Getting a Home Inspection Before a Real Estate Purchase
Getting a Home Inspection Before a Real Estate Purchase
Getting a Home Inspection Before a Real Estate Purchase be sure the house is in good condition. The best way is to have a professional inspection.
- 1) Make sure you have an inspection contingency in the contract
- 2) Mentally prepare for a full inspection
- 3) Attend the inspection – ask questions
- 4) Focus the post-inspection around the contract, not a wish list
- 5) Consider specialty inspections – radon, chimney, termite, well, etc
- 6) Trust your agent – in negotiations and referral
- 7) Don’t risk a deal over cosmetic fixes
- 8) Focus on red flag issues (roof, foundation, HVAC, or other costly issues)
As a buyer, your home inspection report offers a deeper understanding of whether the home has been well-maintained or needs major repairs. If you’re not satisfied with the home’s current condition, you can request the seller address the repairs or give you a credit toward the cost of repairs at closing. A report can also help you prioritize repairs and improvements after you buy the home, and plan for upgrades.
How to prepare for a home inspection
We recommend that you prepare yourself for the home inspection by making a list of areas of the home you want checked before the inspector arrives. Your checklist should include:
- Foundation
- Roof
- Attic space
- Rain gutters and downspouts
- Exterior stucco or paint
- Electrical panel, light switches, and power outlets
- Thermostats and heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) system
- Plumbing fixtures, faucets, and water heater
- Appliances
- Walls, ceilings, and floors
- Doors and windows
- Stairs, steps, and railings
- Porches and balconies
- Walkways and driveways
- Basement
- Garage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7et2c9WiKc
Buying a home can be an overwhelming process. Read our step-by-step guide “How to buy a house” that helps you understand what to expect from beginning to end.
The cost for an average home inspection is between $350 and $600 nationwide, according to Bankrate, depending on the home’s location and size. In Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta and Las Vegas – the markets Opendoor operates in – the average cost for an inspection is $450.