Whether buying or selling a home, it’s easy to think that the home inspection is out of your hands. After all, you’re not the home inspector! But you have an important role in the inspection process, too. Here are a few tips for making sure that your home inspection goes smoothly.
Choose the Right Inspector
Not all home inspectors are created equal! It’s important to select an inspector who is qualified for the job. Are they certified? How were they trained? How long have they been inspecting homes? You want a home inspector who can not only identify any possible problems with the building, but also communicate those problems to you in a clear, understandable way.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
It can be difficult to get a good inspector scheduled on short notice — instead, you may end up having to settle for a less qualified inspector if you’re in a rush. And sellers, get the home inspected before you put it on the market! That way, you’ll have plenty of time to make any repairs needed, rather than cramming them in at the last minute when buyers uncover issues in a pre-sale inspection.
Be Present
Sellers, you’ll want to be there to greet the inspector, and then get out of their way. (Prep ahead of time to make sure your entire
home is accessible, including attic, crawl space, shed, etc.) Buyers, it’s a good idea to attend the inspection if possible. Touring the
house with the inspector not only gives you a fuller picture than
a report could, but also gives you the opportunity to ask questions.
Read the Report Thoroughly
It might feel like homework, but it’s worth setting aside the time to actually sit down and read through the home inspection report. The report is essentially a breakdown of everything wrong with the house, and what will need to be done to correct it.It’s a buyer’s nightmare to get an inspection done, purchase the home, move in, and then uncover a major, expensive problem a few months later — and it’s a seller’s nightmare for a pre-sale inspection to uncover a major, expensive problem in the final days of the sale process. Everyone benefits from hiring the right inspector early and committing to participating in the process.
Do you or someone you know need help buying or selling a home? We’d love to help! Feel free to call or email any time.…