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The Importance of having Home Inspections

Why Get a Home Inspection?

When you are buying a home, you should consider having a professional home inspection performed. An inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home. The standard home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's:

Structural elements, foundation, framing etc
Plumbing systems
Roofing
Electrical systems
Cosmetic condition, paint, siding etc
Kitchen Appliances
Heating and cooling systems
Windows and Doors

If you are buying a home, you need to know exactly what you are getting. A home inspection, performed by a professional home inspector, will reveal any hidden problems with the home so that they may be addressed BEFORE the deal is closed. You should include an inspection contingency in the written offer. I will explain the options available at that time. Then, hire your own inspector and pay close attention to both the inspection and the subsequent report. You have a total of 15 days from the signing of the agreement to get the inspection done and to provide a written inspection report response to the seller. I will then negotiate on your behalf if anything needs to be addressed as spelled out in the contract.

HOME PRE-INSPECTION PLAN

A new marketing tool for selling a home – a home inspection at the time of the listing, is gaining momentum as the residential real estate market grows less driven by demand. While professional home inspections are not a new concept, the idea that sellers can benefit by them is beginning to gain acceptance as the number of sellers facing difficult negotiations over repairs escalates. Research shows that homebuyers negotiate $2 for every $1 worth of repairs found during the home inspection.

For example, if your roof needs replacement at a cost of $1,500 your buyer will begin the negotiation at $3,000! While you can certainly walk away from the deal, you will be under pressure to close and valuable market time may be lost.

However, negotiations routinely occur on conditions found on the home inspection that were previously not disclosed. By having an inspection done before listing your home and disclosing needed repairs, you control repair negotiations and could save thousands of dollars. They buyers are assured you have nothing to hide and know which repairs have been taken care of. With a typical cost for inspection from around $250, it is usually a wise investment.