6 Questions Realtors Need to Ask During a Pre-Offer Inspection

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With the market as crazy as it is right now, it’s no surprise that real estate agents want to help their clients make an offer as soon as possible. But, before your client makes a decision, there are some essential questions you should investigate during your pre-offer inspection

 

These six questions focus specifically on the home’s attic space, as this is a space that’s often overlooked. Sure, granite countertops and beautiful bedrooms might wow your prospects, but the attic of the listed home is where the real details are. You want to make sure the attic space is in tip-top shape during a pre-offer inspection

 

6 Questions to Ask About The Attic Space

Here are six questions to ask the listing agent about the attic space before your client makes an offer. Not sure where to start? Become one of the many real estate agents who partner with us to ensure no stone is left unturned when examining crawl spaces and attics before making an offer. 

 

Have You Had Any Issues With Rodents in the Past? 

Rodents are a huge concern for any homeowner and can create huge problems later on. During a pre-offer inspection, ask them about their history with rodents and if they have ever had any infestations. These infestations could have put their home and attic space at risk. 

 

When examining a home pre-offer, look for:

 

  • Animal droppings
  • Scratching sounds
  • Chewed walls and wires
  • Dirt or grease smudges
  • Squeaking noises
  • Damaged insulation
  • Nesting

 

Rodents can do thousands of dollars worth of damage to attics and homes, so it’s essential for real estate agents to ask about rodents before their client makes an offer on a home.

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When Was the Last Time You Had a Professional Inspect Your Attic?

It’s a good idea to have a professional attic inspection before listing a house on the market. You should ask the seller if they’ve ever had a professional attic inspection in the past. These inspections can help identify unknown issues, understand the source of any problems, if there are any, and provide services to resolve any issues. 

 

Plus, sellers receive a full report of the findings that you can then provide to your buyer for peace of mind. 


Recommended Article: Top 5 Reasons To Have The Attic Inspected


Do You Have Any Problems With Mold, Mildew, or Poor Air Quality In Your Home? 

Mold and mildew are major concerns, and as a real estate agent, you should know if the home you are showing your client has had any mold or mildew issues in the past. Many times, these issues are caused by a poorly ventilated attic or crawl space. 

 

During an attic inspection, a mold remediation specialist will look at the darkest corners of an attic to locate where the mold is coming from. Then, you can fix the issue and have more confidence that the home is sanitary and has good air quality. 

 

During the pre-offer inspection, ask the seller if they have experienced any of the following::

 

  • Decayed odor
  • Poor air quality
  • Overpriced energy bills
  • Ongoing headaches due to poor air quality
  • Wet or damaged insulation
  • Warped or buckled floorboards
  • Chronic allergies due to poor air quality
  • Worsening asthma due to poor air quality

 

How Old is the Insulation In Your Home?

A home’s interior goes far beyond open concept kitchens and crown molding. An attic’s insulation is an essential part of every home’s interior. Because of this, questions about the home’s insulation are good questions to ask before making an offer on a house.

 

Attic insulation installation professionals can find air leaks caused by damaged or poor insulation, leading to poor temperature control. The clients you’re representing aren’t going to be thrilled about overly hot summers and too-cold winters. Plus, making sure an attic has proper insulation protects the home’s wood and structures from damage. The cost of an attic home inspection is minimal compared to the long-term damage that poor insulation can cause.

 

Does Your Home Have Any Added Temperature-Controlling Benefits? 

Speaking of temperature control, having any secondary fans in your home is a significant benefit that’s often overlooked. Ask the seller if they have any other temperature control methods, such as a solar roof fan, a whole house fan, or a gable fan. These types of fans can help naturally circulate fresh air throughout the home and save homebuyers on their electric bill. 

 

Does Your Home Have Asbestos? 

According to the American Lung Association, research shows that asbestos fibers can cause significant breathing problems and cancer. This is why it’s essential to ask the home seller if they have any asbestos in their insulation, especially if your client is interested in homes built before 1980. 

 

Even if the seller says no, though, it’s worth having an asbestos removal expert take a look at the home’s attic and crawl space because asbestos can be hiding in air ducts without the homeowner even knowing. 

 

Get a Free Attic Inspection from Attic Projects

These six questions are just a few of the questions to ask before making an offer on a house, but they will help your client understand what they need to know before signing those papers. Show safer, higher-quality homes to your client with an attic home inspector and crawl space inspector. This trusted partnership ensures you’re a step ahead of the competition and protects your reputation as an authorized agent.

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