Real Estate Inspections for Home Buyers
One of the most critical parts of the buying process is the home inspection, because the inspector's report will reveal things to the new homeowner than may not be visible to an untrained eye. As a result of the inspection the buyer will determine whether repairs are needed, for example, and how much to negotiate with the seller for the cost of those. An inspection that raises red flags can help the buyer avoid catastrophic problems, while an inspection that goes smoothly gives valuable reassurance, peace of mind, and confidence in the purchase decision.
The main inspection happens soon after an offer to purchase a house is made, and it is done by a licensed and certified professional who checks the house for structural integrity and examines the mechanical aspects of the home such as kitchen appliances and heating and air conditioning systems. This buyer-ordered inspection makes many buyers, especially those who have never purchased a home, a little bit apprehensive. That's only natural, because it is like going to the dentist for a check-up and hoping that there are no cavities. But learning about the inspection process beforehand helps to give the buyer greater insight into the process and put those fears to rest.
Essentially, this building inspector's responsibility is to check the house from top to bottom and then issue a comprehensive report. If possible, try to be present and accompany the inspector during the home inspection, because this is a great opportunity to ask questions and have things explained along the way. A good inspector can also give you tips on maintaining the house in optimal condition, which will make it much easier and cost effective once you move in and become the responsible homeowner. He or she might show you, for instance, how to change the filters in the air conditioning unit or point out simple ways to keep the foundation dry and the keep the house free from wood rot or termites.
After getting the final written report, ask any questions you have and then let your real estate broker convey the findings to the seller to work out arrangements to pay for needed repairs. Buyers may prefer to do the repairs themselves after closing on the house, and in that case they should ask the homeowner for a discount or repair allowance to cover the cost. Or they can insist that the repairs be done by the seller before closing.
If the items in the inspection report are minor - like leaking faucets or gutters that need to be cleaned - you may decide to do them yourself without asking for concessions from the seller, so that you do not run the risk of losing the home of your dreams by bickering over incidentals. Of course if they are serious issues like a roof that needs to be replaced or a faulty electrical system, these should be addressed immediately and resolved to your complete satisfaction.
Keep a copy of your inspection report because it can be a handy reference in terms of home maintenance oversight. The information it contains can also help you prioritize any potential home improvement projects or future upgrades, and to communicate with contractors about the characteristics of the home and its various systems and components.
Comments(0)