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DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?

By
Real Estate Agent with WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC SA535849000

I have represented many homebuyers in my real estate career. I consider the home inspection vital during the buyer's due diligence period when purchasing a house. The purchase of a home is the biggest investments people make in their lifetimes. Currently, we are in the middle of a foreclosure nightmare. Banks are selling foreclosed homes "AS-IS." Banks will not make any repairs to the house. So, one must be extra careful when purchasing a house from a bank.  A home inspection gives the buyer a piece of mind knowing what one is walking into before signing one's life away at title. The home inspector will develop a detailed report on the house. The realtor and buyer will review the entire to see if the they are able to take on the house if repairs are needed to the house. A buyer becomes aware of its condition and alerting them to any concerns. This reduces a lot of stress for the buyer. He/she are not walking in blinded. T

The Real Estate and Beyond Network has a direct relationship with 360 DevCo-General Contractor to review any major mechanical, safety or structural issues to the house. One can have confidence knowing that there are a team of professionals with them at every step of the way when either purchasing a house either as a primary or investment.

Here are the benefits of a home inspection below:

  • No Surprises: All major problems are discovered during the home inspection
  • Knowledge: Fully aware of any potential hazards before purchasing the home
  • Savings: A complete home inspection runs around $300. This is money well spent on a detailed report of needed repairs to be made to the house before one owns it.
  • Education: The home inspector will walk the entire house with the buyers to educate them on the entire interior and exterior of the home. The home inspector will show one where the main shutoff valves for utilities in case of an emergency.  

Do you know any good home inspectors?

The Real Estate and Beyond Network has developed a solid relationship with Double Tree Home Inspection Services here in Phoenix, AZ. Eric Villaverde has gained respect amongst his peers in the home inspection industry. He is one of the few licensed and bonded home inspectors that offer infrared technology during a home inspection. The infrared camera allows one to see what is behind the walls and ceilings of a house to discover the unknown. This is a huge advantage to the homeowner before purchasing the house. This allows the homeowner to negotiate with the seller to either fix or reduce the agreed upon purchase price or even back out of the contract with the known material fact. Please visit Eric's web site at http://www.doubletreeinspectionsofaz.com/

Do I need a home inspection if I am buying a new home?

Yes, I always recommend a home inspection whether the house is new or not. The builder is able to fix any and all known items on the home inspection list. Also, many builders will warranty up to one year on a new house. So, I call up my buyers in the eleventh month to remind them that their warranty is coming up and encourage them to conduct a home inspection. Some builders here in the Phoenix Valley have been known to take short cuts to keep up with demand during the Housing Boom.

The home inspector can conduct an inspector before the drywall is up. This provides a high level of inspection that most new home builders do not offer to the buyer. There is a greater chance of identifying defects at this point in time. Also, it is easier for the builder to fix at this time. It is a win-win for both sides of the transaction. I have read about people purchasing a new home. Then, six months later the builder must rip into the wall because of a defect found by the buyer after living in the house. Yes, one has a warranty on the house. However, this is also an inconvenience not needed for the family since everyone lives busy lives.

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Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

My answer is always, "I could never advise against a home inspection". 

That doesn't mean that I'd have one if I were buying, but unless a buyer is buying a home to rehab, a home inspection usually makes sense. 

I don't really understand a home inspection on a condo with central heat and air. 

The bottom line is the buyer's comfort level buying without a home inspection. 

Jun 17, 2009 11:13 PM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

Yup! I see many homes being sold 5-7 years later that have several issues - some of them major construction flaws that should have been corrected by the builder. Obviously, these home owners bought into the lie, "It has been inspected by Codes..." Get a home inspection especially if there are no municipal codes in your area...

Jun 17, 2009 11:24 PM
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

Lenn I agree with you. I always advise on a home inspection. If they refuse, then I obtain their signature.

Jun 17, 2009 11:26 PM
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

Michael-I have seen homes only a few years old with problems. Many homeowners due not do maintenance on their homes.

Jun 17, 2009 11:27 PM
Eric Villaverde
DoubleTree Home Inspection Services L.L.C. - Phoenix, AZ

Yes you need a home inspection

Jun 18, 2009 12:08 AM
Rhonda Duffy
Duffy Realty of Atlanta & Rainmaker Realty - Milton, GA
#1 Retail Listing Agent in the U.S.

More than Do I Need A Home Inspection, is, Who Should Do The Home Inspection?

Many people think that their uncle Bob can do it because he knows everything and is handy.  They fail to get the benefit of a licensed person with liability insurance and a warranty on their work.

- Rhonda

Jun 18, 2009 12:23 AM
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

Rhonda-great point. If buyer wishes to perform their own home inspection, then I write that in my reports and I have him sign to waive liability.

Jun 18, 2009 12:27 AM
June Piper-Brandon
Coldwell Banker Realty - Columbia, MD
Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership

I always recommend a home inspection, I always explain to buyer's that it prevents surprises and about 75% of the home inspection is for education.  Thanks!!

Jun 18, 2009 12:36 AM
The Scott Loper Team Bux-Mont Premier Properties
Keller Williams Real Estate - Montgomeryville - Lansdale, PA

We generally recommend that a buyer obtain a home inspection and actually use an addendum to our Agreements of Sale (for resales) that clearly advises the buyer to have an inspection.  As far as the "Uncle Bob" factor, Pennsylvania passed a law several years ago that requires home inspectors to be certified with a nationally recognized home inspection association.  That definitely helped.  Our state has recently been considering a higher standard and requiring actual licensure of home inspectors.

- Scott

Jun 18, 2009 12:57 AM
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

All great comments. Thanks and keep it raining.

Jun 18, 2009 01:41 AM