Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Is it Necessary to Order a Home Inspection?

by Maureen Tatum 08/09/2020

Photo by La Miko from Pexels

In a seller's market, buyers often wonder how they can edge out other interested parties and make their offer more appealing. There is often the tendency to forgo some protections that homebuyers have on their side in an effort to make things easier for the seller. One of these might be the suggestion to skip the home inspection. 

Home Buyers Should Opt for a Home Inspection

Opting for a home inspection is always a good idea. Most sellers won't hold this against you and many even expect you to have one done. If you don't, then you are relying solely on what the seller tells you about the condition of the various systems within the house. While some sellers might not know that anything, in particular, is wrong with the home, it is not always required that known issues are disclosed at the time of sale. That's why it's important to get an objective and professional opinion from a third party. 

What To Expect During a Home Inspection

It's important to understand that the home inspector will evaluate both the exterior and the interior of the home. While every inspector is different, you should expect them to complete the basics such as assessing the insulation in the attic, inspecting the eaves and the roof, flush the toilets and turn on all the faucets, check the fuses, switches and electrical outlets and more. 

What you should not expect your home inspector to do is to rip up the carpeting or knock a hole in the walls. These actions are simply beyond the scope of their job. That being said, many home inspectors can provide you with their best guess regarding what's behind the walls and under the current flooring. Chances are your home inspector has experience working with homes in your area and can read the clues that are found in the home. 

Home Inspection Pointers to Consider 

It's important to be present during the home inspection. This will allow you to hear everything that's said about the house firsthand. You'll also be able to ask any questions right then. The inspector will provide you with a written report afterward as well. 

Be sure to take what is found by the inspector seriously. If there are issues with the home, it's time to assess if it's the right one for you. You can also try to negotiate with the homeowner. This could involve you asking the owner to fix the issues first or for money so you can do so yourself. 

About the Author
Author

Maureen Tatum

I pride myself in providing exceptional customer service to my clients by responding back to them quickly and addressing their own unique needs. I have been involved in real estate in the Phoenix area for over 25 years and I look forward to helping you sell your home or finding you a beautiful new one. Unlike other realtors, I am also a licensed Real Estate Appraiser, which gives me a unique in-depth background and a more complete understanding of the industry. My goal is to make your transaction as seamless as possible, while minimizing any surprises along the way. I would love to hear from you, please call or text me at 602-750-8711.