A home is the biggest investment most people ever make. There are many costs associated with buying a house besides the purchase price, which means you are probably trying to watch your budget very carefully. A real estate inspection is not required but highly recommended. The American Society of Home Inspectors offers a Standards of Practice which outlines what you should expect when getting a home inspection. This informative document tells you what a home inspector should do and what an inspector is not required to do.
Essentially, a home inspection includes a report about the heating and central air conditioning system, the interior plumbing, the electrical system, the roof, attic, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, the foundation, the basement and structural components. During a home inspection, you will learn a lot about maintenance of your new home. The inspection identifies oversights of the builder or major repairs that are needed to make it more comfortable. You receive more information about the home, which gives you confidence to make good decisions about your purchase.
Avoid making these mistakes when hiring a home inspector
Before hiring a home inspector, check out his or her credentials. Make every attempt to be present at the home inspection. You should plan to set aside a couple of hours to follow the inspector around. Your home inspector is not allowed to give advice about whether the home is a good buy, but can provide information about what kind of repairs are needed to upgrade the home. You should also carefully read the written report you receive from your inspector. Finally, find and schedule a reliable professional before you are ready to make an offer on the home. If you wait too long, your chosen inspector might be booked and unable to get to your inspection in a timely fashion.
Home sellers should consider an inspection, too
A home inspection can seem invasive, but it is a good time to find out what is wrong with the property. This offers an edge in a competitive market. The knowledge gained in the inspection is worth the expense. If you make repairs before your house goes on the market, you could sell your house quicker.
Always get legal counsel to help you understand your rights and responsibilities when buying real estate. An experienced attorney can assist you in reviewing the contracts and protect your interests through closing. Do not try to save on the closing costs of this investment. Get your legal questions answered by talking to a legal advocate.
