By admin1
A roof inspection is an important step in the selling process, but it’s a roof certification that can seal the deal and put buyers’ minds at ease about the quality of your home’s roof. It’s not included in a standard inspection, but it’s worth it for sellers who want to reassure buyers that the roof will remain in good condition for the near future.
A roof certification is a document from a roofing professional meant to inform the homeowner (and prospective buyers) about the roof’s condition and lifespan, and is typically valid for two to five years after inspection. If problems are earmarked, and your roof does require some TLC, you’ll be issued the certification once you’ve made the necessary repairs.
You don’t have to get a roof certification to sell your house, but it provides buyers with key information that can make them feel more comfortable going forward with purchasing a home with an older roof.
When to get your roof inspected: Before or after you list?
With so many balls already in the air, it can be difficult for sellers to assess which details they should handle before the sale and which ones they can afford to hold off on.
Though sellers on a budget could wait it out and put the roofing inspection on the back burner until they have interest from prospective buyers, experts suggest that you should get the roof inspection out of the way before you list your home. If you’re following guidelines set by the National Roofing Certification and Inspection Association (NRCIA), you should already be getting annual roof inspections as part of your home maintenance routine.
When you know the value of your roof going into negotiations, you retain more power than you otherwise might. If a buyer feels that the roof is going to be a major financial drain on them in the future, they’re likely to ask for a reduction in price to compensate. If you’re not prepared to offer credit to buyers, you’ll want to make any repairs before listing and set yourself up to sell at the top of your price range.
Average cost of a roof inspection
According to estimates from HomeAdvisor, most homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $125 to $375 for a standard roof inspection, not including certification or the cost of any repairs that are uncovered in the process. More advanced methods of roof inspection will come with a bigger price tag.
Sellers who want to spring for a drone inspection are likely to end up paying between $150 and $400. An infrared roof inspection can run anywhere from $400 to $600.
If the added security of a roof certification sounds like a worthwhile investment, you can expect to pay between $75 and $200, depending on the size of your home, the pitch of your roof, and the company that performs the certification.
Can buyers get a mortgage to purchase a house that needs roof repairs?
Like any business, banks and lending companies want to protect their assets. If any major damage is flagged during the roof inspection, it can put a halt to an otherwise smooth sale.
Federally-backed mortgages like FHA or VA loans are notoriously strict during the appraisal process, requiring the property to meet specific eligibility standards. Similarly, a bad roof can also delay bank-backed conventional loans. That’s why it’s best to address potential appraiser-required repairs before listing your home:
