A home inspection is a typical step in the home buying and selling process, and happens after a purchase contract has been signed, but before closing day. An offer to buy a property will include information on how many days a buyer has to complete their home inspection once the contract is agreed to by both parties. A home inspection is designed to protect a home buyer from buying a new home that has issues that aren’t easily recognizable by the seller or buyer, and is conducted by a licensed home inspector. Let’s take a look at what happens during a home inspection.
What Happens During a Home Inspection
First, it’s important to note that a home buyer does not need to be present for the home inspection, but it is advisable. Not only will you be able to follow the inspector along through the process and ask questions, but you will learn a great deal about the home you want to buy. The home inspector will be able to point out valuable areas of interest that you would probably miss on your own.
The home inspector will go top to bottom through the home and review areas like the roof and attic area. They will move throughout the outside of the home inspecting the foundation, siding, or brickwork on the home, and look over the windows and downspout areas. If there is a pool, they may inspect that or recommend that you contact a pool contractor for a pool-specific inspection.
When inspecting inside the home, the home inspector will review the insides of the windows and doors, as well as the ceiling and lighting areas. They will check the power and outlets as well as run all faucets and check pipes and drains to make sure there are no leaks or improperly working power outlets.
Your home inspector will round out your review by looking in crawl spaces, closets, and cabinets along with running or checking any major home systems like your furnace, A/C, hot water heater, etc. The home inspector will also be able to advise you to have more areas looked at by other professionals such as a plumber or an electrician if they notice something has a more serious problem or can’t be diagnosed during the inspection process. Ask questions if you are unsure of something you see along the way. Now is the perfect time to get answers to areas you are uncertain of.
Once the home inspection is complete, the inspector will write up a report and deliver it to you and your real estate agent. In the report, any problems that need addressing will be noted. You can determine what repairs you’d like the sellers’ to address and renegotiate as needed. It’s best to review the options available with your real estate agent, but a few common ways to proceed include: ask the sellers to make the repairs, ask for a reduction in the price of the home for you to make repairs, a combination of the two, or even a cash back option in the form of closing costs or to have the repair taken place after you own the home.
What a Home Inspection is Not
You have a home inspected so you can feel secure that you aren’t buying a home that has major safety, structural, or system defects. With that being said, cosmetic problems are not included in a home inspection. A home inspector will not report back on things like peeling wallpaper or broken cabinet doors unless there is a concern related to a bigger problem.
Your Knowledgeable Memphis Area Real Estate Agent
When it’s time to sell your existing home or buy a great new place, turn to a highly-regarded and well-informed local real estate agent. You want a real estate agent that will guide you during both your home selling and buying processes. You want someone that you can trust to give you the best advice for your new home purchase or sale. Check out my other great articles to help you through your home selling and buying experience here in Memphis.
And, take a minute to learn more about me and how I can guide you with your house sale, new home purchase, or buying a great parcel of land. With over 15 years of top-notch service for my clients, I want to help you with your home selling or buying process as well. As a top 1% licensed real estate agent in the Memphis, TN, area, showing you the best properties for you and your family is my goal! Contact me at (901) 828-8919 or drop me a quick note at angie@angiekelley.com and we can speak in person about your plans and options. I look forward to speaking with you today! Ask me about seeing homes for sale by video or virtual tour and find the best place for you!
Angie Kelley, Crye-Leike Realtors
(901) 828-8919 or (901) 756-8900
