Home inspections have become an integral part of the home buying process. When I first started practicing Real Estate back in the early nineties, the idea of a home inspection seemed like an obstacle, primarily because we did not know who to call to do one. I suspect there were less than 5 inspectors in Spokane County to do the job for us, and since I did not know any of them except by name, it was scary to bring this person into the transaction. Times have changed.
One of the things that I have always been passionate about, is not just that the Realtor who sells the home attend the home inspection, but that the buyer should as well, and a legitimate home inspector will encourage the same.
The Realtor attending? A must. I have no idea how someone can negotiate effectively and professionally an issue on the home inspection without first hand knowledge of the concern. Some might argue that they can let the home inspection be completed and then the buyer's agent can come in and learn the highlights, but the effectiveness of the negotiation is from understanding the inspection as a whole. not just piece and parcel. This theory has been tested time and time again, and my office has well over a 90% success rate in negotiating home inspections in favor of our clients so that the transaction can close successfully. Attending the home inspection is the central key to that success.
The Home Buyer attending? Also a must. This is not always possible, over the years we have had military clients living in Japan, or serving a tour in the Middle East and physically unable to attend the inspection, or investors as near as Seattle or as far away as London that just can not attend the inspection, we try to keep those as the exceptions. For the buyers benefit of keeping things in perspective, their attendance is crucial to a smooth transaction. Over the years I have learned that on paper the terms, 'open splices and missing junction boxes' appears to be a heck of a lot scarier than in person. On paper it sounds like a week long job for an expensive electrician, in person it looks like a 5 minute job for a homeowner along with a quick trip to the hardware store and a couple dollars.
Along with setting a platform for effective professional negotiations, getting to know your home up close and personal. and keeping all the parties in a reasonable perspective, the home inspection reduces any 'after clsoing' surprises. Bottom line, attend the home inspection, make sure your Realtor attends the home inspection, and enjoy the home for years to come with a little more piece of mind.
If you are buying a home in the Spokane area over the next 90 days between $100,000 and $400,000 and have excellent credit, you need a Realtor on your side. Call Mike Crowley at 509-951-9710 or e-mail to mike@spokanehomebuyers.com.
Spokane Home Buyers, Buyers Only since 1997!
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