Home Inspections
Today, very few homes, especially older homes, are sold without
a condition written into the Sale Agreement allowing you, the
Buyer, time to have a professional structural inspection of
the home before validating the sale.
A Seller will typically allow the Buyer up to 5 to 7 days to
complete the inspection. The inspection is considered to be of
sole benefit to the Buyer and is always paid for by the purchaser.
The inspection will cost you between $300-$600 (or more) depending
on the size of the home, the number of units, location and the
inspector you choose.
The purpose of the inspection is to determine if there are
any mechanical or structural problems with the home that
would affect
its value to you. No home is absolutely perfect in every
way, not even new construction. But, it is important that
you know
as much as you can about the home you are considering buying.
The inspector can also discuss future maintenance & costs.
After you have completed your inspection and have reviewed
the inspector’s report, you can (depending on the terms
of your Purchase Agreement):
| 1. |
Accept the home based on the inspection and
proceed with the sale. |
| 2. |
Proceed with the sale conditioned on the Seller completing,
repairing or fixing the items that are of concern to you.
Remember, the Seller is under no obligation to repair anything
noted on your inspection report, unless they agree to it
in writing. |
| 3. |
Reject the home based on the findings in your inspection. |
| Note: |
|
| 1. |
Structural inspections are meant to discover things/issues
not seen by you or your agent prior to making an offer.
If cosmetic items (carpet, flooring, paint, landscaping,
etc.) are of concern to you these items should be addressed
in your initial offer to the Seller. |
| 2. |
You must make your decisions on the inspection and condition
of the home within the inspection time frame in your Purchase & sale
Agreement. |
Question: How would I Find out about home inspectors, such
as if they’re reputable and qualified? Is there an
association that would tell me this kind of information?
Answer: First, know that this state doesn’t require home
inspectors to be professionally licensed or pass any type of
skills or knowledge test. Thus anyone can claim to be an inspector.
However there are pros out there, and many belong to the American
Society of Home Inspectors, a professional society that requires
its members to meet certain requirements and adhere to a code
of ethics. To get a statewide membership list call
800-743-2744. In addition, many structural engineers (listed as such under
engineers in the Yellow Pages) also do home inspections. As with
anyone else you have do work for you, it’s wise to check
your local Better Business Bureau to check for complaints against
the firm you’re considering hiring. Home Forum -
Seattle Times
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