Buying or selling a home is a major decision. It’s a big financial transaction and also an emotion-filled transaction, so there are many moving parts. Sometimes, we find that buyers are hesitant to complete a home inspection, in the hopes of saving some money. We urge you to think again!
What is a Home Inspection?
Simply stated, a home inspection is a report about a structure by an unbiased and certified party. There is no passing or failing a home inspection. Rather, home inspection reports tell you the positive and negative things about a property. Inspections typically take 2-3 hours, and during that time an inspector will make sure the structure is sound and that there is no hidden damage. Some of the things that will be checked are HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, along with making sure the property is compliant with codes and regulations.
A home inspector looks for clues that you may have missed and then checks to be sure that everything is okay. For example, many homes tend to settle on their foundations after they have been built. A home inspector will make sure the foundation is still sturdy and stable. They may also check for molds or gasses, such as radon, that can cause health problems. In addition, other issues may be uncovered that any potential buyer should know about before completing their transaction.
Why Insist on a Home Inspection?
The purpose of a home inspection is to protect you and your assets. If there is hidden mold, electrical problems, flood damage that has not been fixed, or even some smaller issues like malfunctioning outlets or broken doorknobs, the inspector will include it in his or her report and you can make an informed decision on how you want to proceed. After an inspection, a buyer might decide to negotiate a lower price, a seller might agree to fix damage found, or both parties might agree to move forward with the transaction “as is.” But one thing is certain, after an inspection both the buyer and the seller will have peace of mind that the transaction is on solid ground.
We encourage all of our clients to schedule home inspections because in the end, everyone ends up happier knowing that the house was checked out by an expert. Think of a home inspection as an investment in the longevity and well-being of your home, rather than just another expense.
For more information regarding real estate closing services in Royal Palm Beach and its surrounding areas, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
The Law Office of Donna Hearne-Gousse
(561) 582-5670