1. Have maintenance/evaluation done on the house before the home  inspection is ordered. Areas to focus on include the roof, electrical  system, heating and cooling system. Get a handyman in to eliminate the  nuisance items prior to the inspection (i.e. sticking doors, leaking   faucets, loose toilets, etc.). Buyer’s will equate problems in these  areas as evidence that the home has not been cared for.

2. If you discover that a system needs major repair or  replacement as the home is listed, disclose it and offer a credit to the  buyer and adjust the sales price accordingly. Most buyers appreciate  the honesty conveyed with an accurate disclosure and feel good about  getting a credit for needed repairs.

3. Make sure you are aware that the inspection will  reveal numerous defects – don’t be surprised or alarmed. Even newly  built homes often have long lists of problem areas. Preparation is the  key to avoiding the shock that everyone feels when they are fully  informed about property condition. The buyer should avoid expecting the  seller to bring the home up to today’s standards. When you buy a 1967  Mustang you don’t make the seller put in an air bag, do you?

4. Keep things in perspective. I once observed an  experienced Realtor explain to a buyer that if termites are found at the  property that is a good news/good news scenario. If no termites are  present that is good news, but if termites are found then you will get a  whole new barrier of chemicals applied and that is also good news. Most  buyers forget why they fell in love with the property and how it  compared with other homes as they are hearing about the problem areas.  Keep your perspective.

5. Get another opinion and an accurate quote to make  any repairs. Home inspectors, for good reason, are often uncomfortable  making estimates of repair costs. The best bet is to always get actual  bids from several licensed contractors during the re-negotiation  process. Buyers and home inspectors often over-estimate the cost for  repairs and sellers often under-estimate. The only figures of any value  are those presented as an  actual offer to perform the repair.

6. If you are deeply disturbed about the news of the  homes’ condition it is probably best to let some time go by so you can  process the information. Make follow-up calls to the inspector to gain  additional perspective. If you are the seller, it is important to focus  on the good reasons for selling and the need to work with a  ready/willing buyer.  Once informed about the defects they become  matters to disclose to any future buyer so it makes sense to be  reasonable.