A Home Inspection Report Doesn't Mean You Have to Run for the Hills

A Home Inspection Report Doesn't Mean You Have to Run for the Hills

A home inspector's job is to provide buyers with a documented, professional opinion of a home. They do this by visually evaluating the home inside and out, and by testing the home's systems and appliances to determine their current condition.

A home inspector will identify areas that do not meet the local building code and that are identifiable as unsafe. But, the home inspector's report doesn't mean  you have to run for the hills. The home inspector's job is to point out everything that she or he sees and finds upon testing. It doesn't mean that the house is a disaster!

While there are the rare occasions when a home inspector may tell buyers, "I think you should walk away from this house" the inspector will usually recommend that the buyers consult with a subject expert such as a structural engineer, electrician, plumber, etc. 

There is no such thing as a perfect house!
Every house...even brand new construction...will have something that is not exactly perfect and sometimes has to be corrected. 

The point is that most items are correctable. The question comes down to how much money it will take and who is going to pay for it. That's a discussion that takes place with your Realtor who then negotiates on your behalf with the Sellers' agent. 

If you have made an offer on a home, put down a binder deposit and paid for a home inspection, it is worth your while to see whether you and the sellers can reach a mutually satisfactory agreement following a home inspection.

Walking away before this discussion takes place doesn't usually have to do with the home inspection. It may mean the buyers rushed into making a decision about a property with which, on second thought, they're not comfortable.

Unless you've been warned off of a property, take the time to talk with your Realtor, let her  guide you in identifying the key home inspection issues and have her discuss them with the sellers' agent. You still have the option to walk away if you are not satisfied with the outcome of the discussion with the sellers. But, you may find that things are resolved to your satisfaction and you'll be able to move on to the next step towards buying your new home!