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State Wide Realty Explains: The home inspection report

By Larry Atkins

Real Estate Broker/Owner with State Wide Realty Co. 0225108792

February 04, 2019 12:47 PM

State Wide Realty Explains:

The home inspection report

Almost all residential purchases will have a home inspection done by a licensed home inspector with the purpose of looking for major defaults/deficiencies in the property that could cause harm to someone living there. Well when the report comes back and the inspector has made suggestions of items that need to be addressed what does the seller need to do and what should a buyer ask for? We are here to help.

Buyers: Once you see the report from the home inspector, it is important for you to review the information with your State Wide Realty agent. If the inspector finds something; you and your agent can talk about the findings and what; if anything, are “musts” to be fixed in order to go through with the purchase. It is important to remember the age of the home you are buying and focus on what needs to be done to make the home safe.

Sellers: If the buyer asks for something to be fixed per the home inspection report, you are then able to request a copy of the report. Once you look at it and see the recommendations you are able to decide if the items are needed or would a person that is licensed in the field be better to look at the issue and decide. For example, if the report says that the electrical box needs to be replaced you would ask a licensed electrician to look at it for a second opinion. Then you and your State Wide Realty agent can talk about what you are willing to get fixed, provide a credit so the buyer can get it fixed and/or what you are unwilling to do. Your are NOT mandated to do the items on the list just because a seller asks for it just know that the seller may use these items as a reason to terminate the contract.

So the moral of the story is that a home inspection while important to gain information about the house you are buying does not intend to make sellers provide a brand new home for buyers and shouldn’t be used to scare buyers into thinking a home is unsafe.

Thinking of buying or selling? Call the #1 Company in South Central VA Sales for over 15 years, State Wide Realty to help you with your real estate needs at 434-392-6163 or visit our website www.VaStateWideRealty.com today!