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Home Inspections: Don't Buy a House Without One

Home InspectionAs home buyers in today's competitive real estate market know, it's tough out there. With inventory low in many areas, buyers have found themselves competing with multiple people and offers. To gain a negotiating edge, some buyers have even been willing to take a drastic step: waiving a home inspection.

It's a big risk to take.

Having a home properly inspected is one of the most prudent steps you can take when buying a home. Here's what an inspection can do for you:

  • Uncover hidden problems. You know the old saying "You can't just a book by its cover?" The same applies for a home. Just because a home looks pristine or well-conditioned from the outside, doesn't mean there aren't serious problems on the inside. Even newer homes can have structural problems or problems with electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems. A licensed home inspector is paid to uncover those hidden problems, which could end up costing you a significant amount of money to fix.
  • Prevent safety problems. When it comes to your home, safety is everything. A home inspector can help you detect any issues that may put you and your loved ones at risk, such as mold, carbon monoxide, radon, or faulty wiring that could lead to electrical fires.
  • Allow you to negotiate a lower price. If an inspector uncovers that the home has problems, you may be able to renegotiate the purchase price. Or, you could also ask the seller to fix any problems before you buy the home.
  • Give you the freedom to walk. If you aren't comfortable with the findings on an inspection report and are unable to reach an agreement with the seller, you can be released from your offer to buy the home. Walking away from the home is better than the alternative of spending thousands of dollars in repairs.
  • Help you determine maintenance costs. With a home inspection, you'll know exactly what you're getting with the home. For example, you'll know the condition of your roof and when you will have to replace it. This will allow you to budget for the cost or to go back to the seller and renegotiate the price of the home.

The bottom line Having a home inspection is really about peace of mind and knowing that the home you want to buy is in good condition and worth the price you are willing to pay. That's something you should never be willing to sacrifice. 


Talk to our mortgage expert, Tina,today! Call her directly at 319.433.4991 or email Tina at thummel@communitybt.bank. 


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