Tips for Buyers
When walking through your new home you are probably thinking about where the furniture will go and where to put the TV. Very few buyers are thinking about the aluminum wiring in the walls that could be a potential problem or the sticking window and hall door that won’t close and what they mean to the foundation of the home.
A home inspection has become almost automatic in any real estate transaction, with inspections performed in over 90% of all home sales, giving the buyer the information needed to make an informed decision.
The following list of “Buyer's Tips” should help you through the home inspection process:
- The Texas Real Estate Commission has set standards and guidelines that must be maintained.
- For the best possible inspection all of the utilities should be on at the time of inspection; water, electric and gas.
- The inspector is more than happy to answer your questions. It is ideal to arrive at the end of the inspection so the inspector can walk you through everything he found in the house.
- New homes are built with the best intentions but since they are built using different contractors they need inspections too.
- Minor cosmetic issues are not usually a point of focus, unless they relate to an underlying structural concern or it is on a new construction home.
- Ask the sellers if there are any items that may have a transferable warranty (roof, foundation, pest control, pool or septic system).
- Every home will have some issues that need to be addressed. There is no such thing as a perfect home and there is no Pass or Fail. The inspection is all about providing you with as much information about the home as required to address the issues and keep you informed.
- You may want to consider purchasing a home warranty.
Top reasons to get a home inspection
Peace of mind—it helps to inform the buyer and give them an understanding of the condition of the house.
Risk vs. Reward—a professional inspection could cost you a few hundred dollars but could save you thousands in the end.
Pests—can reveal the presence of termites, rodents and other unwanted guests that can cause damage to the house.
Uncovers structural issues that the buyer needs to be aware of.
Safety—if there is a problem with the electrical system, for example, and it’s not dealt with it could be a hazard.
Knowledge of the home, knowledge of the maintenance issues or neglect of maintenance.
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