Selling a home in Albuquerque always involves an inspection. But when the inspector reports something amiss in the plumbing, sellers either panic or simply shrug it off.

If there are issues with the property, an inspector is sure to find those. For the most part, buyers will not commit to buying a home until it's been thoroughly vetted by an inspector.

It can be a hassle to make repairs after an inspection, and it will certainly eat into your profits. But what kind of repairs could you potentially be expected to make?

Check the Contract

In order to avoid being forced into repairs you don't want to make, you should check your contract.

Generally, you shouldn't sign a contract until you clearly understand what it stipulates. This is especially true when it comes to repairs.

Thankfully, not everything that the home inspector suggests you fix must be fixed. Reports are not to-do lists.

There are three kinds of repairs: necessary, optional, and debatable.

Required Repairs after a Home Inspection

Prior to releasing funds to complete the purchase, lenders will require some repairs. Repairs are usually needed because of structural issues, safety concerns, and code violations.

An inspection may uncover mold or mildew that poses a safety risk. Unrepaired leaks in water mains and damaged plumbing systems can cause mold growth.

Bob Oates Plumbing recommends all clients perform routine plumbing maintenance on an annual basis after a water main breaks, because an undetected leak can lead to high water bills, mold, mildew, and rot.

If such problems are discovered during the home inspection, you will likely be responsible for fixing them.

A repair credit is often offered to buyers, allowing them to perform the repairs themselves. Taking this route means you won't have to supervise the repairs.

Repairs that are Not Required

Normal wear and tear or cosmetic damage is not the seller's responsibility.

In some contracts, the buyer will be restricted to requesting only the above-mentioned required repairs and cannot request cosmetic repairs. However, the seller is also liable for any issues or defects discovered during an inspection if state laws govern that matter.

To know which repairs you will be responsible for, you should understand your local ordinances.

Negotiable Home Repairs

Repairs that are negotiable fall somewhere between required and optional repairs. Market conditions affect how they're treated.

There is more flexibility for the seller in a seller's market. If the market is hot, the contract may specify that the buyer will buy the home "as is" or may request the buyer request a limited inspection only. The seller would not be obligated to pay for repairs if the contract stipulates such language.

Such strict rules would not be allowed in a normal marketplace.

Sellers are responsible for negotiating these repairs. Home warranties are offered by some, while others offer value-added incentives to buyers.

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

 

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