For Your Protection get a Home Inspection

The home buying process is a lengthy one, and many buyers rush through or even forgo the Home Inspection. It's important that you don't make the same mistake! Professional home inspections can save you time and money, or even prevent you from making a disastrous deal. In case you're not convinced, I've compiled a quick list of some serious home defects that can be found during a home inspection:

• Defect #1: Bad Foundation
  
  Unless you can negotiate a price reduction to cover cost, walk away. Foundation problems can lead to other problems with the plumbing. There are good qualified foundation companies that have warranties but you need to know what you are buying. You don't want to buy a house that is going to cost alot in repairs in the future. One way to tell if a foundation is settling is the door jams will have cracks and the door swings shut. There will be cracks in the brick such as the one shown. An inspection and a qualified foundation company will be able to find out what it will take to repair a foundation before you buy the house. In Texas many houses have foundation settling due to dry soil and expansion.

• Defect #2: Worn Roof
  
  Most likely it will need to be replaced. If the seller will not do so, negotiate a lower price. Make sure your insurance agent comes over to check the roof prior to closing so the house is fully insurable.

• Defect #3: Termite Infestation
  
  The house is probably in need of expensive structural repairs. Unless the seller is willing to help pay, it's probably not a good investment. Termites can do alot of damage to a home in a short time. Termite treatment is expensive and the repair of the wood that is damaged can be costly. Make sure you have a termite inspection done on the house. Some inspectors are licensed to do both.

• Defect #4: Outdated Wiring
  
  This can be expensive to correct, and is a dangerous problem. Negotiate with the seller after getting an estimate from an electrician. Some faulty electrical repairs can cause fires. For your safety the electrical system should be up to todays standards.

• Defect #5: Damaged Shower Pan
  
  Get an estimate from a contractor if you find water under the shower, and negotiate with the seller to cover costs. Sometimes the shower pan is covered by the seller home owner insurance. Make sure the inspector checks the shower pan.

Protecting your investment, especially one as special as a new home, is crucial. An expert home inspection is often the most important step in securing that protection. More tips on home buying are available on my website. If you'd like to talk more about home inspections or any of your real estate questions, please call Cheryl Brewer 817 217-0005 I'd love to hear from you.