Home Inspection Basics For First-Time Buyers

A home inspection can be a stressful milestone in the home buying process especially if it’s your first home purchase. You may already be overwhelmed by how much of your money that you are about to spend on a home but also fear the worst with what may be learned during your home inspection. However, just remember that the inspection is there to make sure you don’t go buying a home that is a wrong decision and so you can plan for any necessary repairs. Here is a closer look into getting the most out of your inspection.

Hire a reputable home inspector

Your inspection is never a place that you want to cut corners so be sure you hire someone who is local and well known with a good reputation. Next see if they hold key memberships for the field and ask your real estate agent like myself if they know of them. Finally, if you are buying a particular kind of property like an older historic one for example, see if they are experienced in that area as it can be helpful. 

Attend the inspection

All inspectors will provide you with a full detailed report with notes and photos of everything they have reviewed but it is a very good idea for you to attend the inspection appointment as well so that you can ask important questions and get very familiar with the home. This will make any of your future repairs less surprising and also give you a better idea of anything that may need further negotiation with the home sellers.

Don’t worry ahead of time

The majority of the time inspections go fairly well with only a few minor necessary repairs that are found. Keep in mind it is completely normal for there to be things like a door or window pane in need of repair and the like. If your inspector finds a more major problem like a structural issue then you may need to revisit your offer to purchase. There usually is a dollar figure specified where if repairs exceed that amount then you can renegotiate. If this happens then you should consult your attorney and your realtor for the best next steps. Your attorney can best advise you on the way to go about negotiating while your realtor can advise you on what is maybe best for you given the current market conditions.