Are Inspections a Good Idea?
Yes! An inspection gives buyers an opportunity to learn about any issues, major or minor, with the home they are buying.
Are inspections only for first time home buyers?
Absolutely not. A first time home buyer may learn about some basics (like how to change a furnace filter) that will be helpful to him or her. But a buyer who has owned many homes still should take the time to explore the home he or she is considering. Granted, someone who has owned a home may have experience with certain aspects of a home and may have a good idea of what to look for. But each home is unique!
Is a Truth in Sale of Housing report the same as an inspection?
No. Cities like Minneapolis require a seller to have a Truth in Sale of Housing (TISH) inspection done by a third party, city-approved inspection company. The TISH will look at codes, safety concerns and overall condition. An inspection is performed by an inspection company hired by the buyer for the buyer’s information only.
What should I look for in an inspection company?
An inspector is not required to have any special credentials to do what he or she does. Ask an inspector/inspection company what experience they have and what their background is. If they are new to the industry, what training have they done or provide for their employees? Ask about the process. Do they provide a report? If so, what does the report entail?
It is important that the inspector is thorough. He or she should crawl in the crawl space and get up in the attic. Side note: we had a perfect inspection on a home. As a last step, the inspector got up in to the attic only to find charred rafters! There had been a fire in the attic! Imagine not taking the step to check out the home literally from top to bottom?!
Finally, the inspection is meant for the buyer to learn about the home. Take the time to ask questions, ask for further clarification when you don’t understand something, and understand what condition the home is in. This may be your future home! The more you know the better. Only then can you determine whether or not to move forward with your purchase!
Kristin Beise RE/MAX Advantage Plus
