Have you finally found the home of your dreams and are ready to sign those contracts and move in?
Congratulations! The home buying process can be very overwhelming, and finding the ideal home for you is not always easy. However, before you sign, you need to ensure that it is in good shape.
Around 20% of buyers skip their new home inspections, which is a huge mistake. A home might look flawless on the surface but could come with many issues that can cause severe problems in the long term.
So, if you are a new home buyer looking for some information on home inspections, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for three things you need to know about this process.
1. What Exactly Are Home Inspections?
In a home inspection, a professional assesses a home and reviews its condition. Home inspections are necessary because they are usually the last opportunity a buyer will have to uncover issues with the property before closing the deal.
If buyers opt to waive their right to a home inspection, they are pretty much on their own if the property starts revealing issues. However, if the buyer chooses to hire a home inspector, they can have their agents negotiate repairs at the seller’s expense.
Whether you are purchasing an existing property or buying new construction home, a home inspection is crucial to ensuring that you are getting a good deal.
2. What Is Usually Included in an Inspection?
A standard home inspection will consist of the inspector evaluating the inside and outside of the property. According to the International Association of Home Inspectors, the professional will provide a written report of the status of these items:
- Roof
- Basement
- Foundation
- Structure
- Crawlspace
- Heating and Cooling
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Fireplace
- Attic
- Insulation & Ventilation
- Doors, Windows & Interior
- Exterior
You can create a home inspection checklist to follow yourself during the inspection.
The inspector will provide you with a home inspection report of the current status of the home. This report can be a great indicator of whether or not you should move forward with the sale. Standard home inspections are non-invasive, so an inspector will not alter anything to uncover unseen issues.
Remember to work with a real estate agent and ask for their advice once you have the inspection results.
3. How Much Does an Inspection Cost?
The cost of an inspection will depend on where you live and which inspection company you hire. However, you should expect to spend a couple of hundred dollars on this service.
Remember that moving forward with the sale without having an expert evaluate the home’s condition could cost you more money in the future.
Get an Inspection Today
Home inspections are a crucial step of the home buying process, as they can help buyers get an accurate evaluation of the home’s condition. Often, a home inspection will be the last opportunity for a buyer to discover issues on a home before they finalize the purchase. So, if you are a home buyer ready to seal the deal, make sure to get an inspection first!
Are you looking for more tips and tricks? Check out the rest of our real estate content.
