Q&A About Home Inspections

Q&A Abount Home Inspections

• Is a home inspection required?

  Home inspections usually are not required by mortgage lenders. It’s an optional procedure that you can decide on for yourself

• Is a home inspection the same as an appraisal?

  An inspection is not the same as an appraisal. 

  An appraiser is primarily focused on determining the current market value of the house. The appraiser will use recent sales data in the local area, along with other tools, to figure out how much the property is worth in the current market.

  A home inspector will focus on the condition of the property and all of the installed systems. He will also, then provide a written report with results.

  Lending institutions require an appraisal to keep an eye out for any potential health and safety issues.

• Who can request an inspection?

  Either party can request an inspection.

  A buyer will want to have an unbiased opinion of the overall condition the property is in. If “defects” are found, this information can be used to help both parties arrive at an agreeable selling/buying price.

  A seller may refuse to allow an inspection..offering to sell the property “as is”. This may indicate the seller is hiding something, any known issues may also have already been factored into the sales price.

• Who pays for a home or other property inspection?

  Buyers usually pay for home inspections. However all things are negotiable.

  A seller might have an inspection done before the house is listed for sale, so he/she has a good idea how to set the price and what might need to be negotiated with a purchaser. Of course the seller would then pay the cost of the inspection(s).

• Will all deficiencies be addressed before closing?

  Noted repairs may or may not be addressed before closing. A seller should be careful not to agree ahead of time to make repairs as those costs may already be factored into the sales price. 

• What are the typical home inspection costs?

  According to “Home Advisor” – The average home inspection costs around $315, with condos and small homes under 1,000 sq ft. costing as little as $200. Larger homes over 2,000 sq ft. will run $400 or more. Radon or mold testing will cost extra, but will typically cost less if you purchase them with a home inspection.

• How long does an inspection take?

  A home inspection usually takes between 2 – 3 hours.

• How long does it take to get the results?

  I usually do my inspections in the morning and have your detailed, unbiased, personal, computerized report done in the same day.

• Can you work with any realty company?

  Yes.

• Are you insured?

  Yes.

• Do you accept credit cards?

  Not at this time, however I am working on setting up that process.