Why Do I Need A Home Inspection?

Since the pandemic, we have been seeing a very competitive housing market. With the bidding wars and over-asking offers of 2021, many buyers also chose to waive the home inspection in hopes of getting ahead of the competition. As we enter the fall of 2022, I’ve noticed an uptick in home inspections in Massachusetts, which is great for buyers who want to purchase a home with complete confidence. I would always recommend a home inspection if you are interested in a house, as it can keep your investment safe and put an end to your anxieties before they may even arise. 

Save Money and Unwanted Surpises

If you choose to waive the home inspection contingency, you could be setting yourself up for potential problems down the line. Home inspectors detect things such as water leaks, roof damages, foundation issues, or unseen safety hazards that could be extremely costly for the new buyer. Knowing what potential problems lie ahead allows you to plan for repairs or even ask the sellers to chip in for or make repairs prior to your purchase agreement. In this way- home inspections can pay for themselves! First-time homebuyers should be especially cautious, as they may not understand the potential problems of home upkeep that a seasoned homeowner can identify. If your real estate contract has a home inspection contingency, you can back out of the deal or make negotiations depending on the findings of the inspection. 

Find Flaws You Can’t Identify Yourself

Looking online for home inspection tips or asking your contractor friend for help is not the same as hiring a licensed home inspector. Massachusetts is consistently ranked as one of the top 5 states for home inspection regulations, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors. In order to be licensed, home inspectors must meet the strong qualifications of the licensing board and have lots of experience. In addition to searching for structural issues in the home, an inspector is also trained to identify issues with plumbing, heating/air-conditioning, and electrical systems. This wide range of skills makes home inspectors incredibly qualified to identify potential problems with your real estate purchase. Not only will they guide you through any issues, they will categorize them to help you understand the severity of the problem (i.e does it have to be replaced now or will it maybe become an issue down the line). Regardless of your understanding of a home, a licensed inspector can give you a complete breakdown of the health and longevity of a structure and its many components. 

Purchase a Home with Full Confidence

There is nothing quite like reassurance when making a large life-changing purchase. Knowing the intricate details of your potential home is priceless when it comes to buying power. This is, most likely, the largest purchase of your life, so details definitely matter. Review the report with the home inspector, in detail, and ask any questions you have for clarification. It is important to understand the report in its entirety so you can make sound decisions on the next steps in your potential purchase. When it comes to buying a home, it is vital that you understand the full scope of your purchase, even if that includes some not-so-great but needed repairs. Knowing details from the structural makeup to the appliances’ current standings helps you make an informed decision on your purchase. Working alongside the home inspector and seller will help lead you to a collaborative decision on closing. If you are interested in buying a home and want more advice on home inspections don’t hesitate to contact me for assistance.