The Importance of A Home Inspection

The importance of a home inspection is crucial and should not be underestimated! Do not see them as a nuisance. See a home inspection as a physical check-up of your potential home’s health. Agents at United Country Midwest Lifestyle Properties highly recommend a home inspection on ANY home you buy, whether new or old.

NEVER waive a home inspection contingency!

Never, never waive a home inspection contingency! Whether it be an old home or a new home. Yes! We said new construction. When you waive a home inspection contingency, what you are saying is “I am in agreement with whatever condition this house is in, and am buying it as is”. Once you sign that waiver of home inspection, you remove your “ace in the hole” option- your ability to withdraw your offer to purchase should you discover anything wrong with the home.

Once you accept the home “as is” you will have no recourse. If you discover mold, that’s a problem. That roof in the back bedroom? You couldn’t tell, but the owner painted the ceiling where the roof leaked. Now the leaky roof is your problem. Not a pleasant situation and probably an expensive mistake.

Home inspection

Having a home inspection is an excellent way to protect your potential real estate investment. We can help you find a professional certified home inspector. The average inspection will cost you, the buyer, between $400-$600 and will require your attendance. Your United Country Midwest Lifestyle Properties real estate agent will be happy to attend this inspection as well.

Your offer to purchase is contingent on a home inspection. This inspection encompasses the entire home; inside and outside; the roof; foundations and other buildings on the property as well. Your inspector will have his or her methods for inspecting everything, complete with a detailed report of the findings. You and I will receive a copy of the inspection.

Report findings- the good, the bad, and the ugly

This report will give you a complete picture of the entire home’s health. It will list any problems, the severity of the problem, along with the appropriate repairs. Of utmost importance, your inspector will check for:

1. Mold
2. Radon\
3. Pests
4. Led
5. Structure and foundation safety and soundness
6. Roof condition
7. Electrical
8. Plumbing
9. HVAC, furnace, air, boiler
10. Windows
11. Appliance check-up
12. Country Properties will need a separate inspector for the inspection of the well and septic ($500-$700 fee)

Costly issues

Some of the top costly issues home buyers can run into are:

1. Leaking pipes, crack in the foundation
2. Mold on walls or floors
3. Electrical- outdated wiring or electrical boxes

Today’s home buyer needs to be aware of what electrical needs the house offers versus what the buyer will need. Many people work from home or have businesses in their homes. The demand for technology and electrical needs has increased. Be sure to talk with the home inspector and let them know what your electrical needs are.

Strategy!

Once we review the home inspection report together, we can prioritize the most important items that need fixing. Then we can share with the home seller what our contingencies are. Many options are available for negotiating. Some ideas are:

1. Have the buyer fix the problem(s) at their cost and then have it inspected AGAIN.
2. Have the owner set aside cash to be given to you in the offer to purchase for the fixing of the problem(s). Make sure you have this cash in hand before the sale.
3. Compromise with the seller on what will be a priority to fix.

Art of the deal

Your United Country Midwest Lifestyle Properties real estate agent knows the art of negotiating a great real estate contract. We will see everything through to the end, making your experience seamless!

United Country Midwest Lifestyle Properties agents commit to providing you with the best realty service around. We are active in every process of the purchase, which includes going with you to the home inspection, reviewing the report, and negotiating with the seller for your single biggest life investment; a home.

Contact United Country Midwest Lifestyle Properties at 608-742-5000 and see why our favorite investments are people and properties!