| One of the main reasons a home sale transaction can fall apart, is the inspection. This happens when something unanticipated is discovered during the buyers' inspections of the property, and the buyers and sellers can't agree on a remedy. Why wait for the buyer's inspector to find unknown defects (issues), hire your own inspector first. With the obtained knowledge you will be in the drivers seat. Simply disclose the deficiencies upfront, therefore eliminating stressful last minute negotiations.
A seller's report is not meant to replace buyer's inspections. It's to uncover defects in advance so that the buyer's inspections don't become deal-breakers.
Eventually your buyers are going to conduct an inspection. You may as well know what they are going to find by getting there first. Having an inspection performed ahead of time helps in many other ways:
- It allows you to see your home through the eyes of a neutral third-party.
- It helps you to price your home realistically.
- It permits you to make repairs ahead of time so that defects won't become stumbling blocks to a negotiation.
- You have time to get reasonably priced contractors or make the repairs yourself, if qualified.
- It may alert you of items of immediate personal concern, such as radon gas or active termite infestation.
- It may relieve a prospective buyer's concerns and suspicions.
- It reduces your liability by adding professional supporting documentation to your disclosure statement.
- Alerts you to immediate safety issues before agents and visitors tour your home.
- * Simply disclose the found deficiencies up front, eliminating stressful, last minute negotiations.
Find an Inspector
- Bidding System
- Register
- View Requests
Inspection FAQ
Q: Does the seller have to fix the problems you identify on the report?
A: That depends on the agreement you make with the seller. Most sellers expect to do some repairs as a condition of the deal, but they may not want to fix all of the problems we find. If the inspector finds problems that you will not want to deal with after you buy the house, you and your real estate agent can negotiate with the seller to have the problems fixed.
Q: What about building codes and inspections?
A: The building code is essentially a set of rules and standards for construction of different types of buildings. It is written by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO). The counties and cities that enforce the building code adopt the ICBO code into law, usually with some variations that they feel are needed for local conditions.
The people who enforce the building code are the municipal building inspectors who work for the counties and cities. Our priority as a professional home inspector is to look for, and report household deficiencies and safety issues. We also help educate you on household maintenance topics.
Q: What qualifications are required for home inspectors?
A: Most states do not license or certify their inspectors, so be sure your inspector is educated, knowledgeable, meets state requirements (if applicable). Look for inspectors who are members of NACHI - National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, NAHI - National Association of Home Inspectors, ASHI - American Society of Home Inspectors, HIF- Housing Inspection Foundation, or CREIA - California Real Estate Inspectors Association. Additionally in Canada, CAPHI - Canadian Association of Property & Home Inspectors.
Q: How much does an inspection cost?
A: Typically, a home inspection can cost from $250-$800. A home is a good investment, and may be the biggest investment of your life. The bottom line: spending hundreds may save you thousands. HUD lets you claim up to $300 of the cost of the inspection as part of your closing costs.
Q: What is the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection?
A: An appraisal is an estimate of value; it is for the protection of the lender. A home inspection is evaluation of the physical condition of the house; it is for the peace of mind for the buyer.
Q: Where does the FHA come into the inspection?
A: FHA helps people become homeowners by insuring mortgages for lenders. This allows lenders to offer mortgages to first-time buyers who may not qualify for conventional loans. Because FHA insures the loan for the lender, the buyer pays only a very low down payment. FHA does not guarantee the value or condition of your potential new home. If problems are found after closing, FHA cannot give or lend you money for repairs, and cannot buy the home back from you. That's why it's so important for buyers to get an independent home inspection. For your protection and all peace of mind, get a home inspection.
|
