Why You Shouldn’t Skip The Home Inspection
If you are a first-time homebuyer in Maine, you know that buying a home is a significant investment. But when the real estate market is tight, you might be tempted to skip the home inspection. After all, it might make your offer more enticing to the seller. However, purchasing a home without an inspection is like buying a used car without checking under the hood. You never know what you’re going to get! Home inspections help to protect homebuyers and their investment by uncovering problems that could result in costly repairs. Read on for more information about why home inspections are critical for homebuyers.
A home inspection is a thorough but non-invasive evaluation of the property’s overall condition. A qualified inspector examines a home’s physical structure and systems, from the roof to the foundation. The primary goal of the inspection is to assess the property's condition. Always use a qualified professional when scheduling a home inspection. Your realtor may assist you in finding a reputable, licensed home inspector.
The inspector will look for any potential problems with the home, such as
- structural damage
- plumbing leaks
- electrical issues
- and pest infestations
This makes the buyer aware of what costs, repairs, and maintenance the home may require over time.
Are you a first-time homebuyer? Check out our Homebuying Terminology 101 Guide.
Why you shouldn’t waive the home inspection
Waiving the home inspection gives sellers one less worry but costs buyers the chance to uncover pricey problems.
Here are 3 reasons why you shouldn’t skip this critical step:
- A home inspection helps to protect you from hidden problems. A qualified professional can uncover issues that you might not be able to see yourself. These problems could be expensive to fix and even make the home unlivable.
- Safety. A home inspection can detect safety issues like radon, carbon monoxide, and mold, for which all homes should be tested. Ensure that your home-buying contract states that should such hazards be detected, you can cancel the offer to buy.
- It gives homebuyers an extra bargaining chip. The inspection contingency clause gives the homebuyer the right to have the home inspected. If the inspection finds any serious problems, the homebuyer can negotiate with the seller to fix the issues or walk away from the deal.
Bonus:
Here are some tips for choosing a home inspector in Maine:
- Get recommendations from friends, family, or your real estate agent.
- Check with the Maine Coalition of Home Inspection Professionals to see if the inspector is certified.
- Ask the inspector about their experience and what they will look for during the inspection.
If you're considering buying a home in Maine, don't skip the home inspection. It's one of the best ways to protect your investment. If you have any questions about the homebuying process, please don't hesitate to contact one of our experienced loan officers. KFS Mortgage Company is here to help you make homebuying as easy and stress-free as possible.