Home Inspections
My philosophy is that all buyers should have an inspection performed. It’s best to be aware of anything that may be present even if the seller has already said the home is sold “as is.” There are instances that an inspection isn’t important and not required, but this is the rare exception rather than the rule.
Once a contract has been submitted, scheduling a home inspection is next on our agenda. The appointment can be cancelled if we don’t come to terms on the contract, but it’s important to get on the inspector’s schedule soon.
Ideally, the inspection should occur within the next 5 days, however, during the busy summer months, inspectors may be booked out a week or more. It’s important that the home inspection occur quickly as it will take the inspector 1-2 days to write the report. Once the report is written, we still need some time to review the report and negotiate with the seller for any credits or repairs. The seller is not obligated or required to credit or repair anything on the report.
Plan to attend near the end of the inspection window. Inspection will take approximately 2 hours for a condo and 3 hours for a single family home depending on the size. Inspectors usually only work standard business hours Monday– Friday which means most do not work evenings or weekends, so you will probably need to arrange to be off work for the inspection. Wear comfortable clothes. The inspector may want to show you something in the basement or in the crawlspace, and you may get dirty.
Once the inspection is scheduled, let me know so I can confirm with the seller’s Realtor that the day and time will work.
Plan to bring your checkbook or credit card to the inspection to pay the inspector directly.
Your home inspection is valid for the length of the contract and does not expire.
Termite Letters
As your contract to purchase progresses toward closing, you will need to have a termite inspection performed on the property for the purpose of receiving a “termite letter.” This is required by your lender. Termite letters are typically valid for 30 days only. Do not order this inspection too soon, or you will need to reorder and repay for this inspection again.
Plan to bring your checkbook or credit card to the inspection to pay the inspector directly.
*Please note, if you aren’t able to come to terms with the seller on the inspection report or for any other reason, your paid inspection fees are not refundable.