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The Importance of Home Inspections

Reblogger
Real Estate Agent with Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales 3090099

Maggie McFarland,Pearland a Realtor with RE/MAX in Pearland Texas writes this excelent post about the importance of home inspections.  Trying to save a little money by doing this yourself just doesn't make sense.  Unless you're a qualified inspector or contractor, it just makes more sense to hire a professional for this important aspect of a home purchase:

Original content by Maggie McFarland

 

What is a Home Inspection?

There are numerous types of property inspections. An inspection is meant to evaluate, at minimum, the structural and mechanical condition of a property. It is not the same as an appraisal which evaluates the market value of a property. Talk with your agent about the types of inspections available.

 

When purchasing a home, it is highly recommended that you get a Structural and Pest Control inspections. Even if you are purchasing the home “AS IS,” it is still recommended to have an inspection.


If there is a swimming pool and/or well and septic you will want to have these items inspected. These reports will give you good insight of what you're buying. Once the inspections are complete you could negotiate the seller to make repairs or give you an allowance to fix some items after closing. If a professional home inspector states that certain repairs need to be made, the seller is more likely to agree to make them if you have a report. If the seller agrees to make repairs, you could have the inspector verify the completed work prior to closing. At the very least you would need to get paid invoice for the work complete and need to do a final walk thru to check the items before closing.  Do not assume that everything will be done as promised. When it comes to selling a home the sellers are very busy too and may forget an item.


Here is a checklist to help you navigate the home inspection.

 

Finding a qualified Inspector

·         Referrals from satisfied customers

·         Referral from a local Realtors or Mortgage Company

·         Yellow Pages under "Building Inspection Services"


What the inspection, at minimum, includes
Every inspection should include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of at least the following:Home inspector

·         Foundation

·         Grading and Draining around the structure

·         Roof Structure and Attic

·         Walls (Interior & Exterior)

·         Ceilings & Flooring

·         Doors (Interior & Exterior)

·         Windows

·         Stairways

·         Fireplace/Chimney

·         Wood around the exterior

·         Plumbing and Electrical systems

·         Doors

·         Ceiling, walls and floors

·         Roof

·         Hazardous materials concerns

·         Heating and Air conditioning systems

·         Insulation and Air Ducts

·         Hot Water Heater

·         Whirlpool Tub (if applicable)

·         Dishwasher

·         Food Disposer

·         Range Exhaust

·         Oven and Range

·         Microwave

·         Garage Door Opener

·         Door Bell

·         Dryer Vent

·         Sprinkler System (if applicable)

·         Swimming Pool & Equipment

·         Built-In Outdoor cooking Equipment

·         Gas Supply System

·         Private Water Well & Septic (if applicable)

·         Termite Inspection also recommended

 


 

 

 


 


                                           

            

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Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Pearland Texas it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Pearland Texas home!  For more information regarding Pearland Texas be sure to visit my website:

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Comments (5)

Clint Mckie
Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM
Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586

Hi Gabe,

Nice re post. Some of the Realtors around here always recommend an inspection. Others want to sell the home with a waiver, if they try this with me I would ask "what's wrong with the home"?

Never buy a home without a home inspection. That's the bottom line.

Have a great day in Florida,

Best, Clint McKie

Oct 17, 2011 12:08 AM
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services Inc - Gulf Breeze, FL
Buyers Agent 800-309-3414 Pace and Gulf Breeze,Fl.

Maggie has written a very detailed report, this day and age I can't imagine anyone going it alone. The horror stories we have I'm sure.

Oct 17, 2011 12:10 AM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read my re-blog.

Aug 22, 2015 04:31 AM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Hi Clint, thanks for taking the time to comment it is always appreciated.

May 28, 2018 06:28 AM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Hi Charles, thanks for taking the time to comment it is always appreciated.

May 28, 2018 06:28 AM