This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

How Important Is A Home Inspection?

REAL ESTATE ADVICE

Should a buyer get a home inspection for a home they are buying? Should a seller order a home inspection prior to putting the property on the market? There are advantages for both.

For buyers, a home inspection clause in the written offer that makes the purchase contingent upon the findings can provide peace of mind. If a serious problem is found, it allows room to renegotiate the purchase price or “opt-out” of buying the home altogether. However, this is usually uncommon.

More often, inspections reveal less serious defects that aren’t enough to warrant backing out of the transaction. However, knowing about these minor problems can prevent major disasters down the road. 

Find out what's happening in Wantagh-Seafordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Another advantage to having a home inspection is it offers buyers an opportunity to become familiar with their new home and learn about maintenance to help in its upkeep.  Although not required, it’s recommended that buyers be present during the inspection. This allows them to observe the inspection; ask questions about the condition of the home; and receive an objective opinion.

For sellers, conducting a home inspection before listing their homes puts the control back into their hands.

Find out what's happening in Wantagh-Seafordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

When the buyer inspection finds problems, it can impede negotiations and cost the seller more in repairs. By having a pre-inspection, the seller can help eliminate any surprise findings after an offer has been made. The seller can make repairs before placing the home on the market and possibly even increase the value of the home.

A pre-inspection can also serve as a great marketing tool. Sellers are required by law to disclose any known defects in the home. Having a pre-inspection report available for buyers tells them that the seller has nothing to hide. It also gives them a clearer picture of the condition of the home.

Knowing the true condition of a home can bring peace of mind to buyers and sellers; and be one less hurdle in the home buying and selling process.  Ask your real estate sales professional for a list of certified independent home inspectors in your area.

When selecting a Home Inspector be certain the individual is licensed and qualified to do what he says he is going to inspect. Check with the local, Better Business Bureau or check with your professional Realtor. You don’t want any surprises whether you’re on the selling side or the buying side.

If you decide investing in real estate is a good idea and want to check out the North Fork, give me a call or email and we can discuss a plan to orientate you and help you understand the market.

We can visit some homes that interest you, stop in on a few Open Houses, or just sit and discuss your options and make a plan for a future visit.

I am in the office most weekends, or you can contact me about a firm appointment.

Tel: 631 298 6131

Email: egiordano@elliman.com

Check out my Corporate Web Site: www.elliman.com/egiordano

Check out my Blog: //northfork.patch.com/blogs/north-fork-realtor

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?