Home Inspection Myths
Posted On: Dec 02, 2016
Roughly 4 million home buyers pay for an inspection before purchasing houses each year. Still, we often get questions about what the process does, and doesn’t, involve. Here are a few common misconceptions about the home inspection process.
MYTH: Home inspections are only for older homes that have been lived in.
FACT: Inspecting a brand new home is just as important – if not more important – than inspecting an older home. No one has lived in the home yet, and so no one has had the opportunity to find any flaws or issues first-hand. Some inspectors even suggest completing several inspections during different stages of the build to ensure quality work throughout the process.
MYTH: Home inspections are only useful for the buyers.
FACT: Although most people think that inspections are conducted for the sole purpose of protecting the buyer, there are many advantages an inspection offers to the seller of a home. As we’ve previously discussed, pre-listing inspections can identify problems with your home that can be fixed before it becomes an issue in the closing process. Disclosure issues can often hold up a sale, or even force a sale to fall through last minute.
MYTH: Buyers don’t need to attend the home inspection.
FACT: You know more about what you want in a home than anyone. Being present while your potential home is being inspected can be helpful to your inspector, and it provides you with the chance to learn from him or her about the home. Ask your inspector if they prefer you to come along for the tour, or just to be present at the end – everybody works differently.
MYTH: Sellers are required to fix issues identified in a home inspection.
FACT: The seller of a home is not required to fix issues identified in an inspection. Buyers can ask a seller to fix a problem before the sale and negotiate, but nothing is required. However, as a seller, you should know it may be more cost-effective for you to fix the problem yourself instead of losing money on the value of your home.
The more you know, the better prepared you can be to navigate the complex world of real estate. We are always willing to answer any of our client’s questions and we welcome you to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.