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If You Cannot Afford a Home Inspection Don't Buy The House

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Real Estate Agent with Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty 0912122870 LA

August 11, 2011 10:25 AM

Doug Rogers in Pineville, LA wrote this article about inspections and brings up several excellent points. I recently had 3 examples of buyers and inspections.

New construction home- Buyer asked me "the house is new so why should we have it inspected?" It may be new but trust me builders miss things and crews can also make electrical mistakes and plumbing mistakes even when a house is new. The inspector found the brand new dishwasher was leaking water all over the floor!
Buyer had the home inspection done prior to writing the contract! Smart idea!!
Multi-complex, the buyer was somewhat surprised when the home inspector quoted $1,000 for 18 units but then again $1,000 is worth knowing issues in each unit on a $495,000 purchase don't you think?

Buyers in Lake Charles, do yourself a favor spend the $300-$350 on a home inspection, you will be glad you did.

Buying a home is the largest investments most families will make. As such, I recommend anyone looking to buy a home in Pineville Louisiana should pay for a professional home inspection. With the joy of home shopping comes the onslaught of bills. Between deposits, loan locking, lease termination fees, etc... it seems everyone wants some of the Pineville home buyer's money.

The natural tendency then is to cut corners. Frankly that 300-350 dollars for the home inspection creates a pretty tempting target. But let's examine why EVERY Pineville home buyer should get a home inspection.

1) Buyers fall in love with houses, home inspectors do not-- It has been my experience that buyers typically fall in love with the home they purchase. This is especially true of first timers. Think back to high school, did you make sound decisions while experiencing puppy love? Me either...

2) A Professional Home Inspector can find stuff rookies miss-- A recent Pineville buyer of mine brought his buddy over to inspect his home. The dude gave the house a 100% passing score. After begging the buyer they agreed to fund a professional home inspection. The inspector found 1,500 bucks worth of electrical repairs. Did I mention their "buddy" was an auto mechanic??

3) The Home Inspector is not your uncle-- Family mean well (most of the time). But Uncle George does not have the wealth of experience or the cool tools of the professional home inspector. Can your Uncle see moisture behind walls? I didn't think so!

4) A Home Inspector will produce an inspection report-- This report gives your Pineville agent ammunition when negotiating repairs. It's one thing to claim the roof is bad, it's another to produce pictures of the hail damage.

Yes, people buying a home in Pineville Louisiana need to watch their money. And in my opinion, the best way to guard the bank is with a professional home inspection!

Ready to buy a home in Pineville Louisiana? Want a real estate agent who will protect your interests? Then call Doug Rogers with Bayou Properties Realty today at (318) 787-6582. or click www.LouisianaHouseHunter.com

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Michelle Burgos

RE/MAX PowerPro Realty - Pembroke Pines, FL

CDPE, Short Sale Expert, Pembroke Pines,Miramar,Davie,Hollywood

Marilyn, you are correct...even new construction can have defect. I ALWAYS recommend my clients do home inspections. Classic case if CYAssets. Great representation

Aug 11, 2011 06:59 PM

Pam Hills

Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL

ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

Oh my goodness, this could not be any wiser advice. I learned the hard way as well...as most do on "new" construction...

You think, "oh, well I have a year warranty"...or 10, depending. I had a jacuzzi tub in the "guest bath" that I thought I would love soaking in after a hard day... Well the 1st person to use it was my daughter... flooded the entire downstairs bath & part of the formal living room. It forced an insurance claim. Then came the signs of leaking in the roof, so along with the energy coating I had them do an inspection (again after the 1 year). Well one of the guys contracting...he must have had a nail in his shoe & therefore put nail holes across my "flat" roof leaking into the house in a few places... I had to pay for the repair as it was past the 1 year, where "if" I had a roofing inspection (thought the county/city did it...) then I would not have had to incur those costs.

I am re-blogging this, as well as my comments, as it is that important!!! Thanks for this post !! It will greatly benefit others..well that may not have ever thought... <3

Aug 11, 2011 07:03 PM

Pam Hills

Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL

ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

I guess I won't re-blog as you have not permitted...but it should be shared & I would have even suggested it for a "feature"... Thanks for the post!

Aug 11, 2011 07:04 PM

Ronald DiLalla

Century 21 Discovery DRE 01813824 - Anaheim, CA

No. Orange Cty Real Estate

Hi Marilyn, I always suggest that my buyers have a home inspectioin..After the agency and offer form, the form for them to request or decline a home inspection is next in line.

Aug 11, 2011 07:12 PM

Pam Hills

Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL

ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

Sage advice! It wasn't even that I couldn't afford it...you just don't think with a year or a few that you have to because it is under warranty.... Those years go by QUICK for those that may not think things could go "as wrong"... "new"!!

Aug 11, 2011 07:18 PM

Marilyn Boudreaux

Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty - Lake Charles, LA

Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor

Pam I did not realize I did not have the re-blog button checked, I have corrected that, Doug made some good points in this post

Aug 11, 2011 07:20 PM

George Bennett

Inactive - Port Orford, OR

Inactive Principal Broker, GRI

Great advice presented in a clear & concise manner. The home inspector works for the Buyer and it pays to hire the best.

Aug 11, 2011 07:27 PM

Elite Home Sales Team

Elite Home Sales Team OC - Corona del Mar, CA

A Tenacious and Skilled Real Estate Team

It is something we should all help the buyers understand. Inspections are important to their successful purchase of a home.

Aug 11, 2011 07:30 PM

Evelyn Kennedy

Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA

Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Marilyn:

My number one rule when I represent a buyer is to stress the value of a home inspection. $500 is nothing compared with the problems that may arise after close of escrow. It is not worth the gamble. Order a home inspection, you won't be sorry.

Aug 11, 2011 07:35 PM

John Michailidis

Real Property Management of Sarasota & Manatee - Sarasota, FL

Real Property Management of Sarasota & M

An interesting blog post that I enjoyed reading! Thanks for sharing it!

Aug 11, 2011 07:43 PM

MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900

Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA

Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

Your title says it all. If you can't afford the inspection, you can't afford to own a house.

Aug 11, 2011 08:04 PM

Pacita Dimacali

Alain Pinel - Oakland, CA

Alameda/Contra Costa Counties CA

Good choice of a reblog. Thanks for sharing.

I'll go visit Doug and tell him he posted a good article.

Aug 11, 2011 10:16 PM

Pam Hills

Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL

ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

I went in this morning to re-blog & there was still no button, which also means I guess there is no suggest button?? I think this can be done if you go in & edit the blog? I am a newbie, so not fully sure of all the ways...

Aug 12, 2011 12:42 AM

Doug Rogers

RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL

Your Real Estate Resource!

Thanks for the reblog!

Aug 12, 2011 03:42 AM

Cherise Selley

Selley Group Real Estate, LLC - Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs Realtor

Marilyn,

No further words required about this subject. A home inspection is vital as part of the process. Thanks for the reblog... g

Aug 12, 2011 04:28 AM