Home inspection a vital part of home buying

 

June 7, 2011

 

Real estate agents say that sometimes a home inspection falls by the wayside when people buy a home. Sometimes, home buyers aren't eager to shell out between $200 and $500 for an inspection and decide they'll simply take the seller's word for it that the home is in top shape. However, a report from Investopedia said passing on a home inspection could be a costly mistake for home buyers.

 

 

A home inspection provides home buyers with the chance to re-negotiate a sale if they find out the home they are buying requires much more work than they are comfortable with. Professional home inspections can reveal defects and flaws that a home buyer may want to repair before they move in. Real estate agents told Investopedia a home buyer can cite a poor inspection as a reason to counteroffer during the negotiation stage or even ask the seller to consider making certain repairs before the transaction closes.

 

Additionally, Investopedia notes home inspectors can also provide home buyers with critical information on the age and efficiency of certain equipment, revealing areas where a home may need to be improved in the future. If a component or appliance is nearing the end of its shelf life, a home inspection can let a home buyer know he or she may need to think about replacing that unit in the near future.

 

 

Investopedia says an inspection can reveal hidden health hazards sometimes prevalent in older homes. Mold can develop in homes that go unattended for a long time. This type of issue can present major safety problems if not fixed beforehand, making a home inspection vital.

 

Similarly, radon and carbon monoxide threats can be revealed in a home inspection, protecting home buyers before they commit to the property.

 

 

Sometimes, homeowners make additions or adaptations to their homes without a permit. Those changes can sometimes be illegal and hazardous, something a home inspection could reveal. Investopedia recommends home buyers consult a home inspector and work with the seller to determine a course of action.

 

Additionally, some insurance companies won't cover a home if certain problems arise or without certain certification, making a home inspection that much more important for new home buyers, said Investopedia.