Everyone knows the economy's been a little rocky lately, with many houses going into foreclosure. Though this might be the case, there are still many (if not more) sellers out there trying to move their homes, and quite a few buyers looking for possible bargains. When these sellers and buyers agree to enter into a sale, a concerted look at the property is called for, so avoid home buying problems by using home inspections whenever possible.
The first thing to know is that home inspections aren't an iron-clad requirement of any real estate transaction, but anybody who doesn't ask for one when buying a home that's not brand new is taking a risk that doesn't need to be taken. Normally, upon an agreement by a seller and a buyer to enter into the sale, a buyer will make the actual consummation of the sale dependent upon the home successfully passing such an inspection.
When getting a home inspection know, also, that the cost of such an event is usually borne by the buyer and not the seller. In rare cases, if a seller is what is called motivated, he or she will foot the bill, but don't count on it. In that case, prepare to spend anywhere from 100 to 300 dollars or more for a decent home inspection which looks at the foundation, overall structure and major heating and cooling systems, at minimum.
There is also a difference between home inspections and obtaining what's called a "certificate of occupancy." These certificates may be required by the city or town in which the property sits, and the cost of obtaining one - with the owner fixing any issues pointed out - is almost always the responsibility of the seller. In fact, when one's a requirement, the house normally can't be sold without it.
Home inspectors are independent contractors, usually, and the good ones have a certification or credential from one of several different organizations which exist for the training and education of inspectors. Research the market for a good one, or if using a real estate agent ask if he or she has a list of the ones that have been used in the past. The cost of the inspection is usually paid when the work is done and not at the closing of the sale, by the way.
Home inspections, especially when the house isn't brand new and being sold by a developer or the like, are a sound method for ensuring that a buyer isn't purchasing a home with hidden or unknown problems that even the seller wasn't aware of, such as possible termite infestations or foundation sagging and such. Get one, whenever possible.
HI Lisa, these are great tips! Too many people like to hide the issues of the home rather than fix them, and the buyer pays in the end, in more ways that financially. Great job! Blessings to you! Teresa
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