If you’re in the market for a new home, you may be wondering if you need to get a house inspection. After all, isn’t it the seller’s responsibility to ensure that the property is in good condition?
While it’s true that the seller is obligated to disclose any known issues with the property, there’s no guarantee that they will be honest about everything. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get a professional inspection, even if it’s not required by your lender. Although, chances are that it will be – and for good reasons, too.
Here are three reasons listed by experts at The Inspectors Company of San Diego on why house inspection is important when buying a home
Reading guide
You Could Save Money
A professional inspector will be able to identify any potential problems with the property before you buy it. This could save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road. This is basically the main purpose of the home inspection and a top reason why you should never skip it.
There are numerous potential problems with homes that may not be readily apparent, and even the seller might not be aware of them. However, a good home inspector should have no problem identifying these problems and giving recommendations on the best course of action.
For instance, roof damage is often easy to see, but it can also be hidden from sight. A cursory visual inspection by a non-professional might show nothing, but a detailed check by a qualified inspector can identify the problem and help you understand the risks and costs associated with the issue.
You May Be Able to Negotiate a Better Price
If the inspection report reveals any problems with the property, you may be able to negotiate with the seller to have them repaired before you close on the deal. If they are interested in making the sale, you should absolutely insist on this. This could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. This is especially useful if you are not handy, or you simply don’t want to deal with renovations and repairs as soon as you buy a house.
Alternatively, if you are comfortable with doing the repairs yourself, or having someone do those repairs after the purchase, perhaps you will be able to negotiate a better deal on the selling price. Oftentimes, it can be cheaper to take a better deal from the seller and then find a contractor in your area to help with the repairs. In this market, any savings you can make are more than welcome.
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You’ll Know What You’re Getting Into
An inspection will give you a better understanding of the condition of the property. This doesn’t just mean potential immediate problems. The inspection report is going to give you an assessment of all parts of the house, as well as their current state. It is possible that the report will make recommendations on what parts of the house need to be repaired or replaced right now, as well as some that might require work in the upcoming months and years.
Obtaining and reading this report very carefully can help you make a more informed decision about the house in question. In fact, it might be an important deciding factor whether you will want to buy it or not.
Ultimately, you will have to put pen to paper and calculate whether you can live with all the changes that will need to be made to the house and whether it makes sense to you financially. Once you’ve had a professional inspection, you’ll know that you’re buying.
