Home inspections are an important part of the real estate process
whether you are buying your first home, retiring to a second home or
relocating to a new area. Real estate agents must work with a home
inspection company that is both reputable and trustworthy. Attention to
detail and knowing how to report the facts are essential to a thorough
home inspection. In this article I have asked Kevin Salva of US
Inspects‰ in Virginia to explain some of the basics of home inspection
to help answer the questions many homebuyers and sellers are asking. No Stone Left Unturned Home inspection covers many areas of the house. According to Kevin,
a home inspector must “objectively evaluate every angle of the home”.
The first consideration for any home inspection is the age of the house.
New homes fall under stricter laws and regulations. Therefore, the
inspector must pay attention to the safety features and be certain the
home is in compliance with the current safety requirements. Older
homes are only expected to meet the safety standards and regulations
current in the year they were built. However, older homes must be
carefully assessed for potential problems. “The structure of the house
must be analyzed along with the utilities, roof and heating and cooling
systems,” states Kevin. “I do a number of different inspections,”
continues Kevin, “including termite, Radon, septic systems, private
wells, and more.” As a potential homebuyer it is important to know what
the basic home inspection includes, and when you may need specific
services such as termite, lead paint or asbestos inspection. Your real
estate agent can advise you on what types of inspection are necessary. Knowledge and Planning Lead to a Successful Purchase Kevin suggests all homebuyers “become familiar with the average life
span of particular household appliances and systems”. For example, a
typical heat pump works for approximately fifteen years. If you buy a
home and the heat pump is fourteen years old this repair expense may
come in the near future. As a homebuyer, knowledge and planning are
the keys to avoiding unexpected costs and a lack of funds to complete
important repairs. Kevin also believes that an experienced and
reputable home inspector will offer the homebuyer a walk through of the
property. This allows the home inspector the opportunity to “begin a
dialogue about home maintenance” says Kevin. This dialogue will be a
valuable asset to the homeowner in the future. Homebuyers should
also talk to their real estate agent about home warranty programs. Many
systems or appliances that are potential future repair costs can be
covered by a home warranty that is renewable each year. A home
warranty is a great strategy for any homebuyer, but especially for those
purchasing older homes. The Language of Home Inspection Home inspection reports are not difficult to understand. “The body of the
report talks about the systems of the home,” states Kevin. The home
inspector should know the difference between “a defect” and “a related
item” and be able to identify these items clearly. The home inspector
must speak the language of real estate so the agent can fully
comprehend the report. This allows the real estate agent to advise the
buyer in the best way possible. A “defect” is an issue about the home
that must be addressed immediately. The buyer should expect the real
estate agent to budget the repair of the “defect” into the closing contract.
A “related item” is simply a typical maintenance item that the homebuyer
may need to be prepared to cover now or in the future. The relationship between a real estate agent and a home inspector is
built on trust. The real estate agent knows the market and typically what
items the sellers and the buyers are financially responsible for at
closing. The agent understands trends in specific regions when looking
at the home inspection report. They analyze the buyer’s concerns and
close the best deal they can for their clients. A home inspector must
know the real estate business and pay attention to the details. Kevin
says, “…A home inspector must provide impeccable service and do
everything necessary to educate the real estate agent and the buyer
about the home.” To learn more about real estate topics such as
renovations, homeowner’s insurance or mortgages please visit my
website at www.voncannonrealestate.com. For more information on US
Inspect‰ contact Kevin Salva at 888-US-INSPECT or visit
www.usinspect.com. Elaine VonCannon is an award winning REALTOR with RE/Max Capital
in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she specializes in retirement and
relocation in the Williamsburg South Eastern Virginia area. She is an
Accredited Buyer's Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate
Specialist. Elaine VonCannon also works with real estate investors and
home sellers. Elaine is very active in the community, and serves on two
committees with the local board of REALTORS.
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