Inspections/Repairs - One Reason to use a Buyers Agent

Why you should have a Buyers Agent – Inspections/Repairs

So often I hear buyers say…”Oh I can do this myself and if I use the listing agent I will save money.”  Oh really?  Statistics show that when using a Realtor you actual save money and time.  Let’s look at how the buyers’ agent can assist you with property inspections/repair requests.

When you wrote up the contract how many days did you request for inspections?  It is not only the Home Inspector, but your inspection period is for all inspections.  Do you have contacts at the city and county codes departments?   How about inspectors for heat/air systems, roof, or foundation? Did you get a copy of the community rules and regulations to review?

Here in Middle Tennessee we are in a very hot market which means that getting a home inspector out to the property may take a few days.  Working with an experienced home inspector is important.  So is timing.  Your buyers’ agent will have a network of seasoned licensed inspectors for you to contact.

So now you have the inspection report, does it suggest additional inspections? Do you have a network of contractors that you can contact who can come out and inspect quickly? Your buyers’ agent will.

The inspections are complete and now you need to negotiate the repairs?  Remember the listing agent represents the seller, not you.  If there are issues that arise who do you turn to for clarification?

We recently had a situation where:

• Hot water heater and HVAC  systems were identified on the property condition disclosure as 5 years old, but were actually 16 years old,

• gas hot water heater was enclosed in a closet with no ventilation (seller stated it was installed correctly)  We contract codes and the hot water heater manufacturer and learned that the installation was not correct and that the heater needed to be vented and have a louvered door to allow air flow.

• water damage and an ongoing water issue and suggested resolution identified by water intrusion specialist.  Seller felt that hiring a handyman to install a pipe from the gutters would do the trick.

So had this buyer not had buyer representation do you think the seller would have made any repairs?

Don’t learn the hard way.  Call a Realtor today to help you through the home buying process.