Buying a Home: Make Sure you get the Home Inspection

Home inspections have many benefits whether you're the buyer or the seller. However, this article will focus on the basic benefits to you as a homebuyer. Home inspections come at an additional cost, however, in the end, a thorough review of your prospective home could end up saving you money, or at the very least, you'll have the peace of mind that you are getting what you paid for. A home inspection will help you know the condition of the home you are buying.

Remember, there are other ways to save money with your home purchase, and it begins with getting matched with the right home loan. 

Contact a Licensed Mortgage Professional today for personalized home loan consultation services with no cost or application fee and read on to see all the ways a home inspection will benefit you.

Contact a Licensed Mortgage Professional for more details. 1 800 941-6550 

Inspecting Your Home Inside and Out 

Typically, you would request a home inspection after your initial offer, though the seller can order one at anytime before that. One of the main reasons that you'll want to have a home inspector is to take advantage of their expertise. If you are not satisfied with the results of the home inspection, speak to your Best Choice Real Estate Agent for their advice. If you are not satisfied with the condition of the home, you may have the right to cancel the purchase transaction and get your deposit back if you meet the timing requirements. Don't expect the home seller to correct the deficiencies found in the home inspection because he is not obligated to do so. However, if the Seller wants to keep you as the buyer, he may make some concession in the price or make some repairs. Although you shouldn't count on the Seller making repairs, improving the condition of the home, or appealing to your demands to build you a new home especially when the market conditions are in favor to Seller's. This is called a Seller's Market when there are more buyers than there are homes available for sale. In a Seller's Market there could be more buyers right behind you that may be willing to take the home in its present condition. So it is important to discuss the matter with your Best Choice Real Estate Agent so that you can make an informed decision

Even if you're an experienced homeowner or are knowledgeable in construction, a home inspector has a broad understanding of home structure, mechanics, and landscaping. 

While every home and inspection requirements differ, a home inspection will typically include a review of: 

• the foundation, basement, crawl spaces 
• the roof, attic, visible insulation 
• mechanical systems like plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation
• Interior walls, windows, ceilings, and doorways
• Exterior siding, walkways, driveways, and garage

After the review, the inspector will offer recommendations for repair or replacement. You can use this information to negotiate a new offer with the seller, negotiate repairs to be completed by the seller, or, at the very least, know what repairs will need to be done in the future. 

Note that inspections done by municipal inspectors for new constructions are to ensure that minimal building standards are met and may not be as thorough as described above. In this case, consider an additional inspection of the home. 

Ask Questions 

If possible, join the inspectors while they review the home. During this time, you'll be able to questions, clear up misunderstandings, and gain valuable information about your prospective future home. 

Paying for the Inspection 

There are fees associated with getting a home inspection. Factors that affect the cost of the inspection include the size of the home, whether the home is complete or under construction, as well as what the inspector charges for their services. 

The person responsible for paying for the inspection at the time of the inspection. 

Licensing and Certification 

Licensing requirements vary from state to state, and in some cases, inspectors need only to be certified by a professional association. In Massachusetts Home Inspectors must be licensed if they are in the business of doing home inspections for a fee. Although you can have a family member or friend do the home inspection, but you may not get expert advice. Most importantly a friend or relative could cause damage to the home during an inspection and the home buyer would be responsible to repair the damage for the current homeowner. Home Inspectors are insured for these reason..

Whether you use a licensed, certified, or a recommended home inspector, understanding the process of inspection and knowing the condition of the home empowers you as a buyer. 

Want even more negotiating leverage? Pre-qualify for a home loan today! Contact us today to get started.