Today, I’m sharing home inspection tips for home buyers. Home inspections have been known to make both the seller and buyer uneasy. Sellers often feel that the home inspection company will automatically side with the buyer if issues arise. However, buyers feel the opposite.
If you’re in the market for a new home, you need to be aware of the intricacies involved in a home inspection. You should become familiar with the process before purchasing a home. Educate yourself on the before, during, and after inspection processes. It’s important that a home inspection go well for both the buyer and seller.
It’s very common for purchasing contracts to include a provision stating that the home inspection pass or the sale won’t occur. If you don’t like the results of the inspection, that means you can simply walk away. Another option would be to simply negotiate a lower price with the seller . Especially, if the inspection doesn’t go as planned. Having a home inspection go off without a hitch is ideal for both parties.
Here are a few home inspection tips for buyers:
Include It in the Contract
Many buyers make the mistake of not putting an inspection contingency clause in the purchasing contract. Don’t make this mistake. You need to make sure the real estate agent properly includes the inspection. A verbal agreement with the seller isn’t enough. You need the clause included in the contract to make it legal.
Inspections Are Essential (But Not Foolproof)
Home inspections are essential. Using a quality inspection service is important (e.g. Octopus Home Inspections). But, equally as important is realizing that inspections aren’t foolproof. Not every inspection will be perfect. And, there will almost certainly be minor details that are missed. Remember, the inspection report will detail everything the inspection company finds. So, much of that depends on the level of access granted by the seller.
Deciding Between Repairs, Credits, Etc.
If there are issues found during the inspection, this is where strong negotiation skills come into play. Being able to negotiate is important. Especially, when it comes to buying a house. For example, let’s say that the inspection found problems with a brick patio. The buyer can try to negotiate with the seller. The buyer can ask that the seller give them credit for that repair. Or, have the seller hire a contractor to complete the repair. You will want to do this before the sale is finalized.
Getting It in Writing Is Important
If the seller agrees to hire a contractor, have all repairs documented. This also includes any recent/past repairs. Especially, repairs the seller is using to make their home more appealing to buyers (e.g. “brand new floors”). While this isn’t essential by any means it certainly shouldn’t be ignored.
Tips for Finding a Quality Inspection Company
It’s important not to rush into choosing a home inspection company. Make sure the company you choose is experienced, licensed, and is well-reviewed. This is where using Google and other search engines can be handy. Look at the company’s reviews.
What are people saying? Do they have lots of positive reviews? Does the company offer a sample report for potential customers to view before hiring them? These are the kinds of questions you should be asking. You should also look into whether or not the inspection company belongs to any of the major inspection associations (in the United States).
Last, don’t be afraid of asking questions. Also, the inspection company should allow you to be present when the inspection occurs. If you have any questions or concerns, voice them. There’s nothing worse than leaving a question unanswered about a home inspection.
Finally, using the home inspection tips will allow you to hire a qualified inspection company. Keep in mind everything covered above will help you during the purchasing process.
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