| If youre in the process of house hunting, heres a | | | | Finally, get YOUR own inspector, not one |
| tip that you should pay careful attention to: | | | | connected with the realtor. |
| Whether you are considering buying a brand new | | | | And as with any major contract, ask the |
| house, and older house in good shape, or a | | | | inspector for references first, and contact them. |
| handyman special, get the house inspected before | | | | Also, make sure your inspector is licensed by the |
| closing the sale. | | | | state in which you are buying the house (most |
| An inspection will cost you a few hundred dollars, | | | | states require this licensing, but better to be safe). |
| but the knowledge you will gain and the money | | | | This may help you later on if there are any |
| you can possibly save are a wise investment! | | | | problems. |
| While a home inspection is recommended by any | | | | Its YOUR money. |
| good realtor, anyone who has been through the | | | | And YOUR house. |
| house buying process knows that a home | | | | So do EVERYTHING you can to avoid paying any |
| inspection is very important. In general (and it | | | | more money than you have to! |
| may be different in your state) home inspectors | | | | During the inspection, walk through the house with |
| are NOT licensed contractors. | | | | the inspector. Watch everything that the |
| So, while they will look at the overall condition of | | | | inspector inspects (and does not inspect) and ask |
| your electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, you might | | | | as many questions as you want to learn as much |
| want to consider hiring a licensed contractor or | | | | as you can about the house. |
| engineer to do your home inspection. Its more | | | | Look at everything little and big such as outlets, |
| expensive, but if major problems exist ones that | | | | switches, faucets, small areas, phone lines, etc. |
| most people could not identify it will more than | | | | The inspector might take a quick look at these |
| pay for itself. | | | | items, but make sure everything works all light |
| AT THE VERY LEAST, if you see potential | | | | switches, outlets, etc. If not, have the inspector |
| problems, hire a plumber, electrician, and carpenter | | | | put it on the report. |
| to give you an estimate for any possible repairs. | | | | After the inspection, you should receive a written |
| Some will do this for a small fee, some will do it | | | | report. Make sure you read between the lines of |
| free, but either way, it will be well worth the | | | | the inspection report - and take your time reading |
| peace of mind! | | | | the fine print. The sellers will want a response |
| If there are any problems with the house, ask | | | | within a few days, and you dont want to miss |
| the seller to fix them. | | | | the deadline. |
| The seller is NOT required to fix them, so if they | | | | But at the same time, take your time reading |
| say no, you need to decide whether you want to | | | | through the report! |
| fix them yourself (and if you can even afford to | | | | You would think that items that should be |
| fix them). Or if you want to call off the deal and | | | | addressed would be highlighted, but thats not |
| look for a new house (but make sure to consult | | | | always the case. |
| with your lawyer first!). These inspections cost | | | | So take your time, and read the report |
| money, but major surprises can cost you much, | | | | thoroughly! |
| much more! | | | | If ANYTHING is broken, or even questionable, |
| Make sure you look OUTSIDE the house as well. | | | | consider hiring a specialist for the chimney, pool, |
| Have the septic inspected, have the well | | | | central air, etc. many professionals will come out |
| inspected, look around the yard and check out | | | | for free to take a look at the items, and give |
| the entire property. Dont overlook anything that | | | | you a quote! |
| might cost you money later on. | | | | Even if the sellers dont agree to fix all the |
| Ask the sellers for service records of any | | | | problems (which is likely, so dont worry) its better |
| appliances that will stay with you, such as the | | | | for you to know, and avoid costly surprises after |
| furnace, central air conditioning, etc. | | | | you move in! |