Get a Home Inspection
Home Inspection
Many people decide they don't need a Home Inspection for either a new home or a resale, until something breaks down. No matter if you are buying a brand new home or a pre-existing home, it is important to get one. Yes, it is one more thing to pay for but it will be well worth it in the long run. Some home warranties won't cover items if you didn't get a home inspection, i.e. Air Conditioning repair. If you didn't have the AC checked out, they won't cover anything on the repairs and we all know how expensive that can be. Your Realtor can give you several companies to select from, don't hesitate to call around and find the right fit for you. You only want to use licensed Home Inspectors and I have found that established and bonded Home Inspectors are a plus. The more knowledgeable and experienced they are, the better your home will be inspected. Home Inspectors come in to make sure your plumbing is working, faucets, appliances, roof condition; they make sure your gas and wiring is working correctly and grounded properly. They see things, where you as the excited soon to be home owner, would miss. Many times, it is also recommended to get a structural inspection. In this climate, our soil is mostly clay and when it dries it shrinks, wet it expands... sometimes causing a foundation to move. As a result of a moving foundation your home will experience cracked slabs, sheetrock and veneer cracks. You obviously don't want to be stuck with that problem. What a Home Inspector does is give you a more detailed outline of the condition. They evaluate the physical condition: construction, mechanical and structural. They identify items that are in need of repair so that you can have them repaired or replaced. They can also give you a prediction on the life of the major systems. Because these Inspectors know what to look for you will save yourself heartaches and headaches for the preventative you took before the home closes. Now, one of the things my clients fight me on from time to time is getting new homes inspected. "But they are new!" they say. I say "that's exactly why you need the inspection." Just because it is new doesn't mean it meets everyone's expectations. There are many things that could go wrong in a new home. I had one inspected and the shingles were put on the wrong way....you can't tell me that wouldn't have been a nightmare. Dishwashers have backed up because the hose wasn't installed correctly; A.C.'s not cooling because of poor installation. Microwaves igniting in flames. You name it, I have seen it and it's never pretty. Appraisals are different from home inspections. Appraisals are for lenders, not for homebuyers. If you are going FHA financing, FHA does not guarantee the condition of your home. If there are problems after closing, FHA cannot and will not give you any money to fix the repairs. In addition, to the many values of getting a home inspection, it is also a wise decision to ask the seller for a Home Warranty. There are many good companies out there that give you a wide range of packages to select from. You will find this information valuable for you to get a good night's sleep and to enjoy your new home, no matter how old or new your home may be.
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