A home inspection is a visual examination of accessible areas of a home and property. Often mortgage companies insist on a home inspection report before agreeing to a mortgage. A pre-sale inspection brings to your attention problems you may not be aware and a preview into the information the buyer’s inspector will provide. In short, you will be better prepared to realistically negotiate the selling price of your home before exploring the sale market. It also settles questions about the condition of your home for all parties involved in the sale/purchase process. If effect, the price negotiation process is shortened because both parties have a professional opinion provided by an inspector of their choice.
Depending on the size of the property, the inspection process usually takes up to three hours, during which time the home is examined from the ground up. It includes observation and, when appropriate, operation of the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems, as well as structural components, such as the roof, foundation, basement, exterior and interior walls, chimney, doors and windows.
Home sellers may choose not to correct every defect found in the inspection report. Instead, they acknowledge the defects to the buyer and explain that the asking price has been adjusted to reflect the estimated cost of repairs.
A home inspection can serve as a multi-purpose tool. An inspection helps the seller comply with full-disclosure real estate laws. With an inspection report in hand, you are less likely to overlook a defect or material fact for which you could later be held liable. You are now prepared to stage your home and focus on negotiations.
Do not confuse Home Inspections with Appraisals. Home Inspections are used by buyers and sellers to understand the condition of the home in question. Appraisals are used by mortgage companies to ensure the mortgage loan amount is not more than the value of the property.
The content of this article is provided for general information only and not meant to provide legal advice. An attorney should be contacted for specific legal needs.
Depending on the size of the property, the inspection process usually takes up to three hours, during which time the home is examined from the ground up. It includes observation and, when appropriate, operation of the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems, as well as structural components, such as the roof, foundation, basement, exterior and interior walls, chimney, doors and windows.
Home sellers may choose not to correct every defect found in the inspection report. Instead, they acknowledge the defects to the buyer and explain that the asking price has been adjusted to reflect the estimated cost of repairs.
A home inspection can serve as a multi-purpose tool. An inspection helps the seller comply with full-disclosure real estate laws. With an inspection report in hand, you are less likely to overlook a defect or material fact for which you could later be held liable. You are now prepared to stage your home and focus on negotiations.
Do not confuse Home Inspections with Appraisals. Home Inspections are used by buyers and sellers to understand the condition of the home in question. Appraisals are used by mortgage companies to ensure the mortgage loan amount is not more than the value of the property.
The content of this article is provided for general information only and not meant to provide legal advice. An attorney should be contacted for specific legal needs.