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Buying a home? The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short time. This often includes a written report, checklist, photographs, environmental reports, and what the inspector himself says during the inspection. All this combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself makes the experience even more overwhelming. What should you do? Relax. Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies and minor imperfections. These are nice to know about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:
Major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure. Things that lead to major defects. A small roof-flashing leak, for example. Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home. Safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electric panel. Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4). Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. Realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report. No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective. Don't kill your deal over things that don't matter. It is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure, or nit-picky items.
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At This Ole House, I work for YOU, MY CLIENT.
Please don't think that I am against ALL real estate agents. I am against those that try to mis-lead a client into buying property that has undisclosed defects. I have been told to "go easy" on a property. I have been told "Try not to scare them". I work for YOU--Not the real estate agents.
I have been in the residential construction since 1972. I have seen many mistakes and "cover-ups" in the building process. Have you bought a NEW HOME that is coming up on the 1 year Warranty? Then you NEED a Professional Inspection.
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SELLING YOUR HOME? Having your home inspected by a NACHI inspector before you list is the recommendation found in the new edition of the book, Sell Your Home For More by Nick Gromicko. Eventually your buyers are going to conduct an inspection. You may as well know what they are going to find by getting there first. The author points out that having an inspection performed ahead of time helps in many other ways:
It allows you to see your home through the eyes of a critical third-party. It helps you to price your home realistically. It permits you to make repairs ahead of time so that ... Defects won't become negotiating stumbling blocks later. There is no delay in obtaining the Use and Occupancy permit. You have the time to get reasonably priced contractors or make the repairs yourself, if qualified. It may encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency. It may alert you of items of immediate personal concern, such as radon gas or active termite infestation. It may relieve prospect's concerns and suspicions. It reduces your liability by adding professional supporting documentation to your disclosure statement. Alerting you to immediate safety issues before agents and visitors tour your home.
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