PREPARING FOR HOME INSPECTIONSThe home inspections are an important part of the real estate

transaction, and most often are a cause for a sale to go south.

Use this quick guide to make the process smooth and avoid

surprises for everyone involved. Afterall, at this stage of the

sale, you know more about your house than anyone else.

ROOFWhen you are the buyer of an existing, resale home, what isone of the first things that comes to mind when you think ofinspections or possible repairs? The roof! Whether flat orpitched, a simple way to avoid expensive repairs or need forreplacement is to have the roof penetrations, flashings,canale, vent pipes, etc sealed. Remove leaves, debris, andcut back branches from trees that can brush against theroof. Most reputable roofing companies or handyman can dogeneral maintenance to avoid costly buyer concerns.

PLUMBINGMany homes, newer and older, have a dripping faucet,leaky garden hose valve, or missing drain stopsomewhere. Avoid long inspection reports by checkingplumbing fixtures and correcting minor issues. Makesure there aren't any leaks under the sinks. Caulkaround tub and shower surrounds. Does water come outof the faucet handles or hose bib knob where itshouldn't when they are running? If your toilet runslonger than it should after being flushed, it may need anew wax ring or adjustments in the tank. Buyersquestion attention to detail and overall care when toomany of these issues arise.

ELECTRICALElectrical issues tend to be brought up at inspections assafety issues, and will often suggest that a licensedelectrician further evaluate something that isn't workingproperly. If you don't have GFCI outlets on outlets nearthe kitchen & bathroom sinks, this will be listed as aninspection issue. It is also usually an inexpensive fix.Smoke detectors in each bedroom? For $5-10 each, whynot? Exposed wires are a red flag and should be properlycapped off run through conduit. Homes built in the1950s, 1960s and into the 1970s with FEDERALPACIFIC electrical panels will be brought to the buyer'sattention. If you have aluminum wiring, has it beenpigtailed properly? Lastly, replace all burnt bulbs withworking light bulbs. Light fixtures are always checked.

DISCLOSURE & RECORDS

WINDOWS & DOORSAlbuquerque's warm afternoons and cold nights can causewindow seals on double pane windows to break, oftencausing a cloudiness between panes of glass. Pets andlandscaping will occasionally tear a window screen. Usinga piece of wood to keep your sliding glass door locked?Check doors and windows to make sure they are openingand closing properly, as well as locking & latching asintended. If you see signs of moisture between windowpanes, you may want to address these things.

If you are aware of an issue with the house or operation of any of the systems, please

disclose this ahead of inspections. It may not be a big deal, and it may be something

the inspector can better explain to the buyer. Also, this is a great time to leave any

files or records out for the buyers to see if you wish.

SEAL ROOF PENETRATIONS, FLASHINGS, PARAPETS

REPLACE ANY MISSING OR BURNT LIGHT BULBS

CHECK FOR GFCI (GROUNDED) OUTLETS IN KITCHEN

CHECK FOR GFCI (GROUNDED) OUTLETS IN BATHS

CAULK AROUND TUB AND SHOWER SURROUNDS

DRIPPING FAUCETS OR HOSE BIBS REPAIRED

CHECK UNDER SINKS FOR ANY ACTIVE LEAKS

UNCLOG SLOW DRAINS

REPAIR TORN OR MISSING WINDOW SCREENS

DOORS & WINDOWS LATCH AND LOCK PROPERLY

TOILETS FLUSH AND RUN PROPERLY, NOT TOO LONG

FURNACE FILTER IS CLEANED OR REPLACED

ELECTRICAL PANEL IS UNLOCKED & ACCESSIBLE

EVAPORATIVE COOLER SERVICED, BELTS CHANGED

WATER HEATER IS NOT PERCOLATING

STUCCO CRACKS LARGER THAN 1/8" ARE PATCHED &PAINTED OR REPAIRED

ROOF GUTTERS & CANALE DRAIN AWAY FROM HOUSE

CRAWL SPACE ACCESSIBLE (IF EXISTS)

GARAGE DOOR OPENS & CLOSES SMOOTHLY

ANY EXPOSED WIRES PROPERLY CAPPED OFF

RECORDS AVAILABLE FOR:

PAST TERMITE TREATMENTS

RADON MITIGATION SYSTEM (IF INSTALLED)

SEPTIC & WELL PERMITS (IF APPLICABLE)

COPIES OF ANY EXISTING WARRANTIES

KEYS TO ANY DETACHED BUILDINGS

DOCUMENTATION OF ANY MAJOR REPAIRS OR

IMPROVEMENTS (ROOF, HVAC, APPLIANCES)

FIND SOMETHING TO DO DURING INSPECTIONS .THE INSPECTION IS THE BUYER 'S CHANCE TOLEARN ABOUT THE HOUSE FROM THE PROS .OFTEN A SELLER WILL INTERFERE OR DEFENDTHEIR HOUSE IF AN ISSUE ARISES . THIS CANKILL A DEAL FASTER THAN THE ISSUE .

C H E C K L I S T