When looking for who schedules home inspections
You’ve finally found the home you’ve been searching for and are ready to pack up your belongings … but wait. It’s important to schedule a home inspection to make sure everything is in working order and to your specifications before you call the movers.
But who schedules home inspections?
Why You Need a Home Inspection
Getting a home inspection is important when you buy a home and allows you to see if there are any issues or underlying problems at the property that the seller of the home didn’t report. It can also allow you to see if any of these discovered problems might be costly down the road after you close the deal. It’s important to note these things when hunting for who schedules home inspections?
Who schedules a home inspection?
So, who schedules a home inspection? As the buyer, it’s your responsibility to hire a home inspector and set up a date for the inspection. But if you’ve never done it before it can be a daunting task knowing where to start. Here are some tips to help you get going.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an examination of a property conducted by a qualified home inspector. When you purchase a home -- be it the first time or the tenth time -- it’s key to learn as much as you can about the state the house is in and if you are getting what you pay for. You are the one who schedules a home inspection to find out these things.
A home inspection can also sway your purchasing decision for better or worse. It can also give you possible leverage to use in your negotiations as the buyer. For instance, if you learn there's a problem that needs attention, you may be able to bargain with the home seller to take some discounts off the sale price for the repair cost. Consider these things when you want to know who schedules home inspections?
For the most part, a home inspector should look at the inside as well as the outside features of the home and make sure everything is working properly. Organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors lists some things home inspectors typically look for:
· Electrical systems
· Plumbing systems
· Roofing systems
· Insulation and ventilation
· Heating and cooling systems
· Major installed appliances (kitchen and laundry)
· Fireplaces and venting
· Structural components (foundation, crawlspaces, wall structures, etc.)
· Exterior (doors, decks, surface grading, driveways, etc.)
· Interior features (stairways, window seals, garages, etc.)
What home inspectors look for
Although this above list is extensive it doesn’t always apply to all home inspections. It all depends on the size and area of the home when a home inspector does a home inspection.
After learning who schedules home inspections and you locate a home inspector you like to ask questions. There’s no reason why you can’t and should enquire what the inspector will examine and if you want him/her to look at anything you think could be a problem or an issue.
Scheduling a home inspection
Experts suggest scheduling a home inspection early in the home buying process so you can so have time to negotiate with the seller. Some say immediately after your offer is accepted is a good time to see who schedules home inspections. Remember, when looking for who schedules home inspections the purchase price is not a done deal until closing and if you learn of an issue during the home inspection it is fine to start all over and put in a new bid to the seller.
If you can't find an inspector on your own ask your real estate agent for a recommendation to see who schedules home inspections. Realtors work with all kinds of people from contractors to home inspectors and they can offer you some help when it comes to looking for who schedules home inspections. Ask for a few names and weed out the one that sounds the best for you and your needs.
Once you get the referrals it’s OK to do your homework and ask questions such as when they are available to come and do the inspection, how they will do it, and the cost of the inspection when asking around for who schedules home inspections.
Make sure when you set a time for the home inspection that you will be there in-person. Leave yourself time if you need to take leave from work as a home inspection can take between 2-3 hours.
At the home inspection
Be ready to ask questions to the home inspector when you are following him/her around during the examination. It’s your right to ask about the home’s inside and outside. If you notice something strange or don’t understand what the inspector is talking about, ask. No question is a stupid question, especially when making a major investment like a home.
If you get a bad report after a home inspection examination, don’t panic, but do see if there is a good solution.
Get your realtor involved immediately and discuss the findings. They will be able to offer you insight as to whether it's smart to move ahead with the purchase, and if the seller will compromise. Sellers are usually just as motivated as buyers for titles and are typically OK with making concessions based on home inspector’s reports.
If you go this route, as the buyer, you will be asked to waive liability, meaning you can’t turn around and sue if more problems come to the forefront. When it comes to negotiating, concentrate on the larger repairs, not small cosmetic things that you can DIY.
You might wonder if you need a home inspection at all as many mortgage lenders do not require a mandatory home inspection before releasing funding for your loan. But it's not considered smart to opt-out.
Get a home inspection for peace of mind
A home inspection arms you with important information you might not learn about until after you sign on the dotted line.
Scheduling a home inspection is an important element and part of the process when making a smart home buying purchase. Hire a qualified home inspector with good references and certifications, and someone you know who is going to deliver what you need.
A home inspection can give insight into costs down the road you may never have expected.
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