By Keith Loria

RISMEDIA, — Buying a home is very exciting, but it also can quickly become overwhelming. While the home you choose may appear to be that dream house you set out to find, hiding underneath “the fantasy of the perfect home” could be potentially serious unknown defects that can make your investment in your future a costly one.

That’s where a home inspection comes in. Before any sale is complete, you will need a home inspector to look over the good, the bad and the ugly of what your new home really offers. A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from roof to foundation.

“During a home inspection, we thoroughly inspect all major components of the subject property to expose unknown defects and advise home buyers about future maintenance of their home,” said Larry Doyle, of Va.-based Fairfax Home Inspectors. “Home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home, but to also help foresee any immediate unnecessary additional cost that may go unnoticed without the help of a home inspection.”

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, the standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.

Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance, but can pinpoint existing problem areas. Think of it like a check-up for the house. 

“A home inspection is the equivalent of a physical examination from your doctor. When problems or symptoms or problems are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation or remedies,” said John Prohaska, owner of J&P Inspections in Des Moines, Iowa. “A home inspection summarizes the condition of a property, points out the need for major repairs and identifies areas that may need attention in the near future. Buyers and sellers depend on an accurate home inspection to maximize their knowledge of the property in order to make intelligent decisions before executing an agreement for sale or purchase.”

A home inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After an inspection, both parties have a much clearer understanding of the value and needs of the property

Having an inspection done prior to signing a contract allows you to negotiate your findings into the deal so if a roof needs to be replaced or the bathroom tiles are falling down, those things can be stipulated in the contract.

Just because a house needs repairs or has hidden problems shouldn’t always be the catalyst for getting out of a sale. No house is perfect and as long as you know ahead of time what needs to be done and can possibly change the purchase price based on the info, the home inspection will basically give you a great starter list of what needs to be done to really make your house the one you’ve always dreamed of.

Please contact me with any of your Frederick Maryland real estate or mortgage questions toll Free, 24/7, at 1-800-395-9636 x7 or E-mail me at bill@homes2price.com. My Office number at Real Estate Teams, LLC is 301-695-3020 x2793

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