The home buying process can be stressful, and often times one of the most stressful parts is the home inspection. Even though it can feel stressful, or just another item on a seemingly endless to-do list, the home inspection is a critical piece of the home buying process. Ensuring you select a reputable and thorough inspector, and don't rush the process is critical. Read on for more information on mistakes to avoid when getting a home inspection - it could just save you a ton of time, hassle, and money down the line!
Opting Out Of An Inspection: Buying a home is expensive, and it can be tempting to save money and forego things like inspections. However, it is absolutely money well spent, as it will give you peace of mind about the home you are purchasing, and enable you to have the facts you'll need to negotiate repairs with the seller. In addition, if the home has a septic or a pool, you'll absolutely want to have separate inspections for those, too.
Choosing the Cheapest Inspection Option: Choosing the cheapest inspector isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it is important to do your homework on which inspectors are best. Even if they cost a bit more, working with an experienced and thorough inspector is well worth the cost!
Not Being Present On Inspection Day: Being there in-person during the inspection, or at the end, to go over items in person is invaluable. Looking at photos and reading a report just is not the same as seeing things with your own eyes. In addition, being there in person gives you the opportunity to ask the inspector questions to ensure you fully understand the issues.
Not Paying Attention: On inspection day, you have the opportunity to see parts of the home you normally wouldn't, and ask the inspector questions about concerns. You never know what questions may come up, and you'll have the ability to ask an extremely knowledgeable professional on the spot.
Being Overly Involved On Inspection Day: While you want to be involved and ask questions, it is important to give the inspector space to do his job so that he does not miss anything. In addition, even if you have specific experience, it is best to allow the inspector to provide his report without trying to do his job for him.
Expecting A Perfect Report: Every property will have items pop up on an inspection report, even new builds. However, it is important to note that not all items are equal. Many items are minor and can be categorized as "would be nice to repair". The items you are looking for on the report are "must repair" items. Those are the items we would likely ask the seller to repair during negotiations.
Focusing On the Wrong Things: As noted above, every home will have items show up on an inspection report. And although it can feel overwhelming, your inspector and REALTOR® can help you navigate the report to find the most important items to ask for during negotiation. Having reasonable requests of the seller often helps with the negotiation process as well, versus asking for every little item on the report.
Not Having Negotiated Repairs Reinspected: After the negotiated repairs have been completed, take the time and additional cost to have the inspector back out to the home before closing to ensure all of the repairs were completed, and completed correctly. It's sad to say, but it is not uncommon for repairs to either not be done at all, or done incorrectly by sellers. In addition, just because sellers provide receipts for the work does not mean it was actually done, or done correctly.
Remember, as a REALTOR®, I look at inspection reports and negotiate repairs for clients all the time. I am your advocate, and can help you weed through what is important, and what is not. I can even help refer you to an inspector my clients have used before that I trust! Your inspector and REALTOR® are both resources to help you through this part of the home-buying process!
Source:
https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/home-inspection-mistakes-buyers-should-avoid/?identityID=5b61da44b0162aca25000040&MID=2021_0916_NL_Multi_Article&RID=5526101382&cid=eml_promo_Marketing_NonPRSL_MultiArticleNL_cons.13419922_2021_0916_NL_Multi_Article-article3-blogs_buy