Home Buying, understanding Home inspections

Do you know whether you are a first-time homebuyer or repeat buyer, you should definetly have your future home inspected. That's right, even if its a new build or just a year old, you want to make sure you are not taking on a home with expensive or some hidden issues. Normally by the time the inspection is set, most buyers have formed an attachment to the home they are looking to purchase. Here are 3 things buyers should know about the inspection process before jumping in.

1. The inspector will find problems. No matter if it is brand new construction or how well-maintained and beautiful the house is, the inspector is going to find something. They will compile a list of the findings of anything and everything they found during the inspection. Don't be startled when you see the report, the report usually is about 20-40 pages in length because again, they take pictures of everything to ensure you see the good and the bad. Be mindful, not everything on the list is worth asking the seller to fix.

2. Pick your battles. Be aware that thanks to home inspection contingency clauses, buyers have an allotted time after the inspection is complete to compile a list of repair requests and submit to sellers to request them to fix such findings, or even possibly reduce price in leu of fixing some minor issues, or even cancel the contract. Make sure you go through the inspection report thoroughly and choose the right repairs to request and the others you can do on your own if minor. 

3. You may need more inspections. If the inspector finds something major, you may need to request a specialist to come in and get a better look at that particular issue. example, leaking roof, mold, pest infestations are just a few. Additionally, if the sellers are doing any major repairs, it is a good idea to have the inspector come back out and look at the so-called repairs they fixed to make sure they have completed properly.

Remember, the home inspection process does not need to be stressful for you! Make sure you have a great agent (ME) working for you that can help guide you through and be there to help answer any questions you may have throughout the home buying process. As always if you need assistance in buying in and around the Summerville area, feel free to call. I am always available to assist.