insurance company may require these on younger homes also.

This inspection differs from a full residential inspection (which is often ordered when a new home is purchased) because it focuses on the plumbing, HVAC, electric, and roof of a home and determines the age and condition of each. It does not look at other areas of the home, such as windows, doors, and walls. An inspector uses significant training, skill, and time to focus on these four things in detail and report their condition to yourself and your insurance company (pictures are included).

When ordering home inspections, it is important to keep in mind that a 4-point inspection is usually for insurance purposes. It communicates to your insurance company either that, while the home and appliances may be dated, they are still in good working condition or proves that there have been significant updates on your home. As a result of updates and care a 4-point inspection can result in saving you significant money on your insurance premium.

Beyond insurance purposes we also have had clients request 4-point inspections specifically for added peace of mind. They understand the detail and work that goes into this extra inspection and report and have found value in the extra knowledge.

We hope that as you prepare to purchase your home and dive into the exciting (and often confusing) world of home inspections this information brings more clarity for what you will need to order. Remember, everything has its expiration date and you want to make sure that the key components of your dream home are not past theirs.

written by M. Hotchkin, Manager

Kelting Inspections & Services
PO Box 510058
Punta Gorda, FL 33951
(941) 655-8888

Wesley Bulifant, Owner & Inspector
Florida Licensed Home Inspector & Mold Assessor
License HI7956 & MRSA2484

www.KeltingHomeInspections.com

CLICK HERE to REQUEST AN INSPECTION

 Copyright. 2018 Wesley Bulifant- Kelting Inspections & Services. All Rights Reserved. “It is important to remember that no two inspections are the same. A home inspection is a snapshot in time and reports of the current conditions of the home. Our inspections are all performed in accordance with the InterNACHI Standards of Practice and without any personal interests of any party. An updated inspection should be considered”

 

Need a 4-point for a home in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda or North Port? We do them on the same visit as your home inspection. See our 4-point and wind mitigation inspections.

 

Did you know that Kelting Inspections & Services offers 9 different types of inspections that can be combined in numerous ways? Our hope in offering so many options is that our clients will be provided with the most thorough service and peace of mind possible when moving into their new home. With that said, we understand that all of these options leave most people asking “So which inspections do I actually need?”  When ordering a home inspection here is a simple outline of our 3 most popular inspections to help you sort through what you will need to order:

1. Residential Inspection: This inspection is recommended whenever you buy a new home. It is our most thorough inspection and will look over the entire property and any foundation that is attached to the main living area (including the garage, patios, etc.). With this inspection, you receive a number of free warranties and a detailed report, complete with pictures. The goal of a residential inspection is to give you a clear understanding of what you are purchasing in your new home.

2. Wind Mitigation: Most insurance companies will require a wind mitigation for any home that is not brand new. This inspection checks the roof, windows, and doors in order to make sure your home is ready to handle a hurricane. With a “wind mit” you get a filled out report (including pictures) to give to your insurance company for discounts on your insurance. Depending on your situation these discounts could be quite significant!

3. 4-Point Inspection: Most insurance companies require a 4-point inspection for homes that are 30 years or over. A 4-point checks the 4 main points of a home (roof, plumbing, AC, and electric). With this inspection, you will receive a one-page report (including pictures) to give your insurance company so they can approve your coverage.

The Kelting Team is more than happy to answer any further questions you have regarding these inspections. Please feel free to call our office at 941-655-8888 so that we can assist you in your scheduling needs!

Not sure which you need? Most buyers of older homes here need a home inspection plus a 4-point and wind mitigation inspection, which we can do in one visit.

A Pre-Listing Inspection is also referred to as a Seller’s Inspection. These inspections hold a tremendous amount of value for the seller, the real estate agent, and the buyer. This is simply because a Pre-Listing Inspection can virtually eliminate the many obstacles that could occur during a real estate transaction. Let’s look at some of these advantages and how this process will work.

Pre-Listing Inspection for the Seller:

Congratulations. You have decided to list your home and your anticipating that you will get the full asking price or close to it. A Seller’s or Pre-Listing Inspection will help you reach that goal.

You should arrange for the Pre-Listing Inspection before the home goes on the market. Hiring a Certified Home Inspector with experience is the first step. You should be able to schedule the inspection at your convenience and you should be present during this inspection. It is important that you work alongside the inspector during the inspection. You can discuss the history of the home, repairs, and improvements that you have made, and discuss any concerns that you may have.

If deficiencies are found, you will be given the opportunity to make those repairs before listing your home. You will then have time to get quotes from different contractors to ensure that you are getting the best price for the repairs you need. Once repairs are made your home will show better, and you will feel more comfortable knowing you took the extra steps to help you substantiate a higher asking price.

Don’t get overwhelmed if you cannot make the repairs because they are costlier than you can afford. The first thing to do is use the repair quotes to accurately adjust your asking price based on those quotes. You will be prepared and knowledgeable about the current condition of your home and able to select a price that you are comfortable with.

Pre-Listing Inspection for Real Estate Professional:

We know how hard you work for your clients and how diligent you are in helping them get the best price possible. The worst feeling is to have a sale contract in hand and then lose it because an inspection revealed something that either party could not overcome. Let’s try to avoid that if we can.

The Seller’s Inspection report will help you with your negotiations and help you avoid that 11th-hour re-negotiation. Clients will be encouraged to know that a home has already passed inspection and deficiencies have already been addressed. Not only is a clean inspection report a great marketing tool, but it also provides you with full-disclosure protection.

Pre-Listing Inspection for the Home Buyer:

You are looking for the perfect home and you finally found it. You also have just been informed that the seller has already had a complete home inspection and the report is available for you to review. This has several benefits to you. The first benefit is you just saved a few hundred dollars because the seller has already paid for the inspection. You will feel more confident in moving forward with your purchase because the deficiencies have already been revealed and possibly even repaired.

We encourage you to consider a Pre-Listing Inspection in your next real estate transaction. The benefits will be appreciated by everyone involved. Kelting Inspections offers Pre-Listing Inspections, Mold Inspections and much more. Schedule your Pre-Listing Inspection today.

Copyright. 2018 Wesley Bulifant. All Rights Reserved.

“It is important to remember that no two inspections are the same. A home inspection is a snapshot in time and reports of the current conditions of the home. Our inspections are all performed in accordance with the InterNACHI Standards of Practice and without any personal interests of any party. An updated inspection should be considered”

 

Selling in Punta Gorda, Cape Coral or Fort Myers? A pre-listing inspection lets you fix issues before a buyer finds them.