The Importance of a Home Inspection Before Buying
Buying a home is a complex process with many steps. One of them is getting your dream home inspected by a licensed professional. Some home buyers may feel tempted to skip this step because they think it will speed up the purchase process. Or, they just don’t want to pay for it.
But the truth is, a home inspection can save you from making a catastrophic mistake by unknowingly purchasing a home in need of major repairs.
Before delving into more reasons to get a home inspection, let’s break down what a home inspector actually does:
What is a Home Inspection?
The purpose of a home inspection is to alert you of any potential safety hazards or usability problems in your home. In addition to the house’s foundation, grading, roofing, and general structural integrity, your home inspector will assess the home’s plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, along with any built-in appliances. What looks completely fine to the untrained eye could spell trouble when inspected by an expert.
Here’s why a home inspection is certainly worth the fee:
Uncovering Serious Problems
If the inspector discovers something truly disastrous – like extensive mold or structural damage – it’s completely understandable to walk away from the sale. Problems of this nature cannot be fixed with a simple repair or two. Suddenly, your dream home doesn’t seem so appealing anymore.
You Can Leverage Repairs into Negotiations
Let’s say your inspector uncovers a fairly expensive issue, like a non-functioning appliance. This can cost thousands of dollars to replace. When you’re aware of these problems, you can factor them into your negotiations for the house’s purchase price. The seller may agree to pay for the repairs before closing or reduce the final purchase price so you can pay for the repairs yourself.
Peace of Mind
A house is a life-changing investment. Wouldn’t you want to know that this investment is in good condition? A home inspection ensures that all the most important elements of a house won’t require any repairs anytime soon. This is great news if you have a tight budget for repairs.
You Know What to Prioritize
It’s easy to get overwhelmed worrying about the condition of every single aspect of your property. An inspection tells you which parts need the most attention, and which parts can be left alone. Knowing what to prioritize can soothe your nerves when you move in and prevent you from being caught off-guard by something that never crossed your mind.
If you’re looking for a new home in South Florida, The Kern Team is here to help. We’ll walk you through every stage of the home buying process, including the inspection. Give us a call at 305-329-7744 today.
