Home inspections can be nerve-racking and traumatic. No home is perfect; but you can take steps to ready yourself (and your home) for the home inspection to minimize unwanted surprises. A home inspection is not a pass or fail test. It does, however, open the door for renegotiation. You’re not obligated to fix anything, but the buyer can also walk away if they’re not satisfied.
What is a Home Inspection?
In the process of closing a home sale, the buyer typically hires a home inspector to come to the house and perform a visual observation. In accordance with the state’s standards, the home inspector identifies health, safety, or major mechanical issues. Home inspectors typically look for things that are significantly deficient, unsafe, near the end of the service life, or not functioning properly.
When Does a Home Inspection Happen During a Home Sale?
In a home sale, there are two types of home inspections: a buyer’s inspection and a seller’s inspection (or a pre-listing inspection). A buyer’s inspection occurs after the buyer has made an offer on the home, and before closing the sale. After a home inspection, the buyer may be able to renegotiate their offer or request repairs if certain issues come up. A seller’s inspection happens before the home is listed. Some sellers choose to get their home inspected as they’re beginning to prepare their house for sale, so they can fix any potential issues beforehand and save time in the closing process.
There are seven major things that home inspectors look for:
- Water Damage
- Structural Concerns that need further evaluation
- Old/Damaged Roof
- Damaged Electrical System
- Plumbing Problems
- Insect and Pest Infestation
- Issues with the HVAC System
Click on the link for a Home Inspection Checklist. This checklist is for personal use only. It should not be used in place of an official home inspection. This list may not be comprehensive.
Home inspectors are not generally concerned with anything cosmetic in a home, unless it poses a potential safety issue. It’s important to keep things in perspective and pick your battles when negotiating repairs. Click on the link for a list of local home inspectors.
If you need the services of a REALTOR, please feel free to contact me.
Reference:
Rivera, C. (June 28, 2018). How a Home Inspection Works When It’s Your Home in the Hot Seat. Home Light. Retrieved from: https://www.homelight.com/blog/how-home-inspection-works/
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