The day has finally come! After many hours of browsing websites like realtor.com and looking at several houses, you’ve found the perfect place to raise your family. The price is right, the sellers are ready to move, and you’ve already started planning on where you’re going to put that 52 inch television. After years of saving, you have your down-payment ready. The sellers have agreed to pay closing costs. Then your real estate agent says those words, “You should get a home inspection.”
Why should you get a home inspection? The roof is brand new, the sellers seem like honest people, and everything looked great when your agent showed you the house. Do you really need a home inspection?
The answer is: Yes. Even if you have extensive knowledge of building code, or everything in the house is new and up-to-date, a good home inspector will find something. Home inspectors are trained to look for specific home deficiencies that most people overlook. They’re trained to look at your foundation, property drainage, roof, electrical, plumbing, attic, and more.
Even if you know what’s wrong with your home, a home inspector is another set of eyes. He or she is a neutral third party who will write an official report. This report will identify potential safety concerns, as well as cosmetic and structural issues. These issues will either make or break the real estate transaction, and unfortunately home inspectors are used to delivering bad news.
What if the home inspector finds something in what you thought was a perfect home? Does that mean that you shouldn’t buy the home? It depends. Is the seller willing to fix the problems or lower the asking price? Is the problem with the house going to costs thousands of dollars to fix?
The decision to buy a house with serious problems is up to the home buyer. Finding out that there is something expensive to fix in your new dream home is a disappointment, but it keeps you from making a huge financial mistake.
Will the home inspector find every defect? The answer is: most likely, but things can go wrong at the drop of a hat. If everything functions when the home inspector comes to inspect your home, things still happen. How do you protect yourself from these unexpected disasters? Buy a home warranty.
A home warranty will cover major expenses like your HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc. Most home warranties are for the first year you own your home, but you can purchase longer ones.
What qualities should a good home inspector have? A good home inspector will have had official training, belong to a professional organization like InterNACHI, NAHI, or ASHI, be friendly and courteous, provide a detailed inspection report with pictures and descriptions, and be NEUTRAL in the home inspection process. Neutral means he works for you, not the real estate agent.
What if you are selling a home? Do you need a home inspection? Yes. A pre-listing inspection will identify potential problems with the home. If you are selling, the last thing you want is unexpected and repairs that aren’t in your budget. You don’t want that potential buyer to walk away because you can’t afford to fix that sagging basement wall.
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, get a home inspection. It will save you from unexpected and expensive surprises that can destroy your excitement about that dream home you’ve always wanted.
Need a home inspection in Mesa, AZ?
Not enough time?
A free 3-point inspection from the pros at Arizona Home Inspection Pros.
Arizona Home Inspection Pros
229 S 85th St. Mesa, AZ 85208
480-725-1156
https://homeinspectioninaz.com
