We recommend You Attend the Home Inspection
As a first-time home buyer, or even if this is not your first rodeo, attending a home inspection is crucial to ensure that you are making a sound investment. In this article, we provide tips for first-time home buyers to make the most out of the home inspection process.
- Tips for First-Time Home Buyers Attending a Home Inspection
– Plan to attend the entire inspection, which typically takes 2-3 hours for condos, single-family homes, and multi-unit buildings.
– Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty, as the inspector may ask you to crawl in the basement or get up on the attic to see any problems.
– Keep in mind that the inspector can only see obvious defects and cannot see what is going on inside the walls with plumbing, electrical, etc.
– Don’t hesitate to ask questions of the inspector, especially if you don’t understand what he is explaining to you.
– Bring a tape measure with you to take any needed room measurements.
– Bring friends and family with you to get their input on inspection items, furniture placement, decorating, etc.
– Arrange for contractors, painters, floor refinishers, etc. to come by during the inspection to give you estimates if you plan on having any work done to the home.
– Bring your checkbook with you as most inspectors require payment at the end of the inspection.
– Inspection reports are generally emailed to you within 2 days after the inspection. Be sure to send it to your agent so you can review it together.
- What to Expect During the Inspection
– Discover safety issues
– Identify structural issues
– Find needed repairs to the working components, such as appliances, furnace, AC units, etc.
- What Not to Expect During the Inspection
– Nitpick cosmetic flaws, such as paint colors, dents, or dirty gutters.
– Expect a perfect home, as no home is perfect unless it’s new construction.
– Overlook safety issues and things that are not working.
Attending a home inspection is a critical part of the home-buying process for first-time home buyers. By following these tips and keeping a checklist handy, you can make the most out of the experience and ensure that you are making a sound investment in your first home.
**Pro Tip: When you get your report, highlight everything in green that you want repaired right away, highlight in yellow what you want to get done in the next year or 2, and highlight in pink those items that you should keep an eye on over time.