Special offer

When the Home Inspector Finds Something Wrong

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with Sutton Group Summit

You shop for a home. You find one you like. You make an offer — conditional on a satisfactory home inspection.

Okay so far.

Then the inspector discovers a problem with the home that may require an expensive repair or renovation. Perhaps the frame in the front door is cracked; or there's a leak in the roof; or the furnace is due to be replaced.

What do you do?

You don't want to pass up an opportunity to purchase what could be your dream home. On the other hand, you don't want to have to deal with potentially costly repairs.

First, keep in mind that you did the right thing.

It's always a good idea to get a home inspected by a professional before the offer is finalized. A qualified home inspector will go over the property with a fine tooth comb, top to bottom, inside and out, inspecting the structure, electrical systems, HVAC systems and more.

It's their job to find any deficiencies in the home and alert you to them.

If a deficiency is found, your next best step is to discuss the issue with your REALTOR®, and go over your options. Those options may include amending the offer price to cover some or all of the costs of the repair, or requiring the seller to get the repair done before you move in.

Don't worry. This is a normal part of the negotiation process. Chances are, an agreement can be reached that is satisfactory to both parties — and gets you the house you want!

And, because you had a home inspection done, you'll know the true condition of your home when you buy it. That's peace of mind.

Call Marina 416-843-1515 today.

 

Kalene Bagwell
Realty Executives Of Kansas City - Blue Springs, MO
Realtor - Selling Blue Springs - Kansas City Metro

Marina, so true! A home inspection is an important part of any home buying transaction. I recently went through a home inspection with my first time home buyers. They loved the home. However, home inspector found that the furnace needed to be replaced. It was rusted terribly. We then got a second opinion from an HVAC contractor. He also said it could go out at any time and recommended replacement. The seller refused to replace the furnace or even credit the buyer (by reducing the price of the home so they could replace it). The buyer was heartbroken but ended up having to walk away from that house. Thankfully, they did the home inspection and didn't get an expensive surprise after a purchase and move in. Worth every penny to get a qualified home inspector.

Mar 24, 2016 01:01 AM