It is a new year and time for making major decisions like possibly moving into a new home.
Once you do find the house you want to call home and the seller accepts your offer there are a few things that need to be completed before hiring the moving truck.
Being at a Home Inspection
As the buyer, you will and should seriously consider arranging for a home inspection and a home appraisal. You might also be wondering if do I need to be there for the home inspection?
In many states, while a home inspection is not required, it is certainly recommended. As the buyer, you can choose to hire a certified home inspector to do a thorough walk-through examination of the property and check for any issues or hidden problems with the electrical, plumbing, appliances, HVAC system, roof, foundation, etc. So, the answer to do I need to be there for the home inspection is yes, it is a good idea.
Be There
Many experts believe you do need to be there for the home inspection because it is an important part of the home buying process and as the buyer, you should opt for a top-notch inspector to do the job.
Think of it this way, without an inspection, as a buyer you might be buying a home that needs significant repairs. Wouldn’t you rather know about such issues sooner instead of later? So, start thinking and planning in terms of do I need to be there for the home inspection?
Once you have figured out do I need to be there for the home inspection go ahead and arrange for a home inspection from a qualified home inspector there are some tips to help you go through the process to make sure you are getting your money’s worth with the new home.
Thorough Exam
A home inspection is non-invasive but is a comprehensive examination of the home property. The process — which takes longer than a home appraisal — is dependent on the size of the home. Usually, a home inspection can take between two to four hours so when considering if do need to be there for the home inspection? keep this in mind.
As a buyer, it is important to be present when you have the home inspection so you know you are getting what you pay for. Buyers typically pay for the inspection which usually ranges between $300 and $500. As such, when contemplating if do I need to be there for the home inspection? an inspector should not rush through the process or just spend an hour inspecting a home that requires three hours to complete. By being present, buyers can shadow the inspector and check for problems and watch how the inspector conducts the job.
In-person Knowledge
One great benefit of being present at a home inspection is the chance to hear explanations directly from the inspector. Once the inspection is completed, the inspector writes a detailed report about his/her findings. Be prepared however as sometimes this final report can make problems seem more significant than they are. If a buyer is present and talks to the inspector right then and there, the inspector can address concerns and maybe put the buyer at ease. These are a few reasons to think about if you are asking do need to be there for the home inspection?
Buyers Should Ask Questions
Being present at a home inspection also offers the perfect chance to ask the inspector questions. Inspectors are typically on hand after the inspection to answer questions a buyer might have but there is no better time than at the actual inspection for buyers to voice their concerns. For example, buyers may ask about the estimated life span for a certain appliance if they see something off. Do know though that an inspector cannot and usually will not guarantee the lifespan of an appliance, etc.? But they may be able to give a professional recommendation if there is a problem or issue. This ultimately helps a buyer mull over if they want to ask the seller to replace certain items.
Buyers Get Familiar with the Home
Attending a home inspection and following around an inspector can help the buyer become familiar with the home. The buyer can look deeper into places, things, and areas they may not have when they simply walked through the home with a Realtor. Additionally, if the buyer follows the inspector throughout the property during the scheduled visit, it will become easier and more transparent about where the location of shut-off valves is, where the electrical box is, etc., as well as other details about the house first-hand.
Note, home inspectors usually look inside cabinets, pull appliances away from walls, and fully inspect the attic and/or basement. Most prospective buyers do not conduct a detailed examination of properties before making an offer, so it is rather easy to overlook certain issues within a home. By taking a closer look at the home, buyers can decide if it is the right home for them before they get too deep into the buying process. So again, when you wonder do need to be there for the home inspection? the answer is yes.
Concerns Brought to Inspector’s Attention
Home inspectors are and should be certified and trained, but they might overlook some issues in a home. For example, a property may have a chip or crack in a living room wall that the inspector missed or perhaps another room has a different color paint in one section of the ceiling. This could have gone unnoticed and possibly reveal an earlier water leak at one point. A buyer can provide another look and perspective from the inspector’s while shadowing him/her during the home inspection. If this happens, the buyer may be able to ask the home inspector to take a closer look at a certain area of the home at that time. At the end wondering and asking yourself do I need to be there for the home inspection? these tips should help.
Big Deal
Overall, purchasing a home – whether it is the first time or the 10th time — is a big commitment, and buyers need to understand this. For after they sign the mortgage paperwork and take possession of the home, they are responsible for any repairs – big or small — and all maintenance moving forward. During the inspection is the best time to voice concerns.
Finally, since you asked do I need to be there for the home inspection? do know that a thorough home inspection can unearth and bring to attention some things you might have missed when you first previewed the home. Therefore, it is important as a buyer you are present during a home inspection and never continues wondering do I need to be there for the home inspection?
Happy Moving
Even though the home buying process can be stressful and lengthy if you have the right professionals helping you from Realtors to qualified home inspectors and mortgage lenders you should be a happy homeowner when all is said and done.
Once you have completed the inspection, received the final report, and are happy with the findings you can carry on with the home buying process. Before you know it, you will be packing up boxes and moving into your new home.
Remember, even though the home buying process can be stressful and lengthy if you have the right professionals helping you from Realtors to qualified home inspectors and mortgage lenders you should be a happy homeowner when all is said and done.
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