4 Questions to Ask Your North Shore Home Inspector

In a past blog post, I've shared 4 Red Flags Your Home Inspection Could Miss and now it's on to another important inspection topic— questions to ask! Once you've gone over the report, you will likely have dozens of questions about the items listed which can leave you feeling uneasy about your future purchase. Be sure to note the four questions below to help you calm your homebuyer nerves after the inspection!

What is this item?
If you're unclear about an item listed in the inspection report, do not hesitate to ask your inspector! For instance, if there is a defect in the electrical system that you don't understand, ask exactly what needs to be fixed and how serious it is. You should never be afraid to ask for clarification about the items found in the report.

Is this serious?
When you look over the report, you will notice many minor issues, but not all will need to be addressed immediately. Ask your inspector if any major problems came up and what needs to be remedied now. You should be fully aware of the major issues before buying a North Shore home!

Should I make a follow-up?
Your Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, and Winnetka inspector will be knowledgable, but he may also refer you to another expert like an electrician or plumber for a closer look at a problem. If he flags something in the report like this that needs further inspection, ask him if you need to make a follow-up with another expert.

What needs to be done after the purchase?
Remember that if you don't ask the seller to make certain repairs, they are now on your plate! Ask the inspector what needs to be fixed after you move-in, or in other words what you don't need to ask the seller for and what can wait. You will still want to stay on top of these repairs in case it will be something isn't functioning properly when you step in the door!

Ready to start the home buying process or have more questions for a real estate expert in Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, or Winnetka? Give me a call today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States. 

4 Issues to Fix Before Listing Your North Shore Home

Every North Shore homeowner has a successful sale in mind when they list their property, but did you know there are several common issues that can cause the transaction to come apart at the seams? If you are aware of any problems prior to listing your Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park, or Northbrook home, it is always wise to remedy them. I've included a few of the common red flags to watch for around your property before you place that For Sale sign in the yard.

Worn, old roof
When searching for homes on Chicago's North Shore, buyers can quickly make a note of those whose roofs look like they may need replacing. If your roof is coming to the end of its road (typically 20 to 25 years), replacing it could help you sell faster.

Old appliances
Today's homebuyers are looking for updated kitchens with newer appliances. They do not want to have this expense upon their move into your home. If you have dated appliances, buyers may also wonder what else you've failed to replace.

Difficult, creaky windows
If buyers cannot open your windows or can hear every car go by while inside, they may consider moving on to the next property. Replace your old, sticky windows with newer, dual-paned models to help eliminate sound and appeal to buyers.

Foundation cracks
There is no greater red flag to North Shore buyers than a crack in the foundation. This can mean larger, more expensive issues down the road and your home may "sit" on the market longer than you'd like. Be ready to fix this issue if you've already listed or speak with someone prior to taking that first seller step.

Unsure if you're ready to list your North Shore home or have questions about your home value? Give me a call today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States. 

What Your Home Inspector Will Not Inspect in Your Glencoe, Winnetka or Deerfield Home

The main objective of your home inspection is to make you—the homebuyer— aware of any issues currently associated with the property. But when inspection day rolls around, it's important that you know your inspector will not always inspect everything and you may be left with a few questions or even surprises down the road.

To avoid any headaches after you've purchased a home in Deerfield, Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook or the surrounding areas, keep in mind the following areas that the inspector may not be checking:

The roof
Not all inspectors are qualified to inspect roofing, so be sure to consult your inspect to find out if you will need to call a specialist. It may also be more difficult to fully inspect the roof if it is covered with snow.

The chimney
If you think your home may have structural damage, hiring a chimney specialist may be a wise decision. They will be able to further research damage hiding inside of the chimney with a small camera.

The sewer
Your inspector may do as much as flush the toilets and run the water to make sure things are in working order, but a sewer specialist will be able to expand on whether your sewer line is in good condition, if there are any cracks or tree roots causing a problem now or in the future. This is one place you will want to have covered— these repairs can be very costly later!

Permitted/non-permitted spaces
You will not have to hire any additional experts to determine if a space has been properly permitted, but your inspector and real estate agent will be able to shed some light. While purchasing a home with extra room in the form of a porch, converted garage or additional bedrooms may sound appealing, these can cause a hassle if they need to be brought up to code.

If you have questions about purchasing a home on Chicago's North Shore this spring, give me a call! I'm here to walk you through the process, from finding the right property to the important steps like the home inspection!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.