5 Things to Look for During an Inspection
Worried about getting a home inspection? Most first time home buyers get a 40-55 page report from their inspector and think “oh man this house is going to fall apart around me!” or “What did I get myself into?” Meeting with the home inspector can give you so much more information. For example: What items are just deficient due to code change? What items are just a result of poor home maintenance routines? What are the red flag items?
I always recommend my clients attend the last portion of the home inspection and I make it a priority to be there with you! That way we can clarify items with the inspector in person!
Here are the top 5 things I look for in a report when I receive it.
Age of the roof
Foundation (cracks in interior/exterior walls, cracks in cement, sloping in flooring)
Major system functions - (Hvac, furnace, water heater, etc)
Wood rot or presence of wood destroying insects
Plumbing and electrical
What are your red flags? What are your deal breakers? The inspector can tell you what things are more home maintenance or a honey to do list after closing. After he answers all of your questions, we can review the report and make a plan of what items you would like addressed. These items can be negotiated for repair or you can choose to ask for a rebate/credit in lieu of repairs.
**Bonus tip** If you accept a credit in lieu of repairs, consider asking for the seller to credit your closing costs instead of applying it to the sales price of the home. A credit to your closing costs can be felt up front, whereas if you take it off the sales price of the home, this will be felt over your 30 year mortgage.
