When you buy a previously owned car everyone knows that it is smart to have it checked out by a good mechanic. It would be horrible to drive home with a car that turns into a money pit. The same applies to buying a home. It may look great when the real estate agent shows it to you, but under the fresh paint and new carpet there may be some big problems.
I’ve experienced first hand as a Carlsbad real estate agent that a home inspection and a great home inspector is critical in doing your due diligence in purchasing a home. This may be one of the most important steps of the home buying process so make sure you have a well qualified experienced inspector working for you, and looking out for you best interest.
A couple of things to take in mind when selecting a home inspector is to first off make sure this their full time job and not a gig they just get on the side. You wouldn’t be very happy to find out that the best chance of finding out you are making the worst purchase in your life may be from a shoe salesman that does inspections on their free time. Make sure your inspector has over 200 inspections a year under their belt.
The best inspectors are the ones that have had prior experience or education in a related field, such as architecture, building, or structural engineering. Inspectors should also keep up to date on real estate in the area including new modes of construction and safety. It would be a good idea to ask your future inspector if they take continuing ed courses.
The best place to find a well qualified inspector is to ask around. Ask your real estate agent for several recommendations that you can contact. Here in San Diego we have inspectors that are familiar with Carlsbad homes but may not be very familiar with the new condos downtown. Once you have contacted the inspector start asking questions in regard to their experience in the area of your prospective home. Make sure you can communicate effectively with the inspector. Their ability to convey information to you may save you from making a bad purchase.
A great home inspector is there to convey all of the information found on an inspection, not to give a failing or passing grade on a home. It is your choice as a consumer to proceed with the sale after the report has been explained to you. It is not the inspectors job to give their opinion, but rather to give you the information to make a sound decision.
Your real estate agent will typically send a copy of the report to the seller or the listing agent. This can be used in your favor to substantiate the need for repairs and negotiate a credit or repair before you close on your home. Chances of getting the repair covered by the seller increases when you can show an item doesn’t meet local code or if there is a safety related issue.
A lot of buyers will ask when they should have a physical inspection done on a home, the answer is always. Not only will you find out what is wrong with a home, but you will find out what is right with the home as well. You very well will reinforce the reason why you fell in love with the home in the first place. It’s definitely worth the price of the inspection to have peace of mind.
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