One of the most important things to consider when buying a home is a home inspection. A qualified and licensed home inspector will inspect the structure, exterior, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior insulation and ventilation. They may also inspect for mold. To avoid a costly mistake by purchasing a property in need of major repairs, it is worth every penny to have the home inspected before signing a contract. You may be tempted to skip the home inspection and its $300- $500 price tag, but here are five good reasons why you should get one.
- It Provides an “Out” – a quality home inspection can reveal critical information about the condition of a home and its systems. This makes the buyer aware of what costs, repairs and maintenance the home may require immediately, and over time. If a buyer isn’t comfortable with the findings of the home inspection, it usually presents one last opportunity to back out of the offer to buy.
- Safety – a home inspection can reveal whether rooms, altered garages or basements were completed without a proper permit, or did not follow code. This is important to reveal, as wiring, outlets and ventilation all pose safety risks for your family.
- Reveal the Big Picture – people fall in love with the walls, the yard, the paint or the location of a home. A home inspection forces us to lead with both our head and our heart. in order to avoid costly mistakes after the sale which can result in a “money pit” vs. a “dream home”.
- Insurance – some insurance companies will not insure a home if certain conditions are found, like mold or radon. To receive the best rates and coverage, its important to do a home inspection to uncover all and any issues before signing the papers.
- Negotiating Tool – the home inspection report presents an opportunity to ask for repairs and/or request a price reduction or credit from the seller, to pay for issues. A good realtor will help you understand what requests can and should be made to negotiate a better deal.
Home inspections are an indispensable part of the home-buying process. As Dave Ramsey saus, “Buying a home without one is the same as buying a car without even kicking the tires.” A little cost in the beginning can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars down the road. Get a home inspection. Its worth every penny, and we have a list of preferred home inspectors we can recommend.
