Buying Your Home - Home Inspections & Warranties
Do I need a home inspection?
Yes. Buying a home “as is” is a risky proposition. Major repairs on homes can amount to thousands of dollars. Plumbing, electrical and roof problems represent significant and complex systems that are expensive to fix.
How do I find a home inspector?
Your realty agent is one source. Inspectors are also listed online or in the yellow pages. You can ask for referrals from friends. Ask for their credentials, such as contractor’s license or engineering certificate. Also, check out their references.
How do I find a home inspector?
In order to find a home inspector, Dian Hymer, author of “Buying and Selling a Home A Complete Guide,” Chronicle Books, San Francisco; 1994, advises looking for someone with demonstrable qualifications. “Ideally, the general inspector you select should be either an engineer, an architect, or a contractor. When possible, hire an inspector who belongs to one of the home inspection trade organizations.”
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has developed formal inspection guidelines and a professional code of ethics for its members. Membership to ASHI is not automatic; proven field experience and technical knowledge of structures and their various systems and appliances are a prerequisite. One can usually find an inspector by looking in the phone book or by inquiring at a real estate office or sometimes at an area Realtor association. Rates for the service vary greatly. Many inspectors charge about $400, but costs go up with the scope of the inspection.
What’s a home inspection?
A home inspection is when a paid professional inspector — often a contractor or an engineer — inspects the home, searching for defects or other problems that might plague the owner later on. They usually represent the buyer and or paid by the buyer. The inspection usually takes place after a purchase contract between buyer and seller has been signed.
I write to tell you how pleased Sue and I are with your help in selling our home on Upton Road. Your knowledge of the real estate market in the Bath area was most helpful to us in understanding the market value of our house and in deciding upon a fair and equitable selling price. Best of all, you were able to quickly find a buyer who was sincerely interested and had the financial means to purchase the house. You were most professional, flexible and courteous throughout the transaction…
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I want to compliment you on your professional service. Your client certainly made a wise choice when choosing you to be their agent. I will be sure to refer clients to you when the opportunity arises…
Thanks so much for a great job on the Beardslee Road transaction. It is always a pleasure to work with a true professional…