Don't Skip the Home Inspection: Here's Why

You're buying a home and it's time to get a home inspection but you aren't sure what it is or if it's worth paying for. We will be covering everything you need to know about home inspections and how it can save you thousands of dollars here.

If you're in the process of buying a home you may have heard of "Home Inspections" but you might not know exactly what they involve are or why they're crucial for homebuyers to consider. You may not be aware of how inspections can also end up saving you thousands of dollars! Here, we will discuss why an inspection is crucial for all home buyers.

A home inspection is a thorough examination of a home by a trade professional known as a home inspector. Home inspectors are typically licensed and have a background in construction, engineering or some kind of related field. They use that expertise to assess the condition of a home and identify any potential issues or problems with that home. During the home inspection the inspector will carefully examine the home structure including the foundation, roof, walls, and the flooring. They'll also look at the home's electrical, plumbing and heating systems as well as any appliances they're going to be included in the sale. The inspector will also check for any visible signs of pests or mold. If they do find signs of pests, mold, termites or foundation issues they'll typically recommend that you consult a specialist on those items (which, of course, I will schedule for you!).

Now, the inspection process typically takes a couple of hours. After the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide you with a written report, usually within 24 hours, detailing their findings with pictures. The report will include a list of any problems or issues that were identified during the inspection as well as recommendations for repairs or further evaluations.

So, why is it important for home buyers to get a home inspection? There are several reasons.

1. Home inspections are crucial for home buyers to consider because an inspection can help you identify potential problems with the home that you might not have noticed when you initially previewed the home. A home may look perfect on the surface, however, there could be hidden issues lurking beneath the surface. Those issues may be costly and you may not have included the costs of those repairs in your budget.
2. An inspection can also help us negotiate with the seller! If the inspection report reveals significant problems with the home, we may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price, ask the sellers to make the necessary repairs before closing, or negotiate a credit to help cover closing costs and then you can make the repairs yourself later.
3. When you buy a home, it's likely one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. A home inspection can help you feel confident about your decision knowing that a trained professional has thoroughly gone through the house and identified any potential issues.

So, what happens when a home inspection report reveals problems with the home? If the inspection report reveals significant problems with the home, you'll have a few options. You can:

1. Decide to move forward with the purchase and negotiate with the seller to have the repairs made before the sale is final
2. Decide to walk away from the sale, especially if the problems are too significant or costly to address, or alternatively
3. You can request that the seller lower the price of the home to reflect the cost of the necessary repairs

It's worth noting that not all problems identified during a home inspection will be "deal breakers". Some issues may be minor and easy to fix while others may be more significant but still manageable.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide how to proceed based on the specific issues that are identified and your own personal circumstances. Home inspections are so important that I even dedicated a complete chapter in my book , "The Home Sale Profit Maximizer" on this topic.

Visit my YouTube Channel to get more details on Home Inspections or other relevant topics. And remember, feel free to call/text or email me with any questions or concerns.