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I’m Thinking About Buying a Foreclosure and The Bank Won’t Make Repairs, Should I Get an Inspection Anyway?

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Home Inspector with Brian Persons Front Range Home Inspections

Hit Router

It seems like 9 out of 10 inspections I perform are on foreclosed homes. The information my clients get is very valuable.Last month, the bank put in a whole new heating system for one client. Another has walked away from two houses that had numerous and hidden issues, that would have costed more than they could budget. Nice post on a very common topic.

Original content by John Mulkey

A recent visitor to TheHousingGuru.com asked the following question: “I’m thinking about buying a foreclosure and the bank won’t make repairs, should I get an inspection anyway?"

 

Yes, you should absolutely get the home inspected, and here’s why.  While the bank may not be willing to make repairs—though they will sometimes do so even after saying no—you could avoid purchasing a home that might become a “money-pit.”  The home might have serious hidden defects that only a trained inspector can find. 

 

If, for instance, you discover that the home has a foundation or settling problem, it could cost thousands to repair, and you can take that information and walk away, looking for a better option.  The home could have any number of serious structural or mechanical problems that may not be readily visible.  Yes, get the home inspected.  It could save you lots of money and heartache.  

 

And if you have never contracted with an inspector, here are some guidelines that may help you choose a qualified home inspector.   Here are ten questions to ask potential home inspectors:

home inspecton form

1. How long have you been the business?  It’s better to select an inspector with experience.  While a newer inspector can be just as qualified, experience is often the best teacher.

 

2.  Do you have special training/certification?  Just being familiar with construction is not enough.  While many inspectors have experience in various construction fields, special training for inspectors is offered and will have been taken by a qualified inspector.

 

3.  Is this your full-time occupation and how many inspections do you do each year?  You want someone who is serious about the business and has made a full-time commitment.  The number of annual inspections should let you know if this is true.

 

4.  What does your inspection cover?  An inspection should comply with any state or local requirements and the standards of practice of professional inspector’s associations.  It should cover the structure, mechanical systems, and items that are not in compliance with building codes (codes change, items not in compliance with current code may have been when constructed; the inspector should point those out). If you have specific areas of concern make sure those will be covered also.

 

5.  What type of inspection report do you provide and how soon after inspection will I receive it?  An inspection report must be written, and spell out in   detail all aspects of the inspection as well as defects discovered.  You should receive a report within 24 hours of inspection.

 

6.  Can I be present for the inspection?  You should always be present.  It’s much easier to     understand the items pointed out in the inspection report if you can see them as they are discovered; and you can also get clarification of anything you don’t understand.  If it’s     impossible to be there, send someone to represent you.

 

7.  Are you a member of a professional home inspector association?  While membership is not a measurement of competency, it is a good indication that the inspector takes his profession seriously.

 

8.  Do you carry errors and omissions insurance?  A good inspector will carry errors and       omissions insurance to cover items that may be missed on the inspection.  Even the best of inspectors can miss something, and those things can cost thousands.  Having coverage will make the correction process much easier.

 

9.  Do you offer repairs based upon your inspection?  If the inspector says yes, they should    be removed from your list.  It’s a serious conflict of interest to offer repairs to problems an inspector discovers.  You don’t even want the inspector’s recommendation of friends or      associates to do repairs.

 

10.  Can you provide me with a list of recent customers?  A professional inspector will readily offer a list of references, which should include some customers, for you to check.  Call several of them, get their opinion of the inspector and ask if they would use the inspector again.

 

You should also read, ALWAYS—ALWAYS Hire a Home Inspector and Past is Prologue."

 

The Housing Guru: The expert source for all your housing questions—now featuring daily updates of Today’s Housing News

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Comments (3)

Rob Ross
MVB Mortgage "A Potomac Mortgage Group Trademark" - Friendship Heights, DC
MVB Mortgage

YES......never hurts and can only help.  Others may say different...

Jan 06, 2011 01:56 AM
Kathy Caylor
Realty Executives Associates - Maryville, TN
Maryville, TN Real Estate

I agree Brian. Buyers need to have their eyes wide open when purchasing "as-is" homes - foreclosures or not. There is never a reason - IMHO - to "skip" a home inspection.

Jan 06, 2011 01:57 AM
Laura Forman
RE/MAX AEROSPACE REALTY www.LauraSellsBrevard.com - Melbourne, FL
Your Brevard Premier Property Specialist

Wonderful post and very informative.

Jan 06, 2011 02:05 AM