Whether you are purchasing a new or previously owned home, it is imperative that you have the home inspected prior to buying. Inspections can uncover faults with the home that can not be seen during a visual inspection, and can save you time and money in the long run.
Below are five great reasons to have your potential new home inspected:
Don’t Judge a Book by it’s Cover
A home inspection may feel like a waste of money, especially if you are purchasing new construction. However, a home inspection can uncover defects in the plumbing, wiring and the structure of the home. Beyond the typical home inspection, you should also inspect chimneys, chimney flues, septic systems, well water, radon, termites, mold and possibly more! If deficiencies are discovered, you will have the opportunity to negotiate with the seller for some of the repairs.
Save Money
The total cost of inspections can run from $300 to $1,500, but it is well worth the cost. You don’t want to find out, after purchasing the home, that you may need to make costly repairs. Some of those repairs include:
- rewire the home
- correct a plumbing leak and damage
- mediate radon
- reline a chimney
- replace a roof or treat for termites
The expense of getting your home inspected is well worth it.
Negotiate Price, Closing Help or Repairs
As long as you do not purchase the home as-is, you will have the opportunity to negotiate the home inspection repairs with the seller. This may be in the form of the sellers making repairs to the home, offering a closing cost credit or reducing the price of the home so that you can make the repairs yourself. If you do not inspect, you lose out on the opportunity to negotiate with the seller. You will also inherit the cost and time to make the repairs yourself.
Avoiding a Money Pit
It is always good to be fully aware of what you are getting into. While the house may be in the perfect location and is cosmetically pleasing, you want to be sure you are not inheriting a money pit. It is very frustrating to pay a down payment, closing costs and moving costs only to have to invest potentially thousands of dollars more to make unforeseen repairs.
Understand Your Home
Home inspectors not only investigate deficiencies in your home, they will also explain how your home works. The inspector will show you where the whole house water shut-off valve is located, where to find your furnace filter and how your septic system functions.
In addition, I always negotiate a home warranty for my clients in the event that something goes wrong with the house during the first year. Between the home inspection and the home warranty, you can relax and enjoy your new home without stress. If you are considering purchasing a home, I’d love to help you find the right house, and support you through the entire buying process. Contact me to get started.
