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Top 4 things to know about home inspections

By
Real Estate Agent with Reece & Nichols

 

So you’ve found the perfect house. Now what?

After your offer has been accepted, the next stage in your home buying process will be the inspection. For those of you not familiar with those, it’s pretty much like a check-up at the doctor but for your house. Easy enough, right? Well it can be if you know what to look out for. Here are the top 4 things to know about home inspections.

 

1. How it works

Your agent should recommend a reputable home inspection company for you to reach out to. Once you’ve contacted them, you’ll work to find a time that works for them and the seller. The inspector will go through the entire house looking for any issues that may be present. This will take 2-3 hours.

 

2. Cost 

For a whole home inspection (recommended), the total cost can range from $350 to $500. Now before you get all worked up about that costing too much remember that the inspectors are there to save you from much worse. Without them, you could find yourself living in a money pit.

 

3. What to ask for

You’ll be tempted to ask for everything and the moon, but it’s important to keep the major items in mind and not to be distracted by minor cosmetic repairs. You’ll want to focus on the major items such as: foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC system.

 

4. Negotiating repairs

When negotiating the repairs, you can decide to lower the sale price, have the repairs compensated for or provide a closing cost allowance. Sellers are not allowed by law to give you cash to have the repairs done yourself. On a side note, since interest rates are so low right now, for every $1000 lowered on your sales price it would decrease an average of only $5 off your monthly mortgage payment. So if you got $1000 of closing costs instead of repairs it would take 16 years for you to make up that amount if you saved $5 on your monthly payment from lowering the price. So it’s better to get a closing cost allowance instead of paying your closing cost out of pocket!

 

 

So there you have it. Inspections can be a stressful deal but having the right agent will make all the difference. If you’re thinking about purchasing a home in the near future, send me a note. I’d love to hear from you.

 

 

Posted by

 

 Ana Spradling Your Realtor with Real Results


List Your Home with Me!

  • Using my MBA in marketing and my extensive internet marketing training, I aggressively market your home.
  • I use several different marketing strategies to gain maximum exposure for your home, including mega-listing sites, social media, traditional marketing techniques, and marketing your home to numerous local Realtors. 
  • I understand the local Kansas City Metropolitan area real estate market, and I am specialized in the Johnson County housing market. I will help you understand buyers' expectations, as well as a realistic price for your home.
  • It is my ultimate goal to sell your home at the highest rate of return for you in the least amount of time.
  • Ask me about listing your home for sale, and about my marketing plan to get your home SOLD!


Find Help Buying a home in Johnson County-Overland Park KS, Leawood KS, Olathe KS & Kansas City surrounding area!

  • With me as your buyer's agent, you will receive free professional real estate services.
  • I will help you understand each step of the home buying process.
  • As a member of the Kansas City Regional Association Realtors and Heartland MLS, I can show you any home for sale listed by a real estate company at a time that is best for you.
  • I take the time to understand your needs and to preview potential homes.  I won't waste your time by showing you houses that don't meet your criteria.
  • Ask me about help with buying your new home in Overland Park KS, Leawood KS, Olathe KS & Kansas City surrounding area!

 

Visit my real estate website and find home buying tips and home selling tips, view all current homes for sale in Overland Park KS, Leawood KS, Olathe KS & Kansas City surrounding area!, ask me about assistance with buying a home or selling your home, and more!


 

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Show All Comments Sort:
Richard Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Yes to going into any transaction with Ana Spradling being the point person

Apr 14, 2015 11:46 PM