As a real-estate agent, you know how important it is to disclose any known structural problems of a home to your clients before the purchasing process — in fact, it’s required by Texas law. Since your professional reputation is built on trust of your expertise, you can also help your new homeowners learn how to keep their foundation strong, sturdy and safe for the years to come.
Before you say “SOLD,” answer these five questions about home foundation protection & repairs for your clients:
1. Which type of foundation do I have, and why is this important?
First thing’s first – your clients won’t feel motivated to be proactive about protecting their home foundation if they don’t understand why it’s so crucial. Help them understand a proper foundation not only stabilizes their home, but it also prevents moisture from seeping in, insulates against the Texas weather, and minimizes their home’s shifting with the ground. If the homebuyers don’t plan on staying for the long-haul, a poor foundation could dramatically decrease the value of their home.
Help your clients learn the type of foundation they have under their home. From concrete, to brick, to cinder block, each of these materials can show unique signs of foundation failure. You can use our soil guide as a reference to help them identify their foundation type and learn what it means for their home. The more your clients know about the physical structure of their house, the better they’ll be able to protect it.
2. What are the biggest signs of foundation damage?
Even the most obvious signs of foundation damage, like large cracks, bowed walls and uneven floors, are often overlooked and ignored by homeowners. Make it clear to your clients something as innocent as a small crack in the drywall could eventually result in a big mess — both literally and financially — if it doesn’t get managed promptly.
3. What about the less obvious signs of foundation damage?
Additionally, prepare your clients to keep an eye on the lesser-known warning signs of foundation damage. Moisture and mold, sticky or cracked doors and windows, wall separation and bugs in the home are usually early telltale signs of a deteriorating foundation.
Are your new homeowners planning on sprucing up their curb appeal once they move in? Before they landscape, make sure they pay extra attention to the slope of their yard to prevent excess water collection during those Texas downpours. Tell your clients to understand the grade of their soil, plant with a purpose and make strategic choices about which trees and shrubs they use.
4. How do I maintain my foundation?
Your clients need to inspect their foundation on a regular basis for all the red flags we’ve shared. Even if they don’t have signs of major damage, we still recommend a professional inspection every 5 to 7 years to catch any issues the average eye might not. Many companies, including Perma Pier will provide evaluations as a courtesy to help advise on foundation health.
Once your clients understand the importance of protecting their home foundation, as well as how to identify the warning signs of damage, they’ll feel confident about caring for their house on their own. They will also know you as a credible expert in your field, who sells with integrity. By sharing these tips, you help ensure your clients can best protect their new home.
5. How do I find a reputable foundation expert?
With the high volume of foundation repairmen in Texas, how can you be sure you’re recommending only the best to your clients? The right candidate will have a deep understanding of Texas soil, a strong reputation throughout the state and years of proven experience in their field.
Perma Pier – The Foundation Experts
Perma Pier is an expert in the complexity and diversity of Texas soils. We’ve served over 30,000 Texas commercial and residential customers, and our foundation-repair history spans over 3 generations. We also offer no-charge foundation evaluations.
At Perma Pier, we pride ourselves on building strong relationships with realtors, and we have for over 20 years. We understand you need a consistent, professional partner who will protect your clients’ foundation, as well as your reputation. Learn more and begin your partnership with Perma Pier today.
