It's easy to get caught up in the moment when buying a new home. While it may feel like love at first sight, you'll want to make sure everything in the house is functioning properly before making a purchase. This is where a professional home inspector comes in handy.
Without a home inspection, you are relying on the seller to disclose everything that's wrong with the property. This is risky because it is in the homeowner’s best interest to sell you on well maintained home. Often times the homeowner will underplay repairs, or simply be unaware of potential problems.
Having an impartial expert evaluate the house is the best way to get an informed and unbiased assessment of the property. They will look for clues that may cause bigger problems down the line, and areas in need of immediate attention.
A home inspector will pay special attention to the following areas of the home:
- Roof
- Ventilation
- Fireplace
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Appliances
- Exterior
- HVAC
- Structure
Once the home inspection is complete, you can negotiate with the seller to have certain items repaired, or reduce the cost of the home and get them repaired yourself. If an agreement is not reached, you have the option to back out of the deal.
It's important to choose a qualified home inspector with the experience and track record to ensure everything goes smoothly. Your real estate agent is often the best source for a reliable referral.
