Searching for your perfect home can be a tumultuous process, but there’s no better feeling than when you finally find the one. There are a few steps you must take before your dream home is officially yours, though. From putting in offers to finally signing the closing papers, there are several important boxes that need to be checked before move-in day. A sometimes skipped but highly important step in this process is the home inspection.

What is a Home Inspection?

In short, a home inspection is a thorough examination of your new house. An inspector will look for any problems in the home that would prevent it from being livable. Through an inspection the integrity, condition, and functionality of the home are assessed to make sure the home is safe before you move in.

How it Works

During a home inspection, you’ll have a qualified professional take a look at your soon-to-be home. Over the course of two or three hours, that person will check your home’s structure – including the foundation, ceilings, roof, windows, and doors – and any major appliances like your HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical to make sure there are no issues with its functionality. As a buyer, you’ll be expected to arrange and pay for the inspection. After it’s complete, it’s up to you to determine if you will make any repairs or if you want to negotiate the seller making them.

Why it’s Necessary

In today’s market, many buyers choose to forgo an inspection in order to make the sale quicker or make their offer look more enticing. For sellers, this is great because it means they won’t have to negotiate for any potential repairs. However, if you want a home that will last, this step is crucial. Not only will it allow you to determine any changes that will need to be made to your new home, but it also gives you as a buyer the chance to have the seller cover the cost of the repairs or include the cost in your financing. With proper negotiation, you’ll end up with a home that is perfectly move-in ready.

Appraisals vs. Inspections

An important note to remember is that an inspection is NOT the same as an appraisal, which is a required part of the homebuying process. If you want to learn more about the differences between these steps, you can check out this blog.

Making sure you order a home inspection before you close on your new home will protect you as a buyer from any hidden problems that can make or break your dream home. It may feel tempting to ignore the need for an inspection so you can close quickly, but it can hurt you financially in the long run if you move into a home that needs repairs. If you’re ready for your home inspection but don’t know where to start, contact one of the experienced lenders at Flat Branch Home Loans to help you!

Home Inspections - What and Why