Buying a home is one of, if not the biggest purchase a person can make in their life. A home inspection is the single most important item that should be done when purchasing a home. At Johnson Property Group, we are partnered with Quality Home Consultants, an excellent Home Inspector that makes this process easier. Here are five top things you should know before having a home inspection.
Selecting the right home inspector:
This is the biggest reason why so many real estate transactions fall apart. Home inspectors have been known to scare many first time home buyers with the number of items that they list on their report. I agree that you want someone to be very detailed, but make sure the inspector you decide to go with can walk you through explaining any major items that might appear on the report. During Home Inspections, our agents attend all or part of it to review the details with our clients and the Home Inspector. Quality Home Consultants is always sure to go through it with the clients before leaving.
Negotiating repairs:
This is one of the biggest tools that buyers use to get credits or have items fixed before closing. Having a detailed inspection report in hand is one of the strongest things a buyer can have when negotiating repairs. Once our clients receive the Home Inspection, we go through it with them and help them decide what they want to be repaired and what they don’t. We also have a great list of miscellaneous professionals to help with repairs.
Understanding what you are purchasing:
A home inspection is performed to protect a future homeowner. It’s designed to give the buyer peace of mind. Knowing exactly what you are getting into should eliminate most of the uneasiness when deciding to purchase a home. With this, our agents come alongside you to explain all the little details.
Should you inspect a new home?
While it might seem to be a waste of money to have an inspection done, problems with electrical, plumbing, and structure may not be visible during a showing. Having an expert inspector come out to look over everything could save you thousands in the long run. This is just added assurance and protection that we encourage for our clients.
Don’t skimp on add-ons:
There are 4 add-ons that should be considered when ordering a home inspection. In no particular order:
- Radon Test- Radon is a natural gas that comes out of the ground. It’s known to cause lung cancer.
- Pest Inspection- Pest such as termites and other wood destroying insects can cause a major amount of issues that might not be seen during a showing.
- Septic Inspection- Only recommended if it applies to your home. Having a problem with a septic system could be a costly $6,000-$10,000 fix. It’s worth the money to have a professional come to look at it. Plus the inspection includes pumping the system as well.
- Well Water Test- Again only if it applies to your home. It’s nice to know if your water is free of any harmful bacteria.
Your home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime. You owe it to yourself to do your due diligence and make sure you are completely protected when purchasing a home. If you have any questions about the home buying process or Home Inspections, we would love to give you more information!
By: Grant Gajdosz, Buyer & Listing Specialist
