| Congratulations! You've made it through the first | | | | to give yourself plenty of time, but don't |
| stages of your home-buying process. You've | | | | procrastinate. |
| obtained financing, chosen a real estate agent, | | | | Pre-inspection meeting. Generally, this is just a phone |
| viewed potential homes, placed an offer and it's been | | | | call to set an appointment and provide some basic |
| accepted. Now it is time for a critical step, the home | | | | information the inspector will need in order to prepare |
| inspection. | | | | for the inspection. Information like approximate age |
| Buying a new home is a significant purchase and | | | | of the home, dates of significant upgrades, etc. can |
| you're probably finding out there's more to it than | | | | be furnished by either you or your real estate agent. |
| saving for a down payment. The home inspection is | | | | The Inspection. Plan on being at the inspection and |
| not usually a significant extra expense, but it is | | | | follow the home inspector around. Expect to stay at |
| important to know what you will be getting for your | | | | least an hour or more, depending on the size of the |
| money. Though an inspection is not a legal necessity | | | | home. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the |
| in many states, most financing companies require one | | | | process. What are they looking for? What possible |
| before they will complete your loan. Don't waive | | | | issues may come up in the future? Although a |
| inspection unless you are willing to risk the possibility | | | | certified home inspector will provide you with a |
| of having to deal with large, costly repairs after | | | | written report, take your own notes for your |
| closing. | | | | personal reference. Keep in mind the inspector is |
| An inspection from a certified professional does not | | | | looking for structural issues, possible code violations, |
| guarantee years of maintenance free home | | | | future maintenance problems and other items that |
| ownership, it is their job to make sure you are fully | | | | affect the livability of the home. He or she is not |
| informed about the house you plan on buying. Your | | | | going to address "cosmetic" issues like scratched |
| final decision to purchase a particular home should be | | | | hardwood or chipped paint. |
| based on the results of the inspection, so it is in your | | | | The Report. Today, most inspectors can give you a |
| best interest to use an inspector who is as thorough | | | | written report right away. Some will also offer a |
| as possible. Remember, it is also the homebuyer's | | | | web-based report complete with pictures and |
| responsibility to be equally as thorough when | | | | accessible within a few hours. Copies will be provided |
| discussing the inspection with their chosen certified | | | | to you, the mortgage company and the current |
| home inspector. | | | | owners. Because the report is often a technical |
| The home inspection process consists of a few | | | | checklist, it is important to clarify anything you do not |
| simple steps: | | | | understand with the home inspector. Don't panic if |
| Choose your inspector. Your real estate agent may | | | | you see a lot written down, many times these are |
| be able to recommend a couple of certified home | | | | minor fixes that are easily taken care of. But it is the |
| inspectors that he or she has worked with before. | | | | responsibility of the inspector to note everything, no |
| There are a lot of choices out there, so do your | | | | matter how small, which could be problematic. |
| homework; ask friends and family if they can refer | | | | An inspection is an essential part of the home-buying |
| you to an inspector they found particularly helpful. | | | | process. Your final decision can be greatly influenced |
| Inspections are often required within the first seven | | | | by what is discovered during the inspection. Knowing |
| to ten days after your offer has been accepted and | | | | what to expect from your certified home inspector |
| the contract signed. It will take a couple of days for | | | | will allow you to make the most out of this prudent |
| your real estate agent to coordinate between the | | | | step. |
| inspector, the current owners, and you, so be sure | | | | |