A home inspection is an important part of the buying process, which is why there are certain things that home inspectors wish they could tell buyers before the inspection to make the process easier, smoother, and less stressful for everyone involved. So what, exactly, are those things?
A recent article from realtor.com outlined the top things home inspectors wish buyers knew, including:
Expect problems...
Many buyers panic when they get an inspection report and see a list of issues with the home. But, according to inspectors, many of these issues aren’t a reason to panic. Even homes that are in great shape will have at least some problems come through on the inspection, so don’t panic when those problems come through. Instead, remind yourself that almost everything is fixable, and once you know what the issues are, you can then take steps to address them, or have the sellers address them before the sale is finalized.
Take care of water ASAP....
While many maintenance issues can be dealt with on a somewhat flexible timeline, according to inspectors, one issue that needs to be dealt with ASAP is water. While water-related issues don’t have to be a dealbreaker, it is important to deal with them before (or immediately after) moving in; otherwise, you could find yourself dealing with significant water damage, and the expenses that go with it.
Home inspectors can’t predict the future...
Often, buyers want inspectors to speak in certainties. For example, they want to know exactly when a home’s roof will need to be replaced. But inspectors can’t predict the future. What they can do is give you insight into the current condition of the property and, in certain cases, a rough estimate on how much longer different elements (like a roof) will last. So, while it is fine to ask your inspector to explain or expand on their findings, don’t ask them to tell you exactly what is going to happen with the home in the upcoming years, because they can’t read the future any better than you can.
Bottom Line
A home inspection is an important part of the buying process. It is also an important part of the selling process if you are a seller. If you are on either side of a real estate transaction be sure you understand why a home inspection is important and what you need to know. If you have questions, let's connect.
