If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s easy to get wrapped up in all the excitement and forget about the nuts and bolts of the process.
Hiring a certified home inspector can save you money and possibly help you get the best deal for your new home.
Read on to learn why smart homebuyers hire a home inspector so they can be sure they’re making a wise investment.
A Home Inspector Will Give You a Comprehensive Overview of the Property
When hiring a home inspector, choose one that understands the importance of safety and quality. The inspector should carefully comb the property to look for visible issues with the main components of the house.
What do home inspectors check when performing an inspection? Some of the things they’ll look for include glaring issues with the roof, foundation, electrical, and plumbing systems.
If anything stands out or needs repair, these issues will be notated on the inspection report. You should receive a thorough written report that shows any potential problems in detail.
You can use your home inspection report to negotiate with the seller. For example, if the certified home inspector notes that the roof should be replaced, you might be able to ask the seller to pay for a new roof before you close.
Your inspector will look at a variety of important elements of the home including the walls, roof, foundation, windows and doors, basement, attic, and insulation. They’ll also examine the heating and cooling system, electrical, plumbing, and most major appliances.
If there is clear evidence of pests like termites, the inspector will also notate this, too. Overall, their job is to find major issues with the home and report them back to you so that it’s easier to make a sound decision.
What Homebuyers Should Know
If you’re in the market for a home, there are a few things you should know about getting a home inspection. First, it’s up to you to pay for this inspection yourself, and the seller is not obligated to provide their own inspector or report.
Even if the home you want is newer, it’s not unheard of for the inspection report to include a long list of issues. Remember, no home is perfect and there will always be a few things that need to be addressed.
Your home inspection report will give you the information you need to determine if the purchase is worth it to you. A home inspection report is not performed on a pass or fail basis, so examine every line item carefully.
You should also keep in mind that your home inspector is basing their report on what they see on the day of inspection. There is no guarantee that you will never run into more problems later if you decide to buy the home.
Read your report carefully and talk to your real estate agent about the results of the report. They can help you negotiate with the seller if you’re still interested in buying the home.
In most cases, you can ask the seller to make specific repairs according to what’s listed on the report. The seller can accept or deny your requests, and then it’s up to you whether or not you want to move forward with the purchase.
Discovering Hidden Problems
It’s easy to get caught up in the house-hunting process, but don’t let those shiny granite countertops distract you. Smart home buyers know that hiring a home inspector is a crucial part of the process.
The home inspector will look for things you likely can’t see with the naked eye. They also have the proper training to determine if there are issues with the important components of the home.
Your inspector will use a ladder to take a closer look at the roof and attic. They’ll also examine windowsills and door frames to find any evidence of moisture, leaks, or issues with insulation.
Buyers tend to look at the aesthetics of a home, while a certified home inspector is there to dig deeper. They can pinpoint red flags and point them out to you, which can often play a major role in your final decision.
Even beautiful homes may have some issues lurking under the surface. With a home inspection, you can find these problems now in order to get them corrected. It’s also a great way to have more leverage when negotiating.
If the home inspection report only finds a few minor issues, you might be able to talk the price down a bit when you make an offer on the home. If there are major problems at play, consider asking the seller to pay for the repairs.
Using a home inspection to give you better buying power is a smart move. With the right information in your hands, you can get a better deal for your new home and have the confidence knowing it’s safe and structurally sound.
Don’t Skip an Inspection
When it comes to getting a great price on your new home, don’t skip hiring a qualified home inspector. This simple step in the home buying process will give you confidence and peace of mind.
Remember, a home inspection is meant to give you an overview of the property’s condition. Use your report to negotiate so you can get more for your money.
To learn more about our services or to schedule your own inspection, visit our website, or contact us today!