The real estate market has really changed in recent months. Yes location, location, location is a dynamic force in many of the current transactions. Your home selling challenge requires it to stand out in the crowd. Pristine properties are selling in a small number of communities. Currently, numerous buyers request inspections of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems of the property. I highly recommend you have a property inspected before a buyer calls for inspections, as many these items are often deal killers.

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As an electric contractor and investor I have the advantage of observing various home inspection reports and what the buyers are requesting to have remedied. Recommendations regarding repairs to the electrical systems in your property built before 1980’s may include the following:

Install GFIC outlets in all bathrooms and with in 6 feet of the kitchen sink. Older homes are not required by code to have GFIC outlets, but they are valuable safety feature. Consider having a 20 amp GFI circuit added for the bathroom outlets to reduce the chance of a fire caused by overloading the existing wiring by an 1800 watt hair dryer.

If the existing electric panel has double tapped wiring it will require updating to allow for the adequate number of circuit breakers plus a minimum of 2 spare spaces. FHA conforming loans requires 100 amp minimum main electric service with circuit breaker protection.

Reverse polarity and open ground outlets are frequently found on the inspection report. Correctly reinstalling new original 2 prong non grounded outlets is the normal remedy. Consider installing new wiring for a few 3 prong grounded outlets in areas that may contain computers, space heaters or other heavy electrical load appliances.

• Open wire splices and missing covers must be addressed and repair as they are safety hazards.

• Frayed or damage main electric wiring must be corrected to prevent water from shorting out the power or having a possible electrocution hazard.

• Additional considerations can include improving the look, safety and selling features of your property by installing new light fixtures, energy saving bulbs, switches, outlets and cover plates.

• Install NEW smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, their effective life is 7 to 10 Years.

• The 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) will be requiring ARC Fault (AFI) or GFI protection on new wiring and installing child Tamper-Resistant Outlet (TRO) when and if it’s adopted in Ohio.

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Join a Local Columbus Real Estate investors group to help you learn to buy, sell, lease, rehab and finance investment properties.

Columbus Investors Real Estate Network (CIREN) Meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of month. For more info email brianurbanski@cirenhome.com

Columbus Property Investors Association (CPIA) Meeting is on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.  Email: homebuyer23@gmail.com

Real Estate Investor Association (REIA) contact the Ohio state chapter at www.Oreia.com for a local chapter near you.

Great online Real Estate resources include www.RealEstateInvestor.com www.CameronDirect.com www.MrLandlord.com

Glen Copeland

Excel Electrical Services LLC 614 863-0588 ExcelElectricalServices.com

Asset Investments LLC   614 856-9021

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