Reasons Why You Should Attend Your Own Home Inspection

By
Mortgage and Lending with Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership NMLS ID # 9659

Be present for your home inspectionAs a home buyer in Westport , you can get a feel for whether a home's systems and appliances are in working order. However, you can't know for certain until after the home's been inspected.

This is why real estate agents recommend that buyers hire a licensed home inspectors immediately after going into contract. It's the best way to really know the home which you're buying. 

By definition, a home inspection is a top-to-bottom check-up of a home's physical condition and systems, including a review of the structure, and its plumbing and electrical systems. Home inspections are not the same as a home appraisal, which is a valuation of the property.

When you commission a home inspection, you should be present for it. Here are 3 reasons why :

Seeing For Yourself
There's a big difference between reading a report and seeing "live" what may be right or wrong with a home. With first-hand knowledge of a potential issue, you'll be in a better position to determine whether a problem warrants contract cancellation, or whether it's an additional negotiation point. 

Discovering The Home
Via a home inspection, you will learn where the systems reside within a home (e.g.; boiler room, garage), and how to operate them. This is a valuable educational opportunity and most inspectors are happy to share what they know. It's also a chance to ask questions about maintenance and upkeep.

Better Understanding
A home inspector's job is to review and disclose the condition of the home. The inspector's report, however, is just a summary on paper. In being present for the inspection, a buyer will be able to visualize and understand the report's conclusions more clearly. This can make for more effective re-negotiations with the seller, in the event that damage or distress is identified.

So, what should you do during the home inspection? Your primary tasks are to watch, listen, learn and ask questions. A professional home inspector will welcome your participation in the process.

Posted by

Nikitas Kouimanis, CMPS® |Licensed Loan Originator & Sales Manager

NMLS ID # 9659

United Northern Mortgage Bankers, Ltd. 

3601 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite. 300,
Levittown, NY 11756

Mobile: 516-206-0000

Direct: 516-390-8262

Office: 516-520-5700 Ext.195

eFax: 855-342-3555
Email: nkouimanis@unitednorthern.com

Web: http://ihaveamortgageguy.com/

"Celebrating 37 Years of Mortgage Banking Success!"

 

        

 

        

Comments (7)

Sandra DeVargas
Buffalo, NY
The DEVARGAS Team at Keller Williams Realty

I agree, I try to go to inspections even if it at the end, I think it is much easier to address a particular situation if you have seen it first hand

Sep 25, 2013 10:12 PM
Victoria Lorusso
Illustrated Properties - North Palm Beach, FL
Florida and CT Real Estate
Agree. I always go to my inspections with my buyers an sellers. Super important.
Sep 25, 2013 10:31 PM
Nikitas Kouimanis, Mr Mortgage
Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership - Melville, NY
Call Mr Mortgage @ 516-206-0000

Yes, I think its a very important step of the buying process. It can make or break the deal.

Sep 25, 2013 10:34 PM
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
Good Company Real Estate - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

I always recommend that my buyers attend the home inspection because of the knowledge they can gain about the condition of the home, and possibly how to operate some of the items included in the home.  I am also always available for home inspections with my clients.

Sep 26, 2013 02:14 AM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Nikitis,  I attend all inpsections.  Many Dallas inspectors prefer that we join them the last hour of the inspection so that they can get their job done without interuption and then explain eveything to the buyer.

Sep 26, 2013 03:40 PM
Bill Cobb Appraiser
Accurate Valuations Group, LLC - Baton Rouge, LA
Greater Baton Rouge's Home Appraiser

YES, I would agree the buyer needs to be there BUT offer this advice: Show Up For The Last 30 Minutes Of The Inspection So The H.I. Can Point Out The Major Items Found During The Inspection, Don't Be There For The Entire Inspection.  

There are times when I meet home inspectors during an appraisal inspection, on the same property being purchased.  Their inspection can take from 1 to 3 hours depending on how large the home is and how many components there are to inspect. I don't believe you the buyer want to be there for 3 long hours and honestly, you'll only be a major distraction to the Home Inspector if you follow them during the entire process.  I say this because Homeowners think they're helping Appraisers by following them during the entire process, asking questions and offering to "Help The Appraiser" by holding the tape to help measure the home. Honestly, when this happens, Appraisers forget to write down measurements and details about that home because they're distracted by the homeowner or home seller.  That's why I recommend NOT being there for the entire inspection, letting the professional do their job undistracted BUT being there near the end for the finding, to see these items with your own eyes.  You'll have time to ask your questions and you'll receive better answers when the H.I. has seen the entire home and has a better feel for the situation (all components). 

Bill Cobb, Greater Baton Rouge's Home Appraiser 

Sep 26, 2013 10:48 PM
Edward Gilmartin
CRE - Boston, MA

Often times the home inspector will give you tips on how to maintain the systems in your home.

Sep 26, 2013 11:03 PM

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