[Original post: January 2020. Updated: November 2022]
So you’ve done it. After months of searching and going to see house after house, you’ve finally found it: your dream home. It has every feature and amenity that you could want, fits into your budget, and seems to be absolutely perfect. Time to buy, right?
Well, not exactly. The next step as a savvy homebuyer is to look a little deeper into your prospective home to make sure everything is how it seems. How can you do that? One of the most effective ways is via a home inspection. This is one of the best ways to safeguard yourself from a potentially costly bad investment that is hard to get out of. And these days, they’re starting to become just about standard in many real estate transactions. For good reason too – sometimes issues arise that not even the seller is aware of that can change the entire trajectory of a transaction.
Some things that home inspectors typically look for include:
- Plumbing issues, like leaking pipes or corrosion
- Appliance and system issues
- Water damage
- Roof damage
- Faulty wiring
If you’re planning to buy a home, plan to have an inspection done. Some houses also need radon, termite, and septic inspections. To make that (almost) as easily said as done, we’ve put together a list of our four top home inspection tips for buyers.
- Make it official with a contingency
A contingency essentially states that if the home doesn’t meet a certain standard at inspection, a prospective buyer can void the contract without penalty. It can be tempting to skip the inspection, especially in a hot market or when you’re buying from a friend or family member, but the truth is that it’s always a good idea to get an inspection.
Some smart sellers will get a pre-listing inspection and repair anything that will be a red flag, so ask about that when preparing an offer! (Side note: if you’re a seller I highly recommend taking the time to get a pre-listing inspection; it can potentially save you thousands in lost $$ in negotiations.)
- Plan to be present
It’s not just enough to hire the inspector, make sure to be there for the inspection. This way you can see what they see and there’s no risk of any details getting lost in translation. It’s also an excellent opportunity to ask questions or bring up any doubts you may have.
Some questions that you can ask your home inspector include:
- What problems raise red flags?
- Do homes from this home’s generation tend to have certain problems?
- Is there anything in this home that you think we should keep an eye on, that is OK today?
Depending on the size of the home, you may need to take half day to focus on this effort, so be sure to save the date from any other major happenings that could conflict. Also think of this as a way to get to know your new home and how everything works. A good home inspector will be happy to explain the mechanics of the systems and appliances in your home. They will also provide a detailed report that outlines any major issues they’re able to locate.
- It’s OK if the home isn’t 100% perfect
No home is. Whether a house is 2 years old or 30, it’s bound to have some issues. The question is more of whether or not you’re prepared to deal with them and if they’ll impact the terms of your contract. So, while you shouldn’t go into an inspection expecting everything to be terrible, don’t be surprised if something minor, or even major, comes up to a home that may have previously appeared sound.
Some issues can be easily solved and some may be deal breakers, but a home inspection will at least give you the ability to recognize them before getting in too deep. Your inspector will be able to tell you if an issue is a major concern or one that can be remediated relatively easily.
Cosmetic issues are the responsibility of the buyer after moving in. So if you want the wood floors to be stained a different color, it’ll be up to you to do it yourself.
- Trust your real estate agent to help you through preparations and negotiations
Having your REALTOR® by your side to help you through the process can make all the difference. An agent can also help you to decide whether to negotiate for money, repairs, or even walk away altogether. While every house and transaction is different, their range of experience across different homes and communities will enable them to help you make the best home buying decision possible.
Buying a home is both an exciting and an intimidating process – and the inspection is definitely no exception. Following these tips can help you to have a smoother process and to ensure that your home purchase is exactly what you are looking for.
BONUS: Booking your inspection
My clients often are unsure of where to find a home inspector. As part of your home buying (or selling) process, I’ll be happy to book and manage the inspection on your behalf. This also includes any secondary inspections, like termite or radon, that may be necessary in your home.
Another common question I receive is: how much is a home inspection in Northern Virginia? The answer is: it varies. A number of factors can influence the price of your home inspection, but square footage is usually an important characteristic.
Do you have questions about home inspections as a buyer or a seller? Leave them in the comments below. Prefer to talk to a Realtor directly about your concerns? I’m licensed in DC, MD, VA, and WV, so let’s talk! Contact me directly at sian@sianpugh.com
It’s good to know that you should be there when hiring an inspector. My wife and I are moving into a new place soon and we were wondering what we should do to get our house inspected. I’ll be sure to tell her that we should be here for when the inspector comes.
Yes! We find it can be extremely helpful as they can show you all the important parts of your home 🙂