The Home Inspection Process For Buyers
For most people, the home they purchase represents their largest financial investment. However, a single family house, townhouse, or condominium is much more than an investment. It is…well for lack of a better word….your home. Security, safety, comfort, and pride are just a few of the things you would like out of your home. Unless you are an experienced home builder you will need professional help to analyze your potential purchase.
Virginia is an “as is” state. In other words, Caveat Emptor (buyer beware). The seller is not required to make any warranties to the condition of the home. However, the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors include in the Regional Sales Contract that the seller must warrant the “normal working order” of the following items: appliances, heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical systems and equipment, and smoke and heat detectors (as required). What are the other potential areas of concern? The roof, the foundation – structural and moisture issues, and the windows.
How does the purchaser protect their rights? Add a home inspection contingency to the contract. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the purchaser make the contract contingent on a home inspection. This contingency allows the purchaser to hire a home inspector (at their expense) to inspect the home. Then the purchaser will give the seller a list of items they want fixed. The home inspection contingency protects the purchaser but is not the only reason to perform a home inspection.
We feel the main objectives for the home inspection are:
1 – To educate you on the operation systems and major components of the home
2 – To identify any and all items that need to be repaired
3- To go over any areas of concern that the purchaser may have about the condition, age, or maintenance of the home
It is important to keep in mind that the home inspection is a visual, non-invasive inspection. The inspector cannot cut into floors, ceilings or walls.
Go to the following link for some additional valuable questions developed by the American Society Of Home Inspectors.
http://www.ashi.org/customers/faq.asp#1
If you have any questions regarding this or any other real estate related subject, please feel free to contact Julia or Tommy.
