If you’re in the market for a new home, one of the most important things you’ll need to do is get a home inspection. Many buyers are not sure when to have the inspection done. The answer depends on how far along in the buying process you are.
Home buying process
The buying process can be a daunting task, even for a seasoned buyer or if you’re a first-time buyer. There are several important factors to consider, from the location of the home to the type of mortgage you’ll need to obtain. However, with a little planning and research, the buying process can be a smooth and rewarding experience.
Perhaps the most important step in buying a home is finding the right real estate agent. A good agent will be familiar with the local market and can help you find homes that meet your specific needs. They will also be able to answer any questions you have about the buying process. Once you’ve found an agent you’re comfortable with, it’s time to start looking at homes.
A critical step in the process is to hire a professional home inspector to do a thorough inspection and detailed report.
Just starting
If you’re still in the early stages of looking for a home, you may want to wait until you’ve found a home that you’re serious about before getting a home inspection. This way, you won’t waste money on an inspection for a property that you ultimately decide not to buy.
Planning Ahead
Wait until you’ve found a few homes that you’re seriously considering, and then contact a home inspector to find out how far in advance you will need to book your home inspection. In some cases, you may be able to have the inspection done within a day or two. However, if the home inspector is booked solid for the next few weeks, you’ll need to plan and schedule your inspection accordingly. In the busy season, usually spring, home inspectors are normally booking a week or 2 in advance.
Write a list of questions you have about the property for the home inspector. Ask the seller about the condition of the home, any repairs that are needed, and the age of major appliances and systems. Pay special attention to any latent defects mentioned by the seller.
The Offer
Once you’ve made an offer on a home, now it’s time to wait for the seller to decide if they will accept or counteroffer. If the seller accepts your offer, congratulations!
The next step is to have a home inspection. Your offer usually will provide some time to have the home inspection done. Make sure you clarify this with your realtor and then book your home inspection accordingly.
Hire a Home Inspector
Now it’s time to book your home inspection and schedule your inspection time. Depending on how long you have to remove conditions you may need to have it done as soon as possible. Contact your home inspector ASAP to book your home inspection. Most home inspectors have Online booking systems which are quite easy to use and convenient.
Getting the inspection as soon as possible gives you some time in case there are any major issues like structural issues or water damage (costly issues) with the property. You can then negotiate with the seller to have them fixed or ask for a reduction in the purchase price to avoid repair costs.
Keep in mind there are no perfect homes and most home inspections will find minor issues that need repair.
A home inspection report will make the negotiation process easier. Real Estate agents are there to help you with the negotiation process.
When conducting the inspection, the inspector evaluates both the condition of the property and how well its been maintained. The inspector will check for any obvious signs of damage or disrepair and will also look for any potential safety hazards and costly repairs.
After the Inspection
Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a written report detailing the condition of the property from the inspector. Review the report carefully and note any major problems that are found. If there are any items that you’re not sure about, be sure to ask the inspector to clarify.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you need to a home inspection done after you’ve made an offer on a property but before you’ve finalized the purchase. This way, if the home inspector does uncover any significant problems, you can negotiate with the seller to have them fixed or ask for a reduction in the purchase price. Hiring a professional home inspector is the best way to ensure that you are getting a fair deal on your new home.
