7 Reasons Not To Skip a Home Inspection

Shopping for a new home can be an exciting blur of listings, neighborhood scouting and open houses. There’s so much to consider! You want a house in the perfect neighborhood with that gorgeous kitchen and great yard, all within your budget.

And then you finally find your dream home and want to move in, yesterday! This house is perfect and you think you’re safe foregoing the pricey home inspection. That may not be the best idea.  A professional home inspection can save you a ton of aggravation and thousands of dollars in the long run. The inspector will carefully examine the entire house, checking its systems, structure and equipment for functionality and potential problems.

Here are 7 reasons why a home inspection is worth the time and money:

1.)   Find Deal-Breakers

     A house may look straight out of an HGTV makeover show, yet have major issues with wiring, roof, HVAC, plumbing and more. Thanks to these TV shows we’ve seen all the ways unsavory contractors might disguise the old inner workings of a house with a fresh coat of paint. A quality home inspection will give you the inside scoop. If the inspection reveals any large problems that may take heavy work or expensive repairs, you might want to back out of the deal and start your search over again.

2.)   Safety Concerns

     An inspection can reveal the presence of harmful substances like radon, carbon monoxide and mold. Knowing about these hazards before it’s officially yours can allow them to be corrected by the seller. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises to pop up while you’re hauling in the moving boxes.

3.)   Anticipate Future Repairs and Replacements

     A home’s systems and equipment may appear to be working fine when they’re actually on their last legs. A professional inspector can determine the age and condition of the furnace, water heater, or other major systems, and then estimate when they’ll need to be repaired or replaced. This can help you budget for a major repair several years down the line.

4.)   Reveal Illegal Additions

     The awesome rec room that sold you on the house might have been illegally built. An inspection will check for rooms, garages and basements that were added or finished without following legal codes or obtaining the proper permits. Having an illegal addition in your home means owning property that does not officially exist. This can get you into big trouble with home insurance and property taxes.

     If a home inspection reveals any illegal additions, you can ask the seller to obtain the proper permits now, use this information as a bargaining chip or decide this house isn’t the one for you.

5.)   Obtain Insurance Easily

     Some home insurance companies will not insure a home if it has not undergone a certified inspection. And you NEED to have insurance on your home. It’s your largest investment and must be protected.  

6.)   Learn Ways to Keep Your Home Running Efficiently

     If you’ve been renting until now, you’ve been used to calling your landlord or having maintenance crews handle the mechanicals of your home or apartment. The inspector will be an invaluable source of information for you, providing tips and knowledge on how best to maintain your home. Knowing how to properly care for your home can save you thousands of dollars over the years.

7.)   The Power of Negotiation

     Most home inspections will reveal some problems. If they are minor enough to keep you interested in buying the house in its present condition, use them as bargaining chips and renegotiate the purchase price of the home, especially if you are willing to fix those items yourself. Or, you can consider asking the seller to fix these things before you purchase.

Are you in the market for a new home? The Mortgage Team at Genisys Credit Union is ready to help, from the application through to closing. Ask about our fantastic home loan programs! And, if you are a first-time home buyer, take a look at our eBook to learn more about the homebuying process.

 

 

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SOURCES:
https://www.ahit.com/news/why-home-inspections-are-important.htm
https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0511/10-reasons-you-shouldnt-skip-a-home-inspection.aspx
https://www.veteransunited.com/futurehomeowners/5-key-reasons-to-have-a-home-inspection-before-you-buy/
http://www.homeinspectionexpertsraleighnc.com/5-reasons-to-get-a-home-inspection-on-a-new-home/

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