- For today's savvy buyers:
As a savvy buyer, your home search may seem like an endless series of critical, yet important decisions. When you find the right home, hiring a home inspector to educate you about the condition of your new home is commonplace and a wise decision. Even when buying a newly constructed home, the additional peace of mind that a professional home inspection offers, can be invaluable.
At Preferred Home Brokers, we strongly recommend an inspection contingency be included in your purchase agreement. Most inspections are completed by an independent third party (of the buyer's choice) who provides a written report on the findings. Depending upon the situation, you may be able to negotiate some of the issues with your sellers.
The typical home inspection will cover the functionality, (some, but not all) safety issues and livability of your home. For example, it normally covers the exterior, walls, roof, outside equipment, pools, and interior, windows, kitchen appliances, heating/cooling systems, bathroom fixtures, etc. However usually, it does not cover cosmetics items. An inspection may take an estimated hour for every 1,000 square feet, with a two hour minimum. We suggest that our buyers also be present during their inspection. The cost of a typical inspection ranges from $250.00 to about $350.00 depending on the local, the company and the size of the home. Some written inspections are made available immediately, at the conclusion of the inspection; others are available online or or faxed within about 48 hours.
Other inspections may include (yet not limited to) a pest control, radon or asbestos inspection. The need for additional inspections may depend on location and the overall condition of the home. As for additional inspections, most physical inspectors are not qualified to provide these specialized services.
Although a home inspection is not a guarantee, and it's not always perfect, it normally affords the buyer a more complete look by a "trained eye." And don't rely on the well intentioned family member, to "kick the tires" for you. So forget about the brother-in-law discount iat this point, it's not worth it! Hire a professional! Look for an experienced inspector who will also be willing to take your phone calls and questions after the inspection has been completed. A good inspector will be around long after your closing.
For more info check out:
Lynda Eisenmann, Broker-Owner, CRS, CRB, GRI, SRES, e-PRO
255 W.Central Ave. Ste. 104, Brea, CA 92821
Call Toll Free 800-871-9798, Extension 104
Check out, Preferred Home Brokers
and Home Selling 101
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