TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HOME SHOW WELL

 

Real Estate Home Inspections and Appraisals in the new normal

Even during the COVID-19 outbreak, real estate transactions go on. Buyers and sellers still

need to move, and the industry is looking for new ways to accommodate both the needs of

the transaction and, of course, the safety of everyone.

Many traditional real estate activities can be performed virtually. While no one is 

suggesting that a buyer will be comfortable buying a home they have only seen during a 

Zoom visit, they  can minimize the number of homes they physically visit by pre-screening 

these homes ahead of time through virtual tours.  

There are a few vital pieces of the transaction that require in-person visits, however. Among

these are home inspections and appraisals. Both of these professionals need access to the

property to properly perform their duties, and it leaves some potential home sellers and

buyers wondering if it’s even possible to conclude a real estate transaction right now.

While everyone should cautiously move forward according to their personal sense of 

comfort, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and the 

professionals while they are in your home. Before setting the appointments, thing through 

the parts of your home the inspector or appraiser will need to access and think though the 

process. 

Contact the home inspector and appraiser and work out a plan together to keep everyone

safe:

• Communicate with them about off-limit areas, and what parts of the home they can

access.

• Have a notepad in which they can communicate what parts of the home they came in

contact with, and offer hand sanitizer and wipes for them to use before and after

touching parts of the home.

• Finally, leave the home during the appointments, and clean properly once you return

home.

Life does move on – if you are trying to buy or sell a home during this challenging time, it

might take extra effort. However, working with your real estate team, you can conclude a

successful real estate transaction amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Kristi Fenton 

Illinois Licensed Real Estate Broker

Swick Realty 

812 Hampshire St

Quincy, IL. 62301

217-617-9083

www.searchquincyhomes.com

What are Contingencies on a Contract?

What are Contingencies on a Contract?

Contingencies are commonplace in contracts of all kinds. A contingency allows for one party or another to legally back out of a contract in the event of some specific condition occurring. They are protection against the unknown. 

 In real estate, there can be contingencies inserted for either buyer or seller or both. These take many different forms and until removed in writing, either party may change their minds based on the result of the contingent event or issue.

  Some examples of home buyer contingencies: 

• Home inspections – condition of the home

 • Specialty inspections – mold, geological, roof inspections

 • Code Violations – an investigation into improvements made without permits

 • Lender appraisal – ensures the offered price is not too high 

• Sale of current home – allows the buyer to back out if they cannot sell their current home in specific time frame

 • Final loan approval – loan is ready for signature and close

 • HOA CC&Rs – review of documents to ensure rules and regulations do not infringe on enjoyment of property 

• Insurability – home owner’s insurance available at a reasonable rate 

Home sellers can also have contingencies included as well, such as one which states the sale is contingent on finding a replacement home. Contingencies are a fact of contract law. In real estate, they ensure that the offer is concluded as expected.

Home Buying doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. You can trust that I can advise you every step of the way. Contact me at Davis and Associates to help you answer all your Real Estate Questions.