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Make yourself at home in the Tri-State with local Realtor Todd Nelson. Find out current market conditions in the area, what to do to prepare your home to sell, remodeling tips to maximize value, where new subdivisions are being built, about current interest rates and more.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Why Have A Home Inspection When Buying A Home?

There are various steps in the purchasing process, but one very important step to address is a home inspection. Although not usually a requirement, I recommend that everyone get a home inspection before purchasing a home. As a Realtor, I do not know everything about the home that I am selling. I use the knowledge obtained from the seller and what visually can be seen during a visit to the home in marketing the property. Sometimes the seller does not know of issues that may need addressed on their home.

A home inspector is usually more thorough than an appraisal on the property which is more focused on the features, overall condition, and value of the home. The home inspector also is usually hired by the buyer to inspect the home. Some of the items inspected, but not limited to just these items are the structure, the heating/cooling system, electrical, plumbing, attic, crawlspace or basement, roof, and other parts of the home. The inspector will usually give the buyer a written report detailing their findings. Some inspectors identify the items as a major concern, a safety issue, or to monitor the issue. You can visit the West Virginia Association of Home Inspectors at http://www.wvahi.org/ for more information about local members and home inspections. In West Virginia, home inspectors are required to be licensed and more information on home inspector licensing can also be obtained from the above website.

A home inspection gives a buyer more knowledge about the home that the buyer plans on purchasing. This inspection should also help with informing the purchaser of possible future repair costs. Costs of home inspections vary from around $250 to $500 and possibly more depending on the size and age of the home. Ask the home inspector their costs, education background, and you can also ask other questions listed on the above website. A home inspection provides a buyer with more information on the property that the purchaser may not have known from visually viewing the home on their own. Feel free to contact me with any other questions that you might have on the subject.