Home Inspections As A Way To Ensure A Sound Home Purchase

Everybody knows the economy’s been a little rocky lately, with many houses going into foreclosure. Though this might be the case, there are still many (if not more) sellers out there trying to move their homes, and quite a few buyers looking for possible bargains. When these sellers and buyers agree to enter into a sale, a concerted look at the property is called for, so avoid home buying problems by using home inspections whenever possible.

What needs to be said is that these look-sees aren’t normally an absolute requirement of most home sales, though a lender might require it, on occasion. But with the exception of brand new homes, anyone who is buying a house and doesn’t consider ordering an inspection is taking a risk that’s not really called for. So make passing a home inspection part of the requirement before signing a final purchase agreement.

The second thing to know about activities such as these is that the inspection is normally part of the cost of buying the home, unless the seller voluntarily agrees to pay for the cost of an inspection, which usually runs from 100 to 300 dollars, depending upon the level of inspection being conducted. At a minimum, a good inspection should consist of a check of the foundation, the structure of the home itself, and all major heating and cooling systems.

There is also a difference between home inspections and obtaining what’s called a “certificate of occupancy.” These certificates may be required by the city or town in which the property sits, and the cost of obtaining one – with the owner fixing any issues pointed out – is almost always the responsibility of the seller. In fact, when one’s a requirement, the house normally can’t be sold without it.

There are several major credentialing organizations when it comes to home inspectors, so take some time to find a good one. Chances are, if a real estate agent is being used by the buyer, he or she will have a list of preferred inspectors with whom they work. Sometimes, the agent can secure a discount on the inspection. Normally, the cost is paid up-front, and NOT as a part of the buyer’s closing costs at the sale closing.

Home inspections as a way to ensure a sound home purchase are an easy way to make sure the house being bought isn’t fatally tainted with hidden or unseen problems in the foundation, the roof, the wiring or even with termites. Make signing the final purchase agreement contingent upon the home successfully passing inspection. Sellers, especially today, won’t usually have a problem with this contingency, as it is called in the real estate business.

The home-buying market can be a bewildering maze, and homebuyers need all the help they can get. Home inspections are one part of that maze, so learn all you can about them and go to http://www.homebuyerassistance.net to learn more, not only about home inspections but about every other aspect of purchasing a house.