Why get a pre-purchase home inspection?

December 23, 2014

Find out what a pre-purchase home inspection is and how it can help save you lots of headaches and money down the road.

Are you about to make one of the most important purchases of your life? Buying a home, especially for the first time, can be stressful. That's why having a pre-purchase home inspection conducted is necessary. It will help relieve some of that anxiety and give you peace-of-mind about your investment. Here are a few things to consider when looking into a pre-purchase inspection.

Why get a pre-purchase home inspection?

Why get a pre-purchase inspection?

Having a pre-purchase inspection done helps provide you with important information about the true condition of your potential new home. Not understanding these conditions prior to making the purchase can harm you financially through costly surprises.

In additional to making you feel better about your home purchase decision, a pre-purchase inspection can also save you thousands during the negotiations based on the report findings. If you're working with a realtor they can typically suggest an inspector for you, but keep in mind that in some circumstances this can present a conflict of interest if their commission is based on the final selling price of the house.

Finding an unbiased third-party inspector maybe something to consider to ensure you are fully protected as the potential new homeowner.

What home inspectors commonly evaluate:

  • Overall construction
  • Structural integrity
  • Quality of materials used
  • Life expectancy
  • Deferred maintenance
  • Deficiencies or safety issues
  • Rank and prioritizes any deficiencies

Attending the home inspection

Being a part of the inspection may help you to better understand the report you will eventually receive from your inspector. Physically seeing the evaluation take place can give you a better perspective into the severity of problems and better assist you in the decision process. Taking part in the inspection allows you to also express concerns and ask questions directly. This way, you will learn more about the condition of the home, how its systems work and how to maintain it in the future.

How long does an inspection take?

On average an inspection takes about two to three hours to conduct depending on the size, condition and age of the property. If working with a realtor, make sure they are aware of when your inspection will be so they can plan house visits fr potential buyers around it.

Pre-sell home inspection?

Alternatively, home sellers may choose to conduct an inspection before placing the house on the market. This helps the seller to understand what conditions the buyer’s inspector may point out that could in turn affect the asking price for the house. Understanding these conditions can allow a seller to make the repairs first and put them in a better position in the market.

The material on this website is provided for entertainment, informational and educational purposes only and should never act as a substitute to the advice of an applicable professional. Use of this website is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy.
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