I was speaking to a Realtor today and she mentioned that in the last 4 foreclosed home buyers, 3 chose not to have an inspection because they were bank owned.
Wow I thought they must be some risk takers!
Here are five reasons for a buyer to reconsider having an inspection:
Lack of disclosure - The inspector's experience can help build a picture of the home's past and it future potential.
Sneaky Vandelism - The obvious stuff is a no brainer but we have seen disconnected gas lines, rubber balls pushed into drain lines and food stuffed into heating ducts. I can't say we will find it all (man's ingenuity know no bounds) but we certainly know where look.
Unpermitted work - If the past owners did there own work without permits, the new owners most likely will be required to bring everything up to current code. A small renovation can turn into a bigger project at the request of the local building department. Inspectors regularly recognized this and alert buyer to it.
Unwelcome guests - Lots of rodents, bugs and animals will move into a vacant house. I can almost guarantee a house that was vacant last fall will have some guests.
Weather related issues - Most of the winterization I have seen is a joke. We regularly find freeze damage to the plumbing, leaking valves in toilets, and split lines hot water baseboard systems.
In most cases the home inspector is going to find items that will cost much more than their fee to repair. In some cases the buyer will reopen negotiations and be successful. Regardless when they go to move in there will be less unpleasant surprises as try to take this house and make it their home.
Rick Bunzel, CRI
Pacific Crest Inspections
WA Licensed Home Inspector #312
ASHI Certified #249557
NPSAR Nominee Affiliate of the Year 2009-2010
NAHI Member of the Year 2008
NPSAR Affiliate of the Year 2006-2007
WWW.PacCrestInspections.com
360-588-6956
Fax 360-588-6965
Toll Free 866-618-7764
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