Scheduling a Home Inspection for your Home Purchase in Canton MA.................. (or anywhere else!)
Upon having an offer accepted, buyers typically ask me about the home inspection - when to schedule it, who to use, what to ask for and who will be present.
The home inspection should be scheduled as soon as the buyer has an accepted offer on a property. The Offer will have a specific guideline outlining the deadline for inspection. It is usually between 7 and 14 days on average. As soon as my buyers have an accepted offer, I will go over with them all of the specific deadlines. The first on the list is the home inspection.
The home inspection should be scheduled for as early as possible within the inspection period. That way, if there are items needing further inspection is needed or there are items that need to be re-negotiated, the buyer will still be within the agreed upon inspection period. Let your buyer agent know as soon as the inspection has been scheduled.
As for which home inspector to choose, the decision is up to the home buyer. However, your buyer agent is a good source of recommendations and referrals. Your buyer agent has the experience of being witness to countless number of home inspections and has seen some good ones and likely some not so good ones. Since a buyer agent is working exclusively for you, the buyer, he or she can point you in the direction of a good home inspector who will take the time to diligently inspect the home properly. Ultimately, it is the sole decision of the buyer who to hire to do the home inspection.
When scheduling the home inspection, make sure you discuss with the home inspection company all of the itemsthat you want inspected. Think about lead paint, radon, structural issues, termites, ants, mold, electro-magnetic fields, asbestos.....anything that you are concerned about. Some of these items are covered by a regular home inspection and some items are additional or may need a different inspector. Consider what you want to look for and then ask what is covered in the home inspection. Your home inspector will be able to direct you to a specialist if necessary.
The buyers should be present at the home inspection. The buyer agent and listing agent are also traditionally present, although occasionally they may or may not attend the inspection. No one who is not a party to the contract should be present.
Remember, this is the buyer's first and only opportunity to have the property inspected to make sure that it will be a safe and sound place for your family to live. Ask questions if you do not understand what is being inspected or what is being said.
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