Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
There is a long and ever-changing list of conditions that determine the speed at which homes move on the real estate market. Some houses barely make it to see a sign in the front lawn before they sell, while others seem stalled from the start. What is it that makes some homes so incredibly difficult to sell?
The base of anything structured for integrity and endurance must be built with precision, durable materials and engineered according to land conditions. Older homes tend to have more issues with foundations because of untreated wood and less engineering.
Sagging floors are an immediate indicator there are structural issues that exist from the foundation up. Anything that compromises the structural integrity of a home is, and should be, an immediate concern to a buyer. These issues lead to many problems and stress on the “bones” of the home and are costly to correct.
Anyone who has ever heard mice or rats running through their ventilation system or walls knows how unnerving this can be. Notoriously filthy and often carrying diseases, these creatures will feast on wood, electrical wiring and even each other when times are tough. They, along with wood boring insects, are some of the most destructive pests a home can host.
Evicting pests from a home is an undertaking best left to pest control professionals; they are experienced and equipped for the drastic measures that are often needed to halt the hidden demolition efforts of unwanted house guests who can make selling a home a big challenge.
Homes in flood plains which have a history, or risk, of flooding will require flood insurance by lenders, adding a sizable cost to annual home ownership.
Moisture leads to mold, mildew and horrible smells. These things cause serious health problems for residents and serious issues for a home’s structure. Dry rot is a serious decomposition of wood and is no joke when that wood is holding up the weight of a home. A professional contractor is the best bet for figuring out the best way to combat these issues.
Homes in rough neighborhoods may be very difficult to sell, but location goes further than this. Homes located near city landfills and wastewater treatment plants or near lakes and other bodies of water are more prone to experience pest and moisture issues. A “home on the range” may be more difficult to sell if it is unreasonably distant from shopping, medical facilities and schools.
In the end, closing on the sale of a home with major issues isn’t impossible, but it will likely require some major repairs or price negotiation to compensate for what a buyer will need to pay to have repairs done—or brave the unrepairable. Buyers need to have a keen eye and be diligent about pre-purchase inspections and estimates, and weigh matters carefully before making a firm offer.
About the author: Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she's used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. Anica is a writer for Pointe Pest Control, which provides pest control in Hinsdale and elsewhere in Illinois.
