Home Inspection Tips For Buyers & Sellers Series 5 of 5

Home Inspection Tips For Buyers

Home inspections aren’t only meant for sellers, as buyers will benefit immensely from listening to what professional inspectors have to say. Therefore, if you are looking to buy a property, here are a few home inspection tips for buyers:

1. Make The Inspection Official: This is one home inspection tip you cannot afford to overlook. Only telling the seller verbally that you plan to get the house inspected before closing isn’t always enough. Work with your agent to make the inspection official by writing it into the contract as a contingency clause. A contingency clause “requires a specific event or action to take place for the contract to be considered valid.” With an inspection contingency clause, the buyer can specify a certain amount of time to inspect the property even after both parties have signed the purchase offer. This will allow the buyer to back out of the deal if an agreement on repairs cannot be negotiated.
2. Don’t Forego The Inspection: The inspection is far too important to forego, altogether. Sometimes sellers will ask to forego the inspection, but do not do so without making certain you know what you are buying. The inspection is designed to protect you, so be sure to use it. If you are buying from someone you know personally, it may be tempting to waive the inspection, but always keep this home inspection tip in mind. Some maintenance issues aren’t obvious to most people so a thorough inspection will only help you in the end.
3. Price Doesn’t Always Associate With Quality: Do not assume that the most expensive inspector in an area is the best. Likewise, don’t assume the cheapest inspector is the worst. Instead of basing your decision on price, make your choice based on reviews. A good inspector will likely have a following that is willing to promote their services.
4. Be Present: Buyers should always be present for the inspection. Do not let the inspection begin without you. A good home inspection tip is to always be prepared to attend the inspection on time and ask questions while you are there. Ask the inspector what their concerns are; they may have had the same issue with a previous house. While everything will be on the report, it will be easier to understand if you can see it visually and have it explained to you.
5. Don’t Get Too Involved: While you should always be present for an inspection, there’s only so much you should do. Do not proceed to tell the inspector how to work. They know what they are doing, and your interference will only prolong the process.
6. Know When To Ask For Repairs: There will be some negotiations that need to be addressed when it comes to repairs on damage or flaws to the property. As a buyer, you can request from the seller for a contractor to fix it. Alternatively, you can ask for a credit or reduction in the price to have the money to fix it yourself. And lastly, you can leave the flaw how it is. It is the responsibility of the seller to repair any major structural issues or safety problems. Anything cosmetic can be handled by the buyer once the property is purchased. A house inspection tip to remember is to assess if and when you need to ask for repairs.
7. Ask About Ancillary Inspections: Some home inspectors can specialize in more detailed reviews called ancillary inspections. Even if they don’t have the expertise to help you, a general inspector can refer a buyer to specialty inspectors who can accurately assess individual components. Keep in mind that these special inspections have an additional fee.

Home Inspection Tips For Multiple Units

Home inspections don’t just apply to single-family homes. In the case of purchasing an apartment complex or multifamily units, it is highly recommended to have a home inspection beforehand as well. Larger structures require the inspection of several more areas you would not worry about in a typical single-family home inspection.

Being responsible for a multifamily building means more of your attention should focus on liability. Owning a multifamily property comes with similar financial responsibilities as owning multiple properties. Consult your attorney on what will need to be repaired or updated throughout the course of your ownership. Futures updates may include appliances, roof or boiler replacement, or electrical replacements.

A highly advisable home inspection tip for multiunit properties is to hire a professional inspector before purchasing. The inspector should have access to the entire building including the roof, basement, and other shared spaces. All appliances, electric outlets, and circuit breakers are should be covered in the inspection.

Summary

The home inspection process is important for both buyers and sellers. With our home inspection tips, sellers can prepare their homes properly and buyers can know what to expect during a home inspection. As a seller, you can prevent falling out of a deal, and as a buyer, you can remove any anxiety by asking the right questions and seeing any problems first-hand.

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Home Inspection Series 5 of 5

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