In Florida, insurance can make or break a sale. A buyer who cannot get coverage at a price they can live with cannot close. Three documents come up again and again: the roof evaluation, the 4-point inspection, and the wind mitigation report.
In Florida, insurance can make or break a sale. A buyer who cannot get coverage at a price they can live with cannot close. Three documents come up again and again: the roof evaluation, the 4-point inspection, and the wind mitigation report.
The roof
Insurers pay close attention to roof age and condition. Florida law limits refusals based solely on roof age. A roof under 15 years cannot be rejected solely for age. For an older roof, the insurer must allow an authorized inspection; if it shows at least five years of useful life, age alone is not a permitted reason to refuse issuance or renewal. Condition and other underwriting requirements still matter.
If your roof is aging, you have three choices: replace it, offer a credit, or price the house to reflect it.
The 4-point inspection
A 4-point inspection looks at four systems: roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Insurers often ask for one on older homes, because it shows what they would be covering.
The wind mitigation report
A wind mitigation inspection documents features that help a house withstand wind, such as roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, and opening protection. Those features can lower the insurance premium. Reports are generally valid for five years, so an existing one may still be good.
What to do before you list
Find any wind mitigation report and 4-point inspection you already have, and check the dates.
If you do not have them, consider ordering both before you list. The cost is usually small compared with a deal falling apart.
Have the roof evaluated if it is older.
Fix small items a report flags, like leaks or exposed wiring.
What to hand buyers
Reports, roof age, and recent permits for roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. A buyer who sees documents feels safer.
What to do this week
Pull your reports and check the dates. Order any that are missing. Then tell me your roof age and what has been replaced, and I will show you how I would handle it.
General education, not legal, tax or investment advice. Discuss your circumstances with a licensed Florida attorney or tax professional. Yoganand Ganeshram PA, licensed Florida real estate agent with eXp Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Sources: Florida DFS roof-age protections and wind-mitigation forms and validity. A mitigation report is valid for up to five years only if there are no material changes or inaccuracies.
Originally published on Equity Edge Orlando. Reviewed for this Substack edition.