Getting your home inspected is a necessary step in the home-buying process, but it can be one of the most daunting. Houses which appear perfect from the curb may be hiding quite a few flaws. As you navigate your way through the home inspection process, keep these six steps in mind.
1) Prepare to feel overwhelmed. The inspector’s job is to find problems with the property. Fortunately, working through these complications now will benefit you in the long run.
2) Use the inspection as an opportunity to find out more about how you will need to maintain and look after the property in the future. You may learn about a few responsibilities that will be yours to take on, like replacing air conditioning filters, for example.
3) As your agent takes notes for you, listen intently to everything the inspector is saying about the property. This is an ideal time for questions if you don’t understand or want further detail.
4) Once the inspection is complete, prioritize what is most important to you as a buyer since the seller is unlikely to address every problem that arises.
5) More importantly, ask yourself if there are any concerns that would cause you to rethink the purchase. Some problems may not be worth the burden, hassle, or expense.
6) At the end of the inspection, ask the inspector to list out his top three concerns. This expert opinion will help you evaluate the information you’ve learned and help guide your negotiations with the seller.
