Why You Need a Home Inspections Before Buying 

So you’ve found the home of your dreams and made an offer that was accepted.  Congratulations! Buying a home is a huge accomplishment that takes time, energy, and money. But before you sign on the dotted line, it’s crucial to have a home inspection done. They are not required by law, but they are highly recommended. Many lenders will not finance a home purchase without a home inspection. A home inspection is an objective evaluation of a home’s condition conducted by a certified, trained professional. It can identify problems that are not immediately apparent and give you peace of mind knowing that your new home is in good condition. While it may seem like another expense in an already expensive process, a home inspection is worth every penny. Here’s what you need to know about home inspections before you buy a house.

Some Benefits of a Home Inspection 

As we mentioned, home inspections are not required by law. So why should you get one? First and foremost, a home inspection can save you from making a costly mistake. Let’s say you’re interested in buying a fixer-upper. A home inspector can evaluate the property’s condition and objectively tell you whether or not it’s worth your time and money to take on the project. 

A home inspection can also give you leverage when negotiating with the seller. For example, let’s say the inspector finds several expensive repairs that need to be made, such as replacing the roof or fixing termite damage. You can then use this information to negotiate a lower purchase price or ask the seller to make the repairs before closing. 

In some cases, buyers opt out of getting a home inspection because they don’t want to spend the money on it. But remember a typical home inspection costs between $300 and $500—a small price to pay for peace of mind and protection against making a major mistake. Remember, a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make—you want to be sure that you’re making a wise decision before signing on the dotted line.

What Happens During an Inspection 

So what actually happens during a home inspection? The process usually takes two to three hours, during which time the inspector will thoroughly examine every nook and cranny of the property—inside and out. This includes taking a close look at the structural elements of the house (foundation, framing, windows, doors), as well as all electrical, plumbing, heating/cooling systems, and appliances. At the end of the process, the inspector will provide you with a detailed written report that outlines any existing damage, as well as any potential problem areas. This information is valuable because it will give you a clear understanding of what kind of shape the property is in and what kinds of repairs or updates may need to be made in the future. Most inspectors will also walk you through the report so that you can see any issues firsthand and ask any questions that you may have. Remember that inspectors are not responsible for determining whether or not a property is up to code; their job is simply to identify any existing problems so buyers can make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase the property “as is.” 

Conclusion: 

A home inspection is an essential step in the buying process—one that should not be overlooked or skipped altogether just to save money. A professional inspector will thoroughly evaluate every aspect of your prospective new home and provide you with an objective assessment of its condition—giving you valuable information that can be used when negotiating with sellers (or deciding whether or not to proceed with purchasing the property at all). If you’re thinking of buying a house, be sure to budget for a home inspection so that you can make an informed decision.  While it may seem unnecessary, it could save you thousands of dollars down the road—not to mention a lot of headaches. Don’t let your excitement about buying a new home cause you to overlook this crucial step; schedule a home inspection with Seacoast Inspections today!