First Time Home Buyers - Trust a Home Inspector
I realize the excitement, putting in an offer on your first home! After that offer is accepted, PLEASE let the home inspector make the calls!
Unless your Mom, Dad, brother, sister, cousin or best friend is a licensed home inspector in New Jersey, take their comments about a bad sheetrock taping job or a sloping plant bed and mention those concerns to your home inspector.
If you, as a buyer, want your Dad or Mom to come in and check out the home that you're buying that's fine. It's exciting! But realize, although they're parents, they are not home inspectors. They might have purchased a few homes, but again they are not experts.
So tell your parents, brother, sister, cousin or best friend to take notes when you show them the home you've decided on...Share the seller's disclosure with them and then invite them to the thorough home inspection, where most of their questions will be answered!
So true. I have had clients bring in "dad" to do a home inspection. "Dad" is an accountant. When I ask the buyer to sign an inspection waivier they got testy, as in their mind, they HAD a home inspection. Sheesh.
Pat & Wayne, thank everyone up there, I haven't experienced a nightmare like that...it offers the question DID YOU CLOSE???
Jonathan I wish that home inspections were mandatory...wait nothing should be required, but for insurance purposes you're right.
Travis that's how this blog started, my Dad has been there and done that, he's a Carpenter, draws plans to have signed by an architect, but he's said to me after seeing property I wanted to purchase 'why don't you bring these things up to a home inspector. Real professionals know their limitations!
Theresa you faced a difficult problem and made a hard call. When my buyer hires a home inspector I always go...just to raise the questions the others have.!
Laura, we did close, and it was one of the most stressful closings we've ever done! The whole transaction was one big PITA!!
Bill I can't insist any body do anything...but the great home inspectors I've worked with at the Jersey Shore, get the buyers there if I can't!
Liane- all I can say is woof..and wow!
Michael I'm glad I'm not 'in their mind'!!
Pat & Wayne...they don't pay us enough for those PITA sales! Congrats on getting it done!
I frequently have friends and family accompany my clients and I welcome them. Of course, they are fair game to be teased, but even the non-professionals bring a unique perspective. As a result, the client gets a better education.
A home inspection can be a very important part of a home purchase. But even with a home inspection, things can go wrong later, or be missed.
How often do I hear "I have a friend who can look at the house?" Or, "I have a relative who's a contractor in XYZ state?" But nothing subsitutes for a top, local inspector who knows the local code and local housing. I keep telling my clients it's cheap insurance for the future. But if they don't use an inspector, I have them sign off on a document saying I recommended they do so. Nothing worse than having them come back to you in the future with house problems trying to say you never told them to get a professional inspection.
Rafi, I welcome them too, after explaining to the buyer that a home inspection should answer their questions.
Karen things can be missed, but I feel a home inspection is well worth the money.
Nina - I haven't thought about having them sign a waiver but that's a really good idea...thanks that's going in with my buyer's package!
In fact, bring all those 'relatives' with you so they get a chance to see the home if they want. Never miss the opportunity for a home inspection no matter what a family member might say.
That should be one of the first steps a new home buyer should take. they need to find a trustworthy home inspector that can give them an accurate report.
Lyn - You're correct, but until you speak to a home inspector don't panic over items brought up by anyone else.
Rob - You nailed it!
Home inspections by a qualified, trusted home inspector is so crucial and 1st time buyers especially need to understand the importance of using one. I make it clear that this is not an "expense" when purchasing a home but an "investment" when making such a large purchase...Wouldn't you like to know exactly what you're buying especially if you're spending $150k ??
Excellent advice, Laura! Home Inspections have become a vital part of real estate transactions, not only for First Time Homebuyers, but most all homebuyers. We dwell in an era of increased numbers of bank owned properties, with little disclosure. The money spent on a good home inspection, is well invested. CONGRATULATIONS on having this blog FEATURED in the Feather Nesters group!
A quality Home Inspector is something you would not want to pass up on. First time home buyer or 10th time home buyer.
Sean-how right you are!
Myrl, you're are the best! Thank you!
Gene, you are right on the money...small expense to feel comfortable.
Gene, you're right, and don't listen to anyone til you get an inspectors opinion!
Always get a home inspection. It's very important. I get my point across when I ask my Buyers to sign an inspection waiver that states that not getting an inspection is contrary to my advice.
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