Wise move to make it a condition of the sale

Buying a house is often said to be one of the most stressful events in people’s lives — and it’s one of the most expensive investments most will ever make.

 Once people find the home they think will fit their needs, it would be wise for them to first get a home inspection as a condition of the sale.  

 When choosing a home inspector or home inspection company, buyers should do a little homework. Ask for referrals from friends and family. Real estate firms often have a concierge desk or table with the business cards of home inspectors that do work in the local area.

  Mike Hogan of Fenton is a former professional home inspector. He said the entire home inspection process depends on the age and size of the home.

 “The bigger, older homes like the ones close to downtown areas in Fenton, Linden and Holly take longer because of their size and potential for more problem areas than a newer, traditional home,” he said.

 The average inspection takes anywhere from two to five hours, he said. The cost of an inspection depends on the square footage, with the average price ranging from $250 to $400.

 Home inspectors almost always work for buyers so it is important for sellers to remember a few things before the inspection appointment.

 Since the attic and basement are key areas to be inspected, Hogan said it would be helpful for sellers to keep access to those areas free of obstructions.

 He also said some people “for some reason” like to store toys or folded clothing and other laundry in the bathtub. Home inspectors need to fill each bathtub in the home as part of the plumbing inspection.

 Some people are of the impression that if the home inspector finds a problem, he can repair it as well.

 “We only point out that there is a problem, we don’t fix it,” Hogan said. “We don’t require them to fix it either. Whether it gets fixed or not and who pays for the repair is usually negotiated between the buyer and seller, with the help of their agent.

 “What it comes down to, is whether the buyer wants to pay for any needed repairs, or if the seller wants to take it off the price, that’s up to them,” he said.

 Home inspectors do not determine property values either, Hogan said. That is up to the appraisers.

 “Everyone loves their own home,” said Hogan. “Both buyers and sellers should remember that there is no such thing as the perfect house. Each has its own quirks.

 “Houses age just like we do,” he said.

Source:  TCT Times.com