Top Inspection Trends From Last Year And What They Mean For Buyers and Realtors
In January, we take a look back at the previous year and we want to take a minute and show you some of the trends that have been noticed that may ultimately affect the value of your home, whether your are a buyer or a seller. Below is a summary of some of these items:
Increased Focus on Moisture and Mold Issues: There has been a noticeable increase in moisture-related problems. Home inspections are showing mod growth, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and water intrusion through roofs and windows.
HVAC Systems: With air conditioning systems in constant use, there are a significant number of systems showing overuse, poor maintenance or are outdated.
Roof Wear and Damage: The intense weather conditions of last year, including heavy rains, hail storms, and hurricanes, have led to increased wear and damage to roofing materials. Issues like missing shingles, leaks and general deterioration are present, especially in older homes.
Plumbing Systems: Many homes showed signs of aging plumbing systems, such as corroded pipes, leaks, and outdated fixtures. This is particularly evident in older neighborhoods.
Electrical Systems: There is a trend toward upgrading electrical systems to meet modern needs. Inspections have shown the need for more GFCI outlets, updated wiring, and enhanced capacity to handle modern electrical loads and the market is beginning to make that shift.
Structural Integrity: Structural issues such as foundation cracks, settling and damage from past storms. This has been a focus in regions prone to flooding or where soil conditions are a concern.
Energy Efficiency: There is a growing trend on energy efficiency. Clients are calling to ask for evaluation of insulation quality, window efficiency, and presence of energy-saving appliances and systems.
Termite and Pest Infestations: There is an increase in reports of termite damage, particularly in wood structures, or structures near water (such as lakes or ponds) and some in new builds.
Building Codes and Standards: Florida has seen updates in building codes, especially related to hurricane preparedness and stricter requirements for wind-related features, such as impact-resistant windows and reinforced roofing.
We know that Real Estate in Florida is ever evolving and driven by our unique climate, aging infrastructure, and technological advancements. Homeowners and realtors should be aware of these trends to ensure that homes are safe, efficient, and compliant with current standards. Current home owners need to remain up-to-date on the condition of their home and buyers wanting to purchase a home need to assess the condition of the home they are thinking of purchasing to get a baseline of its condition and needed maintenance or repairs. Keep the above in mind as some findings can be costly no matter if your the owner or buyer.