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Home Inspection for New Construction? Of Course!!

By
Real Estate Agent

Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com

I Can't Hear You!

I continue to be amazed at the number of home buyers who purchase new construction and tell me they do NOT want a home inspection because it's a "new" property. 

When I dig deeper, I often find the belief is that since the property is new, it had all the necessary inspections completed by the Powers that Be (i.e. our local town officials).

"So, why spend the extra money to have it inspected again? " they ask.

HERE'S WHY...

Recently, I had a conversation with someone who informed me that years ago, the builder installed incompatible air conditioning units. One unit was much larger than the other. What was the builder thinking?? As a result, it cost the home owner more than $10,000 to correct the problem.  

This is the sort of thing a good home inspector would catch.

I didn't get into the particulars about whether the owner hired a home inspector --but it started me to thinking about the many conversations I have with first-time buyers who sometimes wish to save a little cash.

Money TreeI believe most builders are conscientious and would never purposely cost buyers money. However, where humans are involved, there will be mistakes and oversights. So, wouldn't it be helpful to have an independent pair of eyes to inspect the property? Spending $350 for a home inspection now rather than to spending $10,000 later would definitely be worth it!

Most of us don't have a money tree planted in our back yard. I get that! Because, I, too, was a first-time home buyer once. And back then, we were a little strapped for cash--okay...A LOT strapped (with paying back graduate school loans and just day-to-day living expenses). However, when our Realtor explained the importance of having all of the inspections done, we found the money. We thought, "Pay now, or pay later."

So, Buyers, when your agent suggests that you have certain inspections completed, etc.,  PLEASE listen. They're looking out for your best interest.

Most of us understand the desire get into a home as inexpensively as possible. As Realtors, we're on your side. Our goal is to protect your interests and to save you future headaches if we can.

Having an inspection completed can save you money in the long run although it may cost you a little more upfront.

Happy Home Shopping!

And Thank You for stopping by today...

 

Darleen McCullen,

REALTOR® on a Mission... NOT Just Seeking a Commission!TM

Phone: 919.454.8864
Website: http://www.darleenmc.com/

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by those who are part of the ActiveRain community, including those providing comments relating to this blog, are their opinions and their alone - and do NOT reflect the opinions of Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty. Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty are not responsible for the accuracy (or lack thereof) or content provided by others.

Comments(10)

P G
Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA
nice post. we always suggest a home inspection. With new constuction, it is amazing how many people do not want it....
Sep 23, 2007 10:19 AM
Darleen McCullen
Raleigh, NC
Broker - Raleigh, NC Real Estate
Hi Pat. Thanks for stopping by! Do you ever have clients come back to you to say they wish they would've gotten one?
Sep 23, 2007 12:41 PM
Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist
Kingsbridge Realty, Inc - Hubert, NC
Hello Darleen,
A good post and sound advice for the new home buyer.  One should not need a home inspection with a new home in a perfect world, but we do not live in a perfect world the last time I checked.  Thank you.
Sep 23, 2007 11:12 PM
Darleen McCullen
Raleigh, NC
Broker - Raleigh, NC Real Estate
Hi Cynthia, Exactly! This definitely is not a perfect world. And I'll preach home inspections all day long...
Sep 24, 2007 04:59 AM
Tim Boykin
Boykin Consulting & Property Solutions - Raleigh, NC

Hi Darleen,

Great blog and on-time advice. I guess some new buyers don't think builders make mistakes until it's too late.

Sep 24, 2007 03:29 PM
Darleen McCullen
Raleigh, NC
Broker - Raleigh, NC Real Estate
Hi Tim, thanks for stopping by! You're right, but hopefully, buyers will read this, as well as listen to their agents' advice.
Sep 24, 2007 03:32 PM
Tim Boykin
Boykin Consulting & Property Solutions - Raleigh, NC

Darleen,

 

I'm also appauled by new investors/rehabbers who do not have home inspections.

Sep 25, 2007 01:11 AM
Darleen McCullen
Raleigh, NC
Broker - Raleigh, NC Real Estate

Tim, you should be appalled! :-) First time investors, who unfortunately, do not always use Realtors, may not think to get a home inspection.

Sep 25, 2007 08:00 AM
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
Great blog! People seem to think if it's new it's perfect - WRONG - it was built by a human - we make mistakes - inspect everything every time!!!!
Oct 09, 2007 12:03 PM
Darleen McCullen
Raleigh, NC
Broker - Raleigh, NC Real Estate
Barbara-Jo & Bill - Just because it's new, it isn't perfect. But wouldn't that be nice?
Oct 09, 2007 12:27 PM