BUYER’S HOME INSPECTION [Practical Advice]

The Process

If you’re in the market for a new home, my home inspection tips will help you to navigate the process like a pro!

The first step is to find a reputable home inspector who can give you an objective assessment of the property. Ask for recommendations from friends or family, or look for online reviews. Once you’ve found someone you trust, schedule an inspection as soon as possible after your offer has been accepted.

Your home inspector will examine the property from top to bottom, inside and out. A typical home inspection will cost between $300 and $1,000+, but it’s worth it to know if there are any major problems with the house before you purchase it. They will look for any structural issues, as well as any signs of water damage, mold, or pests. They will also check the electrical system and appliances to make sure they are in good working order.

Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a report detailing any problems that were found. If there are any major issues, you may want to renegotiate the purchase price of the home or ask the seller to make repairs before you close on the property.

If you’re armed with a good home inspection report, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that you’re getting a solid investment.

a home inspection report…

Is around 20-100+ pages long. However, the length of the report will vary depending on the size and condition of the property. Be sure to ask your inspector for a copy of the report so you can review it in full. This way, you’ll be able to see all of the details of their assessment.

What are the most important things that are inspected?

Here is a quick rundown of the top items that should be on your home inspection checklist:

• The condition of the home’s structure, including the foundation, framing, and load-bearing walls
• The condition of the home’s exterior, including the siding, windows, doors, and roof
• The condition of the home’s interior, including the ceilings, floors, walls, and stairs
• The condition of the home’s electrical system
• The condition of the home’s plumbing system
• The condition of the home’s heating and cooling systems
• Ventilation and insulation in attics and crawl spaces
• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• Home Elevator and generator
• Central Vacuum System
• Water heater
• Appliances

What are the most common problems?

Some of the most common problems found during home inspections include:

• Structural issues, such as cracks in the foundation or walls
• Water damage, including leaks in the roof or plumbing
• Electrical problems, such as outdated wiring or overloaded circuits
• General wear and tear, such as doors that don’t open properly or windows that are Drafty
• Ventilation and insulation problems in attics and crawl spaces

If any of these problems are found during the inspection, it’s important to discuss them with your inspector and decide if they’re dealbreakers. Sometimes, minor repairs can be made to fix these issues. But other times, it may be better to walk away from the property altogether.

What are the red flags?

Here are some of the red flags that you should be on the lookout for in a home inspection report:

• Major structural issues, such as a cracked foundation or severe water damage
• Multiple electrical or plumbing problems
• Heating and cooling systems that are outdated or not working properly
• Ventilation and insulation problems that could lead to mold growth
• Smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors that are missing or not working properly

If any of these red flags are present, it’s important to discuss them with your inspector and decide if the property is worth pursuing. In some cases, the seller may be willing to make repairs to fix these problems. But other times, it may be better to walk away from the deal.

Can you negotiate the selling price after the inspection?

If problems are found during the home inspection, you may be able to negotiate with the seller to have them make repairs or give you a credit at closing. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your real estate agent so they can help you navigate the negotiation process.

The bottom line is that a home inspection is an important part of the home buying process. By being prepared and knowing what to expect, you can ensure that all of your bases are covered. And if any problems are found, you can decide if the property is worth pursuing or if you should walk away.

What if a seller won’t budge?

If the seller is unwilling to make any repairs or give you a credit, then you may have to decide if you’re willing to accept the property as-is. In some cases, the problems found during the inspection may be minor and easy to fix. But other times, they may be major structural issues that are costly to repair. It’s important to weigh your options and decide if the property is worth pursuing or if you should walk away.

You should also keep in mind that even if the seller is unwilling to negotiate, you can still back out of the deal at any time before closing. So, if you have cold feet or come across a better property, you’re not stuck with this one.