In Florida, a deal can fall apart not because the buyer changed their mind, but because they could not get homeowners insurance on the house at a price that works. Two short inspections, the 4 point and the wind mitigation, often decide what an insurer will offer. Ordering them before you list puts you in control of that conversation instead of learning about a problem halfway through a contract.
What a 4 Point Inspection Covers
A 4 point inspection looks at the four systems insurers care about most: the roof, the electrical system, the plumbing, and the heating and air conditioning. It is not a full home inspection. It is a snapshot of the age and condition of those systems, and insurers commonly require one on older homes, often those around 20 years old or more, before they will write a policy.
What a Wind Mitigation Inspection Covers
A wind mitigation inspection documents the features that help a home stand up to high winds. That includes the roof shape, how the roof deck is attached, how the roof is connected to the walls, and whether the windows and doors have impact protection. Those features can qualify the owner for discounts on the wind portion of the insurance premium, which in Florida can be a significant share of the total.
Why Order Them First?
- You find issues on your timeline. If the electrical panel is a type insurers will not accept, or a water heater needs to be replaced, you can fix it or price it in before buyers ever see it.
- Buyers get faster, better quotes. Handing a buyer’s insurance agent a recent wind mitigation report can lower the quote they receive, which makes your home look more affordable month to month.
- Fewer surprises mid contract. Problems found during the inspection period become renegotiations. Problems found before listing become part of your plan.
Know the Roof Rules
Roof age is one of the biggest factors in Florida insurance. If your roof is under 15 years old, Florida law protects you: an insurance company cannot turn you down or drop you based on the roof’s age alone. If it is older, a roof inspection showing it still has five or more good years left can help you keep coverage. Know your roof’s age and have the permit record ready, because every buyer and every insurer will ask.
Disclosure Still Applies
Florida sellers must disclose known issues that materially affect the value of the home and are not readily visible to a buyer. If a pre listing inspection turns something up, we talk through the best way to handle it, whether that means repairing it, crediting it, or pricing for it. What we do not do is hope nobody notices.
Getting ready to sell? Schedule a seller consultation and we will build your pre listing checklist, inspections included.