So…Your off er got accepted. Now what?

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM

THE INSPECTION

A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. This is usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections.

The inspector prepares a report and delivers it to the home buyer. The homebuyer then uses the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their pending real estate purchase.

My agent says I should get an inspection during our option period. But what exactly is a

home inspection?

It’s your job to choose your inspector, although your agent may provide with you a list you can use as a starting point

Choose an inspector who can access the home using a “SupraKey”

Schedule early in the “Option Period” if possible

Most home inspections last 2 to 3 hours

CHOOSING AN INSPECTOR

YOUR AGENT MAY NOT ATTEND

I’m not a licensed

inspector, so it’s best for only you and the inspector

to be present.

I’ll discuss the

findings with you

afterward

So, what exactly does the inspector

look for?

EXTERIOR ELEMENTS

Roof

Chimneys

Flashing, Gutters

Garage,Doors & Slab

Foundation

Walls

GROUNDS / EXTERIOR

Landscaping

Grading

Pool

Porches

IN THE KITCHEN

Counters

Cabinets

Sinks

Installed Appliances

IN THE BATHROOM

Sinks

Toilets

Showers,Tubs

Ventilation

INTERIOR

Walls Ceilings

Doors

Floors

Switches

Plugs

Stairs

INSPECTORS ALSO LOOK FOR:

PLUMBING Main services, supply lines, waste lines and water heaters

HEATING/COOLINGFuel system, furnaces, air conditioners, ductwork, etc.

ELECTRICALMain services, panels, branch wiring, switches, outlets, etc.

STRUCTURALSlab-on-grade, crawl spaces, foundations, basement floors, beams, columns, floor joists, attic structures, etc.

And sometimes we look for

termites!

Don’t be surprised by the inspection report. It’s the inspectors job to point out everything.

It’s your job to keep it in perspective. You are buying a pre-existing house and all houses will need maintenance – even after you’re living in it.

DON’T BE SURPRISED

RoofFoundation

HV/AC

FOCUS ON THE BIG THREE

WHAT NEXT?

After reviewing the inspection report with your agent, you’ll have some options:

Accept as is

Ask for some repairs

Ask for money instead of repairs also called a “repair allowance”

THE SELLER’S TURN

The seller has options too. They can say they won’t do ANY repairs

They can say they will make some, but not

all

They can decide to do a repair allowance

DON’T WORRY

LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE

No inspection is ever PERFECT –

even at brand new builder homes!

Many items in the inspection report will be minor – they shouldn’t deter you from buying a house that you liked enough to make an offer on. Every home will have little issues that can be easily solved or accepted

Issues with the “Big Three” -- Roof, HV/AC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) and Foundation ARE important and your agent should address your options

However, even if the inspector turns up an issue with one of the “Big Three” it can still be addressed or fixed.

The purpose of the inspection is to give you a clearer picture of the health of the home you are buying and to alert you IF there are any major issues BEFORE you move in.

It’s not to tell you that you’re getting a perfect house. No house is perfect…just perfect for YOU!