The Necessity of Home Inspections

Picture it; you step out of your car with your Realtor in front of the home of your dreams. The home is in a prominent neighborhood that you absolutely love. You’re patting yourself on the back for buying at the right time. You’re excited because now you’re able to get more bang for your buck. The landscaping is beautiful, the exterior is exquisite, and no detail was left out. You open the door and step inside and everything looks perfect. You’ve made up your mind, this is the one, and you’ve got to have it. Wait! Don’t sign on the dotted line just yet, you still have homework to do. While the abundance of foreclosed homes and short sales have made this a buyer’s market, there is much more to buying a home, other than its price. There are some things buyers should be aware of when buying a home. After all, buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Get a home inspection. A home inspection is a vital part of any home purchase. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first home or your fifth one.

In a recent article by the American Society of Home Inspectors many homeowners stated that they saved a lot of money after having a home inspection done during the buying, and sometimes the selling of a home. Home sellers use inspections to help identify potential problems that need be repaired or may need to be replaced before listing their property. This may ultimately get them a higher sale price in the end. Buyers, on the other hand, use the inspections to help the decide if they want to purchase the property. The needed repairs may serve to help negotiate a better sales price. Included could be the repair and replacement of the noted deficiencies.

Here are a few property aspects a qualified home inspector will assess…

* Roof, attic and all visible insulation

* The foundation, basement and structural components

* Walls, ceilings and floors

* Heating and cooling systems

* Windows and doors

* Water fixtures and faucets inside and outside

* Decks and porches

* Most inspections include appliances and some may even include outdoor plumbing.

Before hiring a home inspector, ask them about what is covered in the inspection. The cost of an inspection varies based upon the square footage and style of the home. The additional services the inspector is performing also plays a factor. The inspector will be able to answer any questions you may have about home maintanence and discuss with you any potential problems areas. A home inspection contingency should be a part of your purchase agreement. It will give you the time frame and conditions needed for the inspection. Buyers beware, not all home inspectors you find are licensed with proper certification. For a list of certified home inspectors in your area click this link http://www.ashi.org/find/default.aspx

For more information on home inspections and to start your search for all Hampton Roads Homes and Virginia real estate contact me today!