Your New Purchase Home Inspection

Until the last i is dotted, the final t crossed and money changes hands, no sale of a home is official.  There are any number of events that could put a home of pending status back on the market.  One of the most common reasons this happens isn’t due to a complete change of mind by a buyer but to a major and unexpected defect found during the home inspection process.

A home inspection is an excellent tool for a home buyer that will hopefully uncover any hidden defects in a home they are considering buying which will save them headaches and dollars after moving into their new home.  For this reason, this local agent advises all purchasers include the home inspection in their buying process.

Although the law requires many disclosures of what a seller has knowledge of, making it much less likely a seller will purposely try hide defects, there could be unknown issues a buyer is best made aware of before closing on a sale.

During the course of hunting for the perfect home, touring homes and deciding which house to move to it is not out of the ordinary to find yourself feeling emotional, and even a little overwhelmed.  This is after all one of the largest purchases they may make in their lifetime and a house is really so much more than floors and walls.

The home inspector may feel obligated to point out every little detail, but not every little detail is cause for alarm or reason to cancel your purchase contract.

As you choose your inspector, look for these qualifications:

• Licensed and insured according to state laws
• Years of experience; this may include previous experiences prior to becoming a Home Inspector
• Will they inspect outbuildings?
• Ask about how they conduct any tests you may need, such as radon or asbestos

It might seem simplest, but not necessarily in your best interest to hire an inspector who also does repairs.  This could lead to excessive “potential” trouble areas being found.  Best to keep any repair work separate from the inspection itself.

Considering the inspection itself, several of the main concerns you want to pay close attention to include:

• Any mold or mildew
• Function and condition of the electrical system
• Functional age of all fixtures, such as HVAC, furnaces
• Type and condition of plumbing
• Basement or crawl space
• Roof and chimney
• Foundation

One area too often overlooked is the existing landscaping.  If there are trees on the property you may want to ensure none are in immediate need of removal.

Since all repairs that may be uncovered during the inspection are negotiable items, your representative should be able to present your wants and needs in a way that allows everyone to complete the transaction as a winner.

Remember, you like this house and want to own it.  They have loved this house and are now ready and willing to sell it.  As you contemplate the findings of your home inspection and how these impact your buying decision, here’s a good Rule of Thumb to follow – always treat the seller the way you would want to be treated if you were the seller.

The Home Inspection can surely keep you from making a big purchase mistake, but you also don’t want to let the findings alarm you to the point you pass on a home that would actually be perfect for you and your family.