“Ask Your Mortgage Professional”                     April 2010

Property Inspections Are They Really Necessary?  

Many First Time Home buyers often ask if the property inspection is really necessary.  I often hear “My Dad, Friend, or Brother will take a look at everything and let us know if the property needs any repairs.”   I understand they are trying to save money, like most First Time Home buyers.  This is one area that you should not “save” money.  A Licensed Professional Inspector is trained to see current hazards or defaults as well as potential problems.  They usually warranty their work in the event they overlooked a potential problem or current hazard.  Can you really afford, as a new home owner, a costly repair or even worse if the home is uninhabitable after moving in?  With a wide range of potential hazards from mold, electrical, mechanical, and structural, you need to hire an inspector with many years of experience and knowledge to protect you and your investment.   

The purpose of employing an inspector is to find the REAL problems within the home and also a list of future maintenance items.   They will also identify any potentially expensive repairs that will be needed in the near future.  If the inspector finds items that need immediate attention, talk to your realtor and tell them you want to ask the sellers to fix these problems before you will continue with the purchase of the home.  Be sure that you are aware of the inspection deadlines stated in the contract.  You will have a short period of time to obtain the inspections and either accept the contract as it stands or ask the sellers for either concessions for the repairs or back out of the contract.  Your decision depends on the severity of the items indicated on the inspection report.  If you are working with a lender be sure they get a copy of the inspection report to review as soon as possible before the deadline to determine whether the items indicted in the report will affect your mortgage loan approval. 

Inspections are a very important part of the purchasing process.  Be sure that you work with a Licensed Inspector and that you are presented with the inspection report as soon possible after the inspection has been completed.  Knowing the overall condition of the property will help you make sure the sellers make the necessary repairs before you purchase or help you as the new homeowner to put into place a list of maintenance projects.   Even if the sellers will not fix the items on the inspection report, and sells the property “AS IS” the cost of the inspection can be well worth the money. As the buyer, you have the opportunity to decide if you are willing to take the house “AS IS”, or exercise the option of getting out of the contract because of a negative inspection report.  NOTE: THE DATES ON THE CONTRACT ARE FIRM.  YOU MUST HAVE THE INSPECTION AND MAKE YOUR DECISION BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE.  Ask your realtor to put in an expiration date that will give you enough time to order and receive the necessary inspections.  Make sure you follow up with the realtor and the inspector to get the report done and given to you with enough time for you to decide if you still want to purchase the home.   

As a First Time Home buyer, you also need to consider getting a home warranty.  Many First Time Home buyers have used all their money to purchase the home of their dreams, with little or no savings left. Many First Time Home buyers are faced with tough decisions when major repairs are needed.  A home warranty will give you a little extra piece of mind if the furnace, hot water heater, or dishwasher quits shortly after closing.   Protecting you and your investment will be important to your success as a new homeowner.   

If you have questions or comments please email them to andrew@askandrewconner.com 

Call Andrew today at 573-302-0600.   

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