MEET THE TEAM!!! #2: The Home Inspection

Real Estate is a team effort.

What is the most important thing when selling your home? Disclosure, disclosure, disclosure!!! In order to protect yourself best from buyers cancelling the contract, full disclosure of ALL known facts about your home is essential. By hiring a Home Inspector and providing a report, buyers can make an informed offer. That means a better night's sleep for you!

Inspector Ian:

Home Inspections that are no Mystery.

IAN WESTMORELAND, PhD

Inspector Ian, involved in construction projects for over 25 years, started his working life as a carpenter and picture framer in the late 1980's. His path eventually led to a PhD in chemistry and an appointment at UC Berkeley. Leaving the frenetic scientific research behind, he returned to his first love: buildings and their construction. Ian is a fully certified member of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) and operates Inspector Ian according to clearly set-out Standards of Practice and a strict Code of Ethics.

Ian, in your opinion, why is it so important to have a pre-sale home inspection?

An assessment of the condition of the property is vital for assigning an accurate valuation prior to listing the property for sale. Research has shown that properties that are priced correctly sell faster and for more $$$ than significantly over- or underpriced homes. In addition, a clear declaration of the property’s condition cuts out potentially lengthy and/or costly negotiations.

What is your personal approach?

Professional, accommodating, respectful, and honest. I build a rapport with my clients while I develop a complete and accurate picture of the subject property. I take pride in conveying findings clearly and concisely to the client either verbally or through a written report.

What is the oddest experience you have ever had while inspecting a home?

Well, I come across my fair share of odd things when I crawl under buildings. One large colony of black widows comes to mind here. I once discovered an outdoor urinal at a home in Walnut Creek. It was mounted at the exterior of the kitchen wall. One of the many things I love about my job is that every property is different; I never know what I will find, so I have to be thorough and methodical. Every day is different!