Before any keys change hands, something important needs to happen: an inspection. Whether you’re selling or buying, you can’t miss this crucial step. Never experienced it before? We’ll go through what to expect from a home inspection.
How they work
You’ve found a great home. And, you may have even made an offer. Still, you can’t close yet—not before your home inspection.
During this process, a licensed inspector will visit the home. He or she will go through the house and property in an effort to make note of any maintenance issues or necessary repairs. Then, he or she will record the results in a written report. You should get that report within a few days.
How long they take
Home inspections aren’t an all-day thing! They will require a fair amount of time though. Usually, inspections take about two to four hours.
Why they matter
If you’ve never ordered a home inspection, you may not know why they happen. Essentially, home inspections allow buyers to see if the property they’re looking at has any flaws, dangers, or necessary repairs.
That way, sellers can fix those issues ahead of time. Home inspections also give potential buyers a chance to back out if they receive answers that trouble them.
What inspectors look for
Some observations may just be cosmetic. Others, though, have a big impact. As your inspector makes his or her report, he or she will look for potential issues with:
- The HVAC system;
- Standing water;
- The roof;
- The plumbing
- Fungus;
- The attic;
- The doors and windows;
- The A/C and heating;
- The electrical systems;
- And more.
Please note: The inspector is not doing a detailed inspection of each of these items. Instead, he or she will be checking the basic function, and if something appears amiss, the inspector will recommend the proper technician or service to carry out the necessary follow-up or repairs.
Who should be present
Sellers usually don’t attend inspections. You can still ask, of course, but it’s not typical.
Buyers can go to the inspection if they wish. They can also ask questions!
How to resolve problems
Maybe you’ve got a few loose shingles on the roof. Or, you need new gutters. As a seller, you could pay for the repairs yourself. On the other hand, the buyer may ask to buy as-is, with the estimated repair costs taken off the price of the home.
And don’t stress! Your Realtor can and will help with these negotiations.
Summary
It may sound like just an extra step. However, getting a home inspection is a critical part of the process for buyers and sellers. And, now that you know what to expect from a home inspection, it probably seems a lot less daunting now. Plus, you have someone on your side to assist: Ryan Roberts!
Ready to start your real estate journey? Ryan can help you buy, sell, or both in the Auburn, Opelika, and Lake Martin area. Contact him here to get started. Finally, for more on real estate resources, Lee County properties, and useful tips, read through our useful blog.
