Buying and selling a home can be a very daunting time for both the buyer and seller. Usually the role of buyer and seller are reversed during the property transfer and acquisition proceedings as the seller of one property becomes the buyer of another. Total Chimney Care has become a pivotal partner for home owners buying and selling property. 
There are so many considerations when buying and selling a home that it requires a team of professionals in real estate, law, insurance, lending, and property maintenance to look out for your best interests. Most lending institutions require an inspection as part of the real estate transfer process. However, any inspection is only as valuable as the thoroughness and attention to detail of the inspector. An inspection suitable for the lender may not cover the detail you want. Adding a chimney professional to your team is also critical. Often the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified chimney professionals will pick up on issues that home inspectors may miss. “Home inspectors are generalists. A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep is a specialist,” explains Ashley Eldridge, CSIA’s Director of Education.
There is an excellent first person account on the Wisdom from the Hearth, blog from CSIA that details the reasons why you should consider adding a chimney professional to your team. It’s a must read for anyone considering buying property. In the blog, the potential home buyer’s chimney professionals found that part of the chimney was not up to code and the chase cover was holding, rather than deflecting, water which meant there was current and future potential for water damage. The CSIA certified chimney professionals also found evidence (that the home inspector missed) that the bricks supporting the façade of the fireplace were separating from the wall which meant there was inadequate support of the brick, another costly repair. Once the potential buyer was aware of these issues she could properly address them with the seller and negotiate repairs or a price reduction.
No one likes surprises and this is especially true when buying property. During the purchasing process a chimney professional can provide you with the peace of mind that you are fully aware of the condition of the property you are buying and the property is priced accordingly.
As a pro-active note, when you can show potential buyers evidence that you have followed the CSIA’s recommendations and have been diligent in having yearly inspections and professional cleaning of your fireplace, chimney, and household venting you are able to justify a higher price for your property. You will be able to show the buyer that your chimney, and fireplace, and venting have received maintenance and repairs from a chimney professional which will enable buyers to have confidence in their interest, and ultimate decision, to buy your property. The reverse is true when you are the potential home buyer; it will put your mind at ease to review the reports from the chimney professional over the years to understand the home’s chimney and masonry history.
Total Chimney Care is on your side, whether or not you will soon be buying on selling property. Our objective is to keep you safe and to preserve the integrity of your structure. If you have any questions be sure to reach out to us: 203-874-6772.