Whether it’s a buyers’ or sellers’ market, the slightest hint of a structural problem can be a major red flag that can derail your sale.
Unforeseen issues, like foundation problems, can cause potential buyers to run scared – leaving your property sitting on the market longer.
A recent story by the San Antonio Express-News sheds some light on the matter.
“When a house goes on the market, any sign of a foundation problem is an obvious deal breaker. “A foundation problem is one of the biggest red flags that can emerge from a pre-sale inspection, said real estate agent Tracey Lammert of Phyllis Browning Co. “Buyers will run scared if that comes up.” Courtesy of mysanantonio.com.
Tracey is right, in fact a good chunk of the calls we get here at Olshan come directly from panicked homeowners who have already lost a sale or are afraid they will if they don’t address their foundation problems immediately.
If you are looking to move your property quickly and maximize returns, repairing your foundation before it goes to market is usually your best bet.
6 Great Reasons to Repair Foundation Problems Before Putting Your House on the Market
When preparing to sell your home, it’s essential to consider the condition of your property’s foundation. Repairing the foundation before listing your home on the market can offer several advantages. Here are six compelling reasons why you should consider getting your foundation repaired first:
- Boosting Property Value: Foundation problems can decrease the value of your home. By investing in foundation repairs, you can potentially increase your home’s market value. Buyers are more likely to pay the asking price for a home with a sound, secure foundation.
- Building Buyer Confidence: A repaired foundation assures potential buyers that the home is safe and structurally sound. This assurance can boost buyer confidence, making your home more attractive to potential buyers.
- Preventing Deal-Breakers: Foundation issues can be a major deal-breaker for many buyers. By addressing these issues proactively, you can prevent potential buyers from walking away.
- Faster Sale Process: Homes with unrepaired foundation issues can stay on the market for a longer time. By fixing foundation problems before listing, you can speed up the sale process.
- Minimizing Post-Inspection Negotiations: Most buyers will hire a home inspector before finalizing a deal. If the inspector finds foundation issues, buyers might negotiate for a lower price, or worse, they might pull out of the deal. By repairing the foundation ahead of time, you can minimize post-inspection negotiations.
- Easing the Closing Process: Homes with significant foundation issues can have difficulty securing buyer financing. Lenders may be hesitant to approve loans for such properties. By repairing your foundation before selling, you can make the closing process smoother and quicker for potential buyers.
At Olshan, we understand that the process of selling a home can be complex and stressful. That’s why we’re committed to making the foundation repair process as easy and straightforward as possible, providing our 90 years of experience and repair options for any budget – to help sellers prepare their homes for a successful sale.
Add Value with a Transferable Warranty
When selling your home, the peace of mind that a Transferable Warranty brings to potential buyers cannot be overstated. Olshan’s available transferable warranty is an attractive asset for home sellers for several reasons:
- Added Assurance for Buyers: Olshan’s Transferable Warranty provides an extra layer of protection and assurance for potential buyers. They can feel confident knowing that if any issues arise with the foundation after purchase, the warranty can help cover the cost of repairs.
- Stand Out in the Market: In a competitive real estate market, offering a Transferable Warranty can make your home stand out. It’s an added feature that not all sellers can provide, making your property more attractive to potential buyers.
- Mitigate Negotiation Issues: If a buyer is aware that a Transferable Warranty is in place, it can reduce concerns about potential future repair costs. This can help smooth negotiations and may contribute to a higher final selling price.
- Long-Term Support: Olshan stands by its work. Our Transferable Warranty is a testament to the quality and durability of our repairs. We offer ongoing support long after installation, so the new homeowners can have peace of mind knowing they have our backing.
- Demonstrates Trust in Workmanship: A Transferable Warranty shows that we stand behind our work. This reflects well on the seller, demonstrating to buyers that the repairs were done professionally and are expected to last.
At Olshan, we’re committed to not just providing top-quality foundation repair services, but also offering support and reassurance long after the work is done. Our available Transferable Warranty is a testament to our dedication to quality and our commitment to our customers – both past and future.
Think Your Home Might Have Foundation Problems? Don’t Wait for the Home Inspector to Identify Issues – Be Proactive to Retain Bargaining Power
Getting a Free Evaluation from Olshan before putting your house on the market is a proactive measure that can prevent potential roadblocks during the sale process. Here’s why this is a smart move:
- Early Detection of Issues: A professional evaluation can uncover any hidden foundation or structural problems that you might not be aware of. Addressing these issues early can prevent surprises during the home inspection that could derail the sale.
- Avoiding Negotiation Hassles: Discovering structural problems during the home inspection often leads to negotiations for a lower selling price or requests for repairs before the sale can proceed. By identifying and addressing these issues beforehand, you can avoid these negotiation challenges.
- Enhancing Buyer Confidence: A pre-market evaluation that results in foundation repair or simply confirms the foundation’s integrity can be a selling point. This proactive step can enhance buyer confidence, showing that you have taken measures to ensure the home’s structural soundness.
- Preventing Delays: Repairing structural issues detected during a home inspection can cause significant delays to the closing process. By getting a free evaluation and addressing any issues upfront, you can help ensure a smoother, quicker sale process.
- Preserving Home Value: A well-maintained foundation contributes to the overall value of your home. By ensuring your foundation is in good shape before you sell, you help preserve – and potentially increase – your home’s value.
- Peace of Mind: Perhaps most importantly, a pre-market evaluation from Olshan provides peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing that your home’s foundation is in good hands, and that we stand by our work.
Olshan Certified Structural Technicians provide no-obligation foundation evaluations free of cost.