As a rule, the Hickman-Coen Home Team advises buyers not to skip a home inspection. In today’s red-hot real estate markets like Boston, buyers are tempted to skip the home inspection to make the offer more attractive. Often, that is true, and sellers appreciate it. However, there are ample reasons why a home inspection is necessary, even if it isn’t part of the sales contract.
The home inspection allows the potential buyer to learn about any significant defects or damage that may not be obvious. Things such as a new roof or repairing a foundation is costly. And may need to be budgeted for, on top of all the usual costs of homeownership.
Second, the home inspection can reveal potential safety concerns. For example, the electrical system may be outdated or have faulty and unsafe wiring. The panel could be undersized and unable to meet a modern household’s needs. There could be safety issues with the furnace or fireplace that need to be addressed. If the buyer is unaware of existing conditions, it can put them in harm’s way.
A home inspection is also the best way for a buyer to know the home’s condition in general. The buyer can ask the inspector questions such as, is the attic adequately insulated? Is the furnace on its last legs? Does an active leak cause that water stain, or is it not a concern? These are just a few examples of how buyers can benefit from having the home inspected by a professional.
There are several times when a buyer can do a home inspection. One way is to schedule a pre-inspection before you make an offer. Another way is having the home inspection after the seller accepts your offer. Of course, both options have some risks or costs, but the stakes are less than not knowing about potential issues before they pop up unexpectedly.
In short, the buyer needs to know what they’re buying. So whether or not it’s part of the transaction processor takes place after closing, a home inspection is in the buyer’s best interest and is key to their peace of mind.
Portions of this article appeared in a story on RISMedia by Pillars and Post Home Inspection.
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