The best possible way to experience peace of mind - translated "I can sleep tonight" - when purchasing a house is to employ the services of a properly certified/qualified, well trained home inspector. A competent inspector will make sure the house's structure and systems which include, but are not limited to, the roof, heating, plumbing, electrical and air conditioning systems, are in good condition. An inspector will also offer to check for mold and radon. You should expect to pay an additional fee for these two services, especially a radon test.
A typical home inspection should cost somewhere around $200 to $600 and sometimes more depending on the size of the house. This is a relatively small amount when you consider the thousands you could lose by not hiring an inspector. So when you are preparing your offer to lock in the deal, make sure your Real Estate agent clearly states the terms of the purchase are contingent on a Home Inspection.
Finally, if the seller has fixed anything at all that was noted during the inspection, make sure your agent asks for a copy of the receipt. This way you will know the repairs in question were performed by a qualified technician and paid for. Some Home Inspectors for a small fee will come back and re-inspect after the completion of any agreed upon repairs.
So, whatever you do - Don't Forget The Home Inspection
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD
We always recommend a professional home inspection.
Sorry you missed the Lenn Harley meet up today.
Apr 09, 2013 08:56 AM
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
I couldn't agree with you more about home inspections! They can reveal issues that could be costly to a homebuyer, if not disclosed prior to escrow close. And, in case of a REO or short-sales, I almost wish they were mandatory!
Apr 09, 2013 09:17 AM
Richmond, TX
David,
Congratulations on the feature and you are right David the is very important and I do call it "sleep at night money" I hope you are enjoying the Cherry Blossoms in your area!
Apr 09, 2013 09:17 AM
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730
David, It gives me peace of mind too and I strongly recommend it to every buyer.
Apr 09, 2013 09:27 AM
Coldwell Banker, 170 N Main Street, New City NY 10956 - New City, NY
Real Estate Salesperson
While a home inspection will not uncover all the problems in a home, it will go a long way to picking up on problems with the major systems. It's so well worth the investment and I consider it a must for all my buyers.
Apr 09, 2013 09:47 AM
Complete Realty, LLC - Flint, MI
Heather Bowman, Michigan Realtor
A home inspection is well worth the small fee for buyers to feel secure in their investment...and a must in my book to make the purchase contingent upon a home inspection! Congrats on the featured blog!
Apr 09, 2013 11:14 AM
Orlando, FL
"The Insurance Guy"
David, Always a good reminder to have a home inspection done. Having one done is so important
Apr 09, 2013 11:48 AM
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services
As the market starts to heat up again, I am hearing of buyers not having a home inspection. I think this is a big mistake...
Apr 09, 2013 12:36 PM
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA
David, An inspection contingency is a non-negotiable item in every contract I write. I even insisted on it when I sold my own house and the buyer went through me. It's peace of mind, a place to start keeping records for future changes in the home and a basic owners manual for so many things with a home.
Apr 09, 2013 12:39 PM
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life
It drives me crazy, when someone says to me, they don't need a home inspection. It is a great insurance policy, that is a good investment.
Apr 09, 2013 07:34 PM
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time
David, great post, and this is such an important part of buying a home. You do need to know what you are getting into.
Apr 09, 2013 10:34 PM
Movement Mortgage (Illinois) - Naperville, IL
FHA, 203k, VA, Jumbo, PreApproval, Jumbo Home Loan
David, contacting a certified an professional home inspector is worth the pay because home inspection is the most important and vital part before closing the deal.
Apr 10, 2013 02:01 AM
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services
David, Home inspections by a reputable home inspector! We have a few companies in my area that have the brand name but the inspectors are not worth the paper they write their inspections on.
Apr 10, 2013 02:29 AM
Classic Realty - Fairfax, VA
No Pressure, Just Seriously Devoted to Real Estate
Roy - As always, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Myrl - I sometimes wish there was a mandate about home inspections, too. Since there isn't, at least in Virginia, agents must always do their best to truly inform their buyers of the absolute need to have one.
Yolanda - I appreciate you stopping by and yes, flowers are truly blooming in Northern Virginia and DC...
Debbie - Thank you for sharing and as Realtors we do agree on the need to have Home Inspections when purchasing a house.
Lora - You are correct, Home Inspections are worth the investment.
Heather - Home Inspections are a MUST in my book, too. Thanks for sharing today.
Frank - Thank you for coming by and reinforcing the importance of having a Home Inspection.
Joan - Some buyers when making multiple offers will bargain away their Home Inspection. Not a good practice at least in my opinion.
Dan - I hear you..... I am absolutely the same way and if my buyer insists on not having a Home Inspection they will sign indicating I strongly urged them to do so.
Joe - You are right, it is like having insurance..... Thanks
Joan - I appreciate you coming by and sharing today. We certainly agree that inspections are a must.
Ridhi - You are right on in saying it is worth what we pay... Thanks for sharing...
Kathleeen - I absolutely agree with you. The Inspector must be reputable and as Realtors, we should all do whatever it takes to be acquainted with qualified and trust worthy inspectors.
Apr 10, 2013 02:46 AM
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®
In today's hot markets, some folks are waiving inspections to intice the seller to take their offer.
I strongly advise against that if it comes up. If my client insists I will have them sign a letter stating that I advised them against waiving the inspection.
As stated earlier, it is a contingency that is non-negotiable in my eyes!
Apr 10, 2013 04:37 AM
Nesbitt Realty at Condo Alexandria - Alexandria, VA
Nesbitt Realty is a family-run brokerage.
Great article David Burrows, it is crucial to make the home buying process as smooth as possible. Thanks for sharing this article with the active rain community. Have a nice day.
Apr 10, 2013 04:46 AM
Rainer
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David Burrows
No Pressure, Just Seriously Devoted to Real Estate
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This blog is written for Buyers and Sellers about the subject of Real Estate. The information is presented in a simple and informative format so that whenever readers have a Real Estate transaction, they will feel more adequately prepared.
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