Congratulations! You have an accepted offer. You might be tempted to skip the home inspections to save money, but please don’t. Here is why you want one:
Protection – A quality home inspection can reveal critical information about the condition of a home and its systems. You will learn what maintenance and repair issues exist. Your broker can help you locate contractors and cost estimates. Home inspections are even more critical if you are buying an “as-is” foreclosed property or short sale. Make sure you know about all the possible problems, so you don’t buy a nasty surprise. If you are not comfortable with the findings of the home inspection, use the inspection contingency as an opportunity to negotiate for repairs or back out of the purchase without fear of losing your earnest money.
Forecast Future Costs – A home inspector can approximate the installation age of major systems in the home like plumbing, heating and cooling, and critical equipment like water heaters. They can diagnose the current condition of the structure itself, and tell you how long finishes have been in the home. All components in the house have a “shelf-life.” Understanding when these systems require replacement can help you budget for the future. This information can also help determine what type of home insurance coverage or home warranties you should consider.
Safety – Testing for certain things such as radon in the home or bacteria in the well water will provide you with peace of mind. You will not have to wonder if your family is safe. If you are concerned about any aspect of the home, get it inspected! Radon, water quality, mold,asbestos, and lead testing are all options for safety testing.
Learn to Protect Your Investment – The home inspector is a valuable educational resource. They can suggest specific tips on how to maintain the home, and ultimately save you thousands of dollars in the long term.
It is your responsibility and your right to understand as many details as you can about the property you are buying. Home inspections reveal the inner workings of the property, allowing you to know all the perks and pitfalls the home has to offer. Take advantage of this opportunity so you can confidently buy the place you will call home.
Call your favorite Town & Country Realty Broker in Albany at 541-924-5616 or in Corvallis at 541-757-1781 today to help you locate, become educated about, and buy your next home. You will be glad you did!