Things You Need to Remember from Your Home Inspection

When you are purchasing a home, the home inspection is at least as important as the terms of the mortgage you get. Don’t confuse the home inspection with the home appraisal, which estimates a fair price based on current sales of comparable homes. A certified home inspector assesses each the home’s components, identifying problems, both major and minor. Some minor items, such as leaky faucets, could be downplayed, but you have to remember and act on major flaws.

Danger

As with all significant investments, you may never fully eliminate risk in purchasing a home. But an experienced home inspector may detect problems and flaws that can increase the hazards. The key is how you and the vendor resolve problem areas. Don’t expect even the best home inspector to be all knowing and all seeing. Home inspections are visual assessments, not cutting-edge scientific evaluations. Seasoned inspectors, however, know what to look for and how to identify systems that are working correctly and the ones that aren’t. They can significantly reduce the risk, but not eliminate it.

Major vs. Minor Issues

Fantastic home inspectors will identify all problem areas, whether minor or major. You want to be aware the minor flaws but recall the significant problems. Significant issues typically involve structural components, plumbing, electrical systems, roofs and heating/air-conditioning systems. Costs to repair major systems are costly. These repairs frequently affect the final selling price, based on that –buyer or seller — will pay for the repairs. If the vendor is willing to make the required repairs, then be sure to get verification they were completed prior to closing the sale.

Major troubles and Viruses

Your mortgage acceptance may be affected by a home inspection indicating one or more significant problems. Your mortgage lender receives a copy of the home inspection report. Lenders will not be concerned about leaky faucets however may withhold issuing permission to close the mortgage loan till they have verification of completed repairs. The lender does not care whether the seller or purchaser pays for necessary work provided that major defects are repaired to protect the value of the collateral — your property.

Home Inspections and Purchase Offers

If you have done your homework, you have included a contingency in your purchase offer that allows you to withdraw and/or modify your offer if the home inspection uncovers major problems. You must negotiate an arrangement for the vendor to repair problems or void your offer, including the return of your deposit money, if you get to an impasse that you cannot resolve. Identified major inspection issues may also help you renegotiate a reduced sales price.

Exterior vs. Interior

Exterior problems are typically easier to identify and identify than inside difficulties. Roofs and siding in need of repair ought to be negotiable things, as repairs can be very expensive. Damaged shingles or water stains may merely be eyesores, but when the underlying surface also requires replacing, the price tag is usually in the tens of thousands. Major interior problems often involve the inclination of basements to flood. Along with the typically obvious damage, water intrusion frequently contributes to mold, mildew, nasty odors and warped floors above.

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