Category: Inspecting the Home as a Seller

  • Why do so many states not regulate home inspectors? 

      Reader Question: Why do so many states not regulate home inspectors?  Monty’s Answer: Your question about why do so many states not regulate home inspectors is an excellent question. To answer this question accurately requires academic research that is beyond the scope of this column. I will reach out to the James A. Graaskamp…

  • The problems with home inspections

      Reader Question: You have written numerous articles over time about the problems with home inspections. We are near our savings goal and preparing to buy a home. What is your current opinion of home inspections?  Monty’s Answer: Home inspection laws came into existence because home sellers were unaware of the defects, hid, or made…

  • Three home inspection practices to scrutinize

      Reader Question: ​I am a seller. My agent got me an offer that required a home inspection. When the investigation took place, they determined the electrical breaker box needed replacement. This discovery caused the buyer to back out. Now, can I sell my house without this upgrade and negotiate the price accordingly, or must…

  • What should a home seller disclose in the condition report?

    ​Reader Question: What must a home seller disclose and what are we not obliged to disclose? We are preparing to sell our home and want to know. ​What does the seller’s condition report cover and where does a homeowner’s responsibility to disclose end? ​Monty’s Answer: ​Most every state has laws and requirements for a home seller…

  • Three most common home inspection misses

    Reader Question: We are preparing to sell our home to downsize. We hear stories about home inspection misses. We will soon be dealing with two inspections. What items do home inspectors most often overlook? Harold W. Monty’s Answer: This question requires some background to explain efficiently. There are three facts centered around home inspections often…

  • Overcoming a real estate inspection defect

    Reader Question: Monty, I recently had a home inspection, and it is noted that my potential property had a crack in the brick due to beam shifting. If the seller does not want to repair the items because he has backup offers, what can I use as negotiating power? Thanks. Josh D. Monty’s Answer: Hello Josh, and…