| There are a lot of myths about home | | | | anyone who isn't a licensed home |
| inspections out there. People often don't | | | | inspector.The inspection is not a seller's |
| understand when a home inspection is | | | | repair list. While the seller can use the |
| necessary, who should perform it and how it | | | | inspection as a repair list, unless it is a |
| should be conducted. These misconceptions can | | | | contingency in the contract, there is no |
| cost a buyer a lot of money.Basically, a | | | | obligation for repairs. The exception is if |
| professional home inspector looks over a home | | | | the home inspection finds conditions that are |
| from the foundation to the rafters. He or she | | | | require by law to be fixed before the home is |
| prepares a report that gives the condition of | | | | sold. The inspection tells you what you are |
| all the home's major components.However, the | | | | getting for your money. Some people even have |
| inspector will not rip into the walls, take | | | | inspections performed before signing a |
| apart any appliances or inspect the swimming | | | | purchase agreement -- to save time and |
| pool. The inspector gives the home a close | | | | money.Even if you are buying a home "as-is," |
| look with a professionally trained eye.Keep | | | | you should have it inspected. While the |
| in mind that an inspection isn't the same as | | | | seller is not responsible for any repairs or |
| an appraisal. The appraisal gives the value | | | | improvements, the inspection lets you know |
| of the home, the inspection gives the | | | | what you are getting into. It is better to |
| condition.The first myth is that a home | | | | know before you live in the home.And finally, |
| inspection isn't required as long as you can | | | | new homes should be inspected as well. They |
| see the condition of the property is good. | | | | should be inspected before the walls are |
| This isn't true. You should always have your | | | | closed in and after the building is complete. |
| home inspected by a professional inspector, | | | | A study a few years back revealed that 15% of |
| complete with certifications and licenses. | | | | new homes sell with a serious defect. Other |
| You will receive a report that gives the | | | | studies indicate that 41% of new homes sell |
| condition of the inspected items. Many | | | | with serious problems, including mold. |
| reports will include a list of items that | | | | Thirty-four percent can have structural |
| need attention and photos of the findings. | | | | problems, including missing connections.Some |
| This is a written report of the home's | | | | builders will not allow you an inspection, |
| condition of the home on the day it was | | | | but you should try your hardest to get it |
| inspected. What is in writing is more | | | | inspected before it is too far along. Many |
| important than any spoken claims you get from | | | | conditions will not show up once the home is |
| an agent or seller.Don't confuse a termite | | | | complete until it is too late. You should |
| inspection, electrical inspection or a | | | | definitely have it inspected by your |
| chimney inspection with a home inspection. | | | | professional once it is complete.There is |
| These are important, but will not provide a | | | | absolutely no reason not to have a home you |
| complete picture of the home's elements. A | | | | are purchasing inspected. It protects you and |
| termite inspection only checks for termites, | | | | your investment.Martin Lukac represents and |
| he won't check the heating and air | | | | a finance web-company specializing in real |
| units.General contractors cannot provide home | | | | estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in |
| inspections. In fact, many states forbid it, | | | | daily updates, mortgage news, rate |
| due to the potential for conflict of | | | | predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find |
| interest. A general contractor has a good | | | | low home loan mortgage interest rates from |
| background in becoming a home inspector, but | | | | hundreds of mortgage companies! |
| you shouldn't have your home inspected by | | | | |